Psychology of Women Syllabus

Psychology of Women (PSY 340)
Fall 2004

Course Description: Introduces students to the roles involved with being men and women, to the ideologies in various feminist theories, and to past and present research in the area of psychology of women. One of the purposes of this course is to demonstrate how bias (especially sexism) can creep into the research process, work situations, and personal lives, and the importance of both male and female perspectives in each of these areas. Prerequisites: PSY 211

In this class we will explore the idea that “the world looks a little different when you view it from the perspective of women,” (p. 559, our text). I hope that this “different view” will challenge your thinking, generate some exciting discussions, and lead us to a better understanding of our own lives.

Requirements:
1. Reading: Rider, E. A. (2005). Our voices: Psychology of women, 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

2. Essays: There will be five take-home essay assignments (2 typed pages), each covering two to three weeks of course material. Each essay is worth 20 points toward your final grade for a possible total of 100 points. Essays will be graded for accurage understanding, citation of course material, and thoughtful examination of the issues. You may turn in ONE essay up to a week late with no penalty. After you have made use of that option, you will lose 2 points for every day an essay is late, up to a maximum of 6 points.

3. Quizzes: There will be five multiple choice quizzes, each covering two to three weeks of reading and lecture. Quizzes will include material from the day on which the quiz is given and any other material we have covered since the last quiz. You may drop or miss one quiz. Each quiz is worth 15 points toward your final grade, for a possible total of 60 points toward your final grade. There will be no make-up quizzes.

4. Research Project: Alone or with one or two partners, you will conduct an empirical research project that investigates an issue addressed in this class. In consultation with me, you will design and carry out a scientific study, and report your findings in an APA style paper and in a poster session at Rhoades on the last day of class. Worth 70 points toward your final grade. If you miss the poster session for any reason, you will lose 15 points on the project.

5. Class Participation: If we are to discover the truth of women’s lives, then we need to hear everyone’s voice—for each of us hold a piece of the truth. Please share your ideas, experiences, and feelings with us. In a good discussion, everyone joins in, both as a speaker and a listener!

6. Extra Credit: On the schedule there are two dates listed for turning in the first two steps of your research project. For each step you complete on time you will receive 5 points of extra credit.

Final Grade Totals:
A 207 – 230 B 184 – 206 C 161 – 183 D 138 – 160 E Below 138

Schedule:
8/30
Introduction
Read: Chap. 1

9/6
Labor Day -- No Class

9/13
Studying Women & Gender
Read: Chap. 2
Quiz #1

9/20
Theories of Gender
Read: Chap. 3
Essay #1 due

9/27
Biology & Gender
Read: Chap. 4
Research question and 3 references due

10/4
Socialization & Roles
Read: Chap. 5
Quiz #2

10/11
Cognition & Achievement
Read: Chap. 7
Essay #2 due

10/18
Work
Read: Chap. 8
Quiz #3
Research design due

10/25
Personality & Social Interactions
Read: Chap. 9
Essay #3 due

11/1
Relationships & Caregiving
Read: Chap. 10

11/8
Sexuality
Read: Chap. 12
Quiz #4

11/15
Health & Reproduction
Read: Chap. 11
Essay #4 due

11/22
Violence Against Women
Read: Chap. 13

11/29
Mental Health
Read: Chap. 14
Quiz #5

12/6
Poster Session
Research Project due

12/13
Essay #5 due

You are always welcome in my office! Please come see me, especially if you are having difficulty with the class or have a special need that you would like to discuss wih me. We'll work together to make the class go well for you.

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