Course Description
Learning Objectives
Text/Readings
Grading Policy
Extra Credit Options
Attendance/Pop Assignments
Calendar

Key Concepts & Vocabulary
Chapters 1 - 3
Chapters 4 - 6
Chapters 7 - 10
Chapters 11, 14 & 15

Blackboard Discussion

Sex/Gender Resources

Women's Studies at UNCG
SafeZone

Selected Women and Gender
Resources on the WWW
Women's Studies Database
Gender and Sexuality
International Studies Gender Resources
The Women's Resource Project
Women and Gender Websites


Psychology Resources

American Psychological Association
Society for the Psychology of Women
Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and 
Bisexual Issues
Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity
Society for Personality and Social Psychology
Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues
Adult Development and Aging
Citing Electronic Sources
 
 
 

 

 
PSYCHOLOGY 346
"Sex, Gender and Behavior"
This course requires that  each student have an active UNCG email address, library skills, basic computer skills,  internet knowledge and a commitment to UNCG's Academic Integrity Policy.
Dr. Jacquelyn White
Professor, Social Psychology
Ph.D. 1971, Kent State University
Eberhart 276 (336) 256-0014
Office Hours: 
    MW: 10-11am; TTh-8:30-9:00; 1:45-2:15
jackie_white@uncg.edu

Course Description

Evaluation of effects of biological sex and gender role socialization on personality and behavior through examination of empirical research (PR 121)

The first section of the course is aimed at placing the psychological study of gender in a larger historical and cultural context. In order to do this, we will begin with a discussion of diversity in general, and the concepts of stereotyping and prejudice in particular. This will be followed by an examination of various research approaches and conceptual frameworks to understanding gender. 

In the second section of the course we will explore more thoroughly issues of gender development. The question is: How does one go from being a biological girl or boy at birth to a gendered adult? These discussions will include examination of the concept of gender identity and how it differs from sexuality and sexual orientation. Biological and social aspects of development will be considered.

The third section of the course examines in depth a number of critical issues that affect the daily lives of women and men, and which can be studied from a gendered perspective. In particular the development of relationships, including a discussion of sex, love and romance, in heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual relationships is the focus. Implications for violence in relationships will also be discussed.

The final section of the course focuses on the workplace and mental health consequences of gendered expectations and experiences. A discussion of future possibilities concludes the course. 

Learning Objectives

  • To investigate the history of ideas about gender from a social psychological perspective and to understand how a social psychological analysis differs from other forms of analysis
  • To know how women’s and men’s lives have been affected by social institutions, especially the impact of various social categories, such as race, ethnicity, and class, on psychological factors.
  • To understand how women’s and men’s lives are studied from a scientific perspective, and to articulate various theoretical and research approaches.
  • To appreciate the variety of choices and limitations in women’s and men’s lives as they are shaped by biology and society.
  • To explore various topic areas through readings, class activities, and discussion and by thinking and writing critically and reflectively.
  • Students will learn to question rigid divisions between male and female, personal and public, individual and society, subjectivity and objectivity, reason and passion. They will have opportunities to test their emerging ideas about women and men, gender, culture and society both individually and collaboratively in a program of study that aims for critical understanding, as well as building a knowledge base derived from an examination of empirical research.
Texts/Readings

Mary Crawford & Rhoda Unger, Women and Gender, 2000, 4th edition  (CU)

Elizabeth Paul, Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Sex and Gender, 2002

Jackson Library - On Reserve
McIntosh, "White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack"

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on a total of 200 points, using a 10 point scale (90% and above = A; 80% and above = B, etc.). Each exam will consist of 36 multiple choice questions (each worth 1 point); one extra credit essay (worth up to 4 additional points). An additional 7% of your grade will be based on critical essays evaluating each of the videos we observe in class (1-2 pages each, each worth 2 points). You will receive 2 points for writing an essay on your attitudes towards feminist psychology based on your scores on the Feminism Scale. You will receive 2 points for writing a one page reaction paper on the McIntosh article. No make up exams will be given without prior notification of reason for missing the exam. All film summaries must be turned in within two days following  the scheduled viewing date.

Academic Misconduct:
 Any form of academic misconduct that violates the principles of academic integrity (honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility) will be handled according to UNCG’s academic violation procedures. In short, it is in your best interest to avoid cheating, plagiarizing, and falsifying. See http://library.uncg.edu/depts/ref/tutorial for an online tutorial regrding Academic Integrity.

Grades will be posted on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to periodically check them to ensure that all work is properly credited.
 
Activity
Points
Total
Percent of 
Grade
4 exams 36 points each 144 points
72%
6 film summaries   2 points each   12 points
  6%
4 discussion forums 10 points each   40 points
20%
McIntosh Reaction Paper 
Attitudes Evaluation
  2 points each     4 points
  2%
TOTAL 200 points
100%

Extra Credit Options (up to 15 points):

1. Extra credit term paper (based on at least 6 research articles taken from professional scientific journals, 8 -10 pages), (see Dr. White for topic approval.)

2. You may keep a journal. This must consist of a minimum of 21one half page entries. Each entry is to be numbered, dated, and written on a separate page.  Journal entries will be evaluated on the depth of thought and should contain your reactions to course material and/or comments linking day-to-day observations to course material.

3. You can attend 5 public events and write a one-page report on each, addressing the relevance to the course.

4. If you have any other ideas for an extra credit project, please see me to discuss it. Web based projects are encouraged.

Due date for all extra credit work is Thursday, December 2.

Attendance/Pop Assignments

Attendance will not be taken regularly.  However, from time to time there will be "pop" assignments to be completed during class.  If you are present, you will receive extra credit for participation.

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