Psychology 307 Course Offerings
Course Information
- Department: Psychology
- Prepared By: Dr. Carter
- Prepared Date: Fall 2017
- Course Title: Psychology of Women
- Course Code: PSY 307
- Credits: 3
- Contact Hours: 45
Catalog Description
This course is about being female in American culture. The purpose of the course is to examine the lives of girls and women from a feminist psychological perspective. It addresses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influencing women’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The course is “woman-affirming” as it will examine and validate women’s experiences and perspectives. The course will highlight how race, class, and sexual orientation intersect with gender to affect women’s lives. Topics will include: behavioral and psychological gender differences and their origins; concepts of femininity and gender stereotypes; pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood; women, achievement and work; violence against women; women and mental health (disparity in diagnosis and treatment); and feminist psychology. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 Credits: 3 (3,0)
Course Description
This course is about being female in our culture. The purpose of the course is to examine the lives of girls and women from a feminist psychological perspective. It addresses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influencing women’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The course is “woman-affirming” as we examine and validate women’s experiences and perspectives. The course will highlight how race, class, and sexual orientation intersect with gender to affect women’s lives. Topics will include: behavioral and psychological gender differences and their origins; concepts of femininity and gender stereotypes; pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood; women, achievement and work; violence against women; women and mental health (disparity in diagnosis and treatment); and feminist psychology.
- Prerequisites: PSY 101, or PSY 130, PSY 131
- Required For: None
- Elective For: Applied Psychology
- Text: The Psychology of Women by Matlin, M. (2012). 7th edition Wadsworth.
Instructor: Dr. Marya Howell-Carter | Time: XXXXX |
Phone: (631) 420-2236 | Office Hours: XXXX |
E-mail: | Office: XXXX |
Course Description
This course is about being female in our culture. The purpose of the course is to examine the lives of girls and women from a feminist psychological perspective. It addresses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influencing women’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The course is “woman-affirming” as we examine and validate women’s experiences and perspectives. The course will highlight how race, class, and sexual orientation intersect with gender to affect women’s lives. Topics will include: behavioral and psychological gender differences and their origins; concepts of femininity and gender stereotypes; pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood; women, achievement and work; violence against women; women and mental health (disparity in diagnosis and treatment); and feminist psychology.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course you should be able to:
1. understand what feminist psychology is and how feminist research is conducted.
2. explain gender-role development from a variety of theoretical perspectives.
3. explain how being gendered affects our lives.
4. explain how the media influences gender roles and gender stereotypes.
5. critically examine research on sex similarities and differences.
6. understand typical developmental issues faced by women.
7. understand key issues affecting women’s physical and mental health.
8. discuss the contributions of women psychologists to the field of psychology
Credits: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Prerequisites: PSY 101
Required for: None
Elective for: Applied Psychology and Women, Gender and Sexuality
Required Texts: TBD
Optional Texts: TBD
Teaching Methods: TBD
Methods of Evaluation: TBD
Disagreements or conflicts: In the event of a disagreement with any of the policies outlined above, the student is directed to address the issue with the instructor. In the event that the conflict cannot be resolved, it should be taken to the department head, Dr. Gene Indenbaum (934-420-2725), for review.
Special needs: If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to inform me of this circumstance by the end of the second class. Please also contact/register with the Director of the Office for Students with Disabilities, located in Laffin Hall (934-420-2411/2296).
Grade Scale:
93 - 100% A
90 - 92% A
87 - 89% B+
83 - 86% B
80 - 82% B
77 - 79% C+
73 - 76% C
70 - 72% C
67 - 69% D+
60 - 66% D
0 - 59% F
Material to be covered
Weeks 1&2: Theory (Feminist theory, Psychological Theory)
Weeks 3&4: Social Construction of Gender, Stereotypes of Women, Images of Women in the Media
Week 5: Gender Differences
Week 6: Biological Influences on Women’s Behavior
Week 7: Psychology and Women’s Health
Week 8: Women and Mental Health
Week 9: Women and Mental Health
Week 10: Female Sexuality
Weeks 11&12: Women, Marriage, Childbirth and Mothering
Week 13: Women of Color
Week 14: Violence Against Women
Week 15: Women and Work
Farmingdale State College
934-420-2000
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm