Undergraduate Programs
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HDFS 340 Gender, Relationships & Society
same as SOC 322, GWS 340
3 hours (lecture-discussion)
Fall Semesters
Course Objectives
The purpose of this class is to explore the ways in which people, and the social structures they create, are gendered. We will look at gender in terms of individual development and socialization, gender as produced in the context of relationships, and gender as part and product of social institutions. Though gender is the emphasis, we will also link gender to other identities and structures involving race, class, religion, and sexuality.
All students enrolled in this course are expected to be active participants. That means completing readings and papers by the assigned due date, accepting responsibility for tasks as assigned, coming to class prepared and willing to discuss course material, and otherwise being involved.
At the end of this class, students should be able to:
- Meaningfully discuss gender as an important category of analysis when talking about individuals, relationships, and social structure.
- Summarize and apply different theoretical approaches to the study of gender.
- Describe ways that gender systems interact with systems of race, class, religion, sexuality, and other social identities/statuses.
- Connect gender with struggles for empowerment and social justice.
- Demonstrate self-reflection regarding the influence of gender upon one's own personal life.
Topics
- Feminist social movements and the study of gender
- Theorizing gender as identity, structure, symbol, and performance\
- Intersectionality
- Beyond the notion of two genders
- Kids learning to be gendered
- Schools
- Language
- Mass Media
- Sex
- Abortion
- Heterosexual marriage
- Same-sex marriage
- Lesbian & gay parenting
- Employment
- Crime & Justice
- Rape
- Government, Politics & the Military
- Spirituality & Religion
- Health
Graded Activities
- Exams (3)
- Research paper & presentation