Course title and code: Gender Roles BBNPS20600 / Credits: 6
Type of course (lecture/seminar) and hours per week/semester: seminar, 2 hours
Method of assessment (exam/practical grade):grades based on class participation
Suggested semester: any
Prerequisites(if any):none
Course description:

Course description

The course addresses some questions about the genetic, biological and social background of the differences between the two sexes, and the development of gender roles and some stereotypes of masculine and feminine identity.

Course objectives
Students attending the course, by the end of the term will
become familiar with major psychological approaches, methods and scientific results in the field of gender studies
-understand how gender shapes our thoughts, affects and behavior
-see the importance of intra-gender variation and inter-gender similarities
-to become an informed and critical consumer of information related to the common beliefs about gender
-gain a better understanding of yourself and others

Procedures

In order to meet the objectives students learn through lectures, class discussions, individual and group exercises, films and students’ oral presentations.

Course outline/Weekly Schedule

  1. The biology of sex-related differences, the role of nature.
  2. Cultural and philosophical approaches of gender. History of gender research.
  3. Gender-role stereotypes, sexism.
  4. Theories of gender development, nature-nurture debate.
  5. Are women or men better at ….? – observed differences between the two sexes.
  6. Achievement, competition and gender.
  7. Communication and gender.
  8. Friendship and gender.
  9. Love and gender.
  10. Health behavior and gender.
  11. Final test.
  12. Wrap-up

Required and recommended reading:
A.Eagle, A. Beall, R. Sternberg (2004): The Psychology of Gender; The Guilford Press.
Barry X. Kuhle,Evolutionary Psychology is Compatible with Equity Feminism, but Notwith Gender Feminism: A Reply to Eagly and Wood ; – 2012. 10(1): 39-43
C. Reiber, J. R. Garcia Hooking Up: Gender Differences, Evolution, and Pluralistic Ignorance; – 2010. 8(3): 390-404
D. L. Vogel,S. R.Wester,M. Heesacker,S. Madon: Confirming Gender Stereotypes: A Social Role Perspective Sex Roles, Vol. 48, Nos. 11/12, June 2003
Kiumra, Doreen (2000): Sex and cognition. MIT Press
Rex S. Rogers & Wendy S. Rogers (2001): The psychology of gender and sexuality; Open University Press, Buckingham
Richard A. Lippa (2005): Gender, Nature, and Nurture. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, Mahwah, New Jersey, London
Vicky S.Helgeson (2009): Psychology of Gender, UpperSaddleRiver, New Yersey
Lecturers participating in teaching: Ottilia Boross