COURSE NUMBER:
SOCY203

COURSE TITLE:
Introduction to Women’s Studies

DIVISION:
Liberal Arts

IAI CODE(S):
S9 900

SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS:
3.0

DELIVERY MODE:  


COURSE DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary focus on women’s studies, using the disciplines of sociology, political science, psychology and history to examine issues related to womens’ lives and gender roles in contemporary society.

PREREQUISITES:

SOCY 100 and place into ENGL 101.

NOTES:


COURSE OBJECTIVES / GOALS:

To enable students to develop a cognitive and functional understanding of women in our society in the past, present, and potential future

To gain an understanding of gender roles as they function in both formal and informal organizations, including the family and local, state, and national political arenas

To examine domestic violence and sexual assault, including the behavioral nature of the offender and victim treatment conditions, and also to become aware of the role of women in criminal activity in the contemporary U.S.

To define the role of women in the work force, including the historical role women have played in industrial movements and rural development, their roles as homemakers, and the development of gender statuses in employment

To analyze the status of women in a variety of cultures, including the process of change in these cultures, and the experiences of minority women in the United States

To gain an awareness of human female sexuality and sexual values in contemporary society, emphasizing psychosocial content, health issues, and personal growth

TOPICAL OUTLINE

Women’s Studies and Feminism: Definitions
Gender Role Socialization and Stereotyping
Women’s Work and Family Lives
Women and Health: Challenges and Changes
Sex/Body/Reproduction
The Psychology of Women
The Feminist Challenge: Knowing and Ending the Violence
Cross-cultural Aspects of Women’s Lives
Silenced and Forgotten Women: Race, Poverty, Disability
Men in Feminism: Reinterpreting Masculinity and Femininity
Women, Organizations and Change

TEXTBOOK / SPECIAL MATERIALS:

Kesselman, McNair, Schniedewind,, Women: Images and Realities. Fourth edition, McGraw-Hill, 2008.

Compiled readings from history, psychology, sociology, political science.

EVALUATION:

Two hour examinations......40 percent
Final examination.........20 percent
Formal group presentation.....10 percent
Class participation and short papers....15 percent
Paper or individual project......15 percent

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

REVISION:

Fall 2010

RECORD UPDATED:

Oct 30 2009 10:43AM