Lessons

  • Lesson 1: Foundations in the Psychology of Women. This lesson will introduce students to basic constructs and theories in the psychology of women. The history and current state of feminism will be discussed, and different types of feminism will be delineated. Concepts such as patriarchy, types of sexism, and legitimizing myths will be described. This lesson will also establish the groundwork for understanding much of the research that will be covered in this course. Basic topics such as observational versus experimental research, independent and dependent variables, and correlations will be covered.
  • Lesson 2: The Question of Gender Differences. This lesson will explore the existence of sex differences (both biological and socialized). Research issues in detecting meaningful differences will be discussed, and students will learn to critically evaluate studies or articles in the popular press that describe sex differences. This lesson will also cover the meanings of sex, gender, and sexual orientation. This portion of the lesson will have a biological focus but will also explore the social construction of sex and gender.
  • Lesson 3: Growing Up Female. Students will learn about developmental issues in gender and the unique challenges faced by women. Concepts such as the socialization of gender, gender schema theory, and gender intensification will be discussed.
  • Lesson 4: The Portrayal of Women in the Media, Part I. This lesson will introduce students to the way that women are portrayed and objectified in the media. The effects of this portrayal on female body-image and self-concept will be discussed. After this lesson students should be able to view popular media and identify the male gaze, face-ism, and objectification.
  • Lesson 5: The Portrayal of Women in the Media, Part II. Students will read the book The Beauty Myth, by Naomi Wolf. The commentary will expand and comment on material presented in the book. This book has been somewhat controversial, and I do not agree with all of it. Students will be encouraged to formulate and express their opinions about this book and about the portrayal of women in the media.
  • Lesson 6: Women and Work. Lesson 6 will focus on the work that women perform. This lesson will cover work performed inside and outside of the home and the double bind of “housewife” versus “career woman."  Issues relevant to women working outside the home, such as childcare, sexual harassment, and the so-called “glass ceiling” will be covered.  I will also include a section about women and money, a topic which is often given short shrift.
  • Midterm Exam (covers Lessons 1–6)
  • Lesson 7: Female Sexuality. This lesson will cover the many facets of female sexuality. Biological aspects of female sexuality will be described, and social influence on its expression will be discussed. The influence of sexual scripts and myths of sexuality will be covered. The lesson will also cover issues relevant to lesbian and bisexual women, in particular. The lesson concludes with a discussion of the research report assignment and a link to the guidelines for writing the report.
  • Lesson 8: Women and Violence. This lesson will cover abuse and rape and their psychological effects on women. It will address common stereotypes of abused women and rape victims and describe what can be done to help make women safer.
  • Lesson 9: Female Relationships and Friendships. Female romantic relationships and friendships will be the focus of this lesson. The lesson will cover concepts such as the marriage gradient, the balance of power in marriage, social exchange theory, and the relationship between marriage and psychological health. Lesbian commitments and marriage will also be examined.
  • Lesson 10: Motherhood. This lesson will focus on motherhood, one of the most salient roles that women play. Issues will include adjustment to motherhood, childbirth, adoption, and the challenges faced by women in various social classes. The choice to delay childbirth or to remain childless will also be discussed. The lesson concludes with a discussion of the research report topic and a link to the guidelines for writing the report. The chosen topic for the report will be submitted as part of the progress evaluation.
  • Lesson 11: Women and Aging. This unit will discuss the health and psychological well-being of middle-aged and elderly women. Ageism, stereotypes, and the differential status of older men and women will be explored. The importance of companionship, sexuality, and work will be discussed. The lesson concludes with a discussion of the research report sources and a link to the guidelines for writing the report.
  • Lesson 12: Women’s Issues in Mental Health. This lesson will discuss issues in psychopathology that are relevant to women. Reasons for elevated rates of certain disorders in women will be explored. Possible biases in the current diagnostic system will be described. Finally, feminist therapies designed to specifically address issues faced by women will be described. The lesson concludes with a discussion of the research report writing which is submitted with the progress evaluation, and a link to the guidelines for writing the report.
  • Final Exam (covers Lessons 7–12)