Psych 310Psychology of Women
Fall2013 Syllabus
Instructor: Peg Racek Location: BR 363
Office/Phone: BR 360 O; 477-4977Time: 12:00- 1:15 TTH
Website: web.mnstate.edu/racekE-mail:
Office Hours: MWF: 11:00 to 12:00, and 1:00 to 2:00;MW: 2:00 to 3:00; and TTH: 10:30 to 11:30
TEXT:
Matlin, Margaret. (2008). The Psychology of Women (7th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the interacting effects of biology, physiology, and psychology on female development. Students will study the nature of gender and role differentiation. This course will examine the lives of girls and women, including topics such as gender stereotypes, the development of gender roles, gender comparisons, women and work, love relationships, women's physical and mental health, and violence against women. Students who take this course should acquire an understanding of gender roles and what it means to be female in North America.
GOALS:
- To gain an understanding of gender and role differences to be able to understand the basic information about women's lives.
- To identify the women of psychology—the contributions by historical and contemporary women psychologists
- To develop critical-thinking skills, so that you can analyze both the professional research and the articles in the popular media.
- To assist students to make connections between own experiences with gender, the psychological theories relating to gender, and pertinent research findings.
- To explore your own ideas and attitudes about gender, appreciating that we do not need to be constrained by traditional gender roles.
We've begun to raise daughters more like sons... but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters ~ Gloria Steinem
STUDENT EVALUATION:
There will be three exams consisting of a combination of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions. Exams will be non-comprehensive and will cover material in the book that has been assigned, classroom discussion material, and videos. Make-up examinations will not be allowed unless you are seriously ill or have an extreme personal emergency. In those cases, please contact me before the exam, if possible, but no later than 2 days after the exam. Emails can be used to communicate that a problem exists, you are then responsible for contact with me to make any necessary arrangements. Any arrangements have to be made in person. Missing an exam due to a trip or a long weekend will not be valid excuses. Points will be lost if there is an unexcused delay in taking an exam.
Each exam will be 60 points for a total of 180 points from exams.
Quizzes consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions will be given on a random basis to check on reading and to assist in learning. Students in class that day will receive those points.
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS:
Students will write 10 reflection papers, relating to more specific areas within the course. Topics for assignments will come from text material and/or in-class discussion material. Each paper will be 10 pts. Information will be posted on course/racek website: web.mnstate.edu/racek
Students will be assigned 3 to 4 additional readings that correspond to specific topics and asked to summarize information and/ or answer questions, and/or relate information to own life.
Detailed information will be provided with assignments. Approximately 1/3 or more of total points will come from assignments and readings.
In-class activities to assist in student participation will be included on a random basis, and will consist of class discussion of specific topics. Students and/or groups may be expected to write a short summary reflecting their reaction to the topic.There will be no makeup assignments given if class is missed.
No emailed assignments or late assignments will be accepted. Assignments must be typed, unless otherwise noted on directions. Be sure to include on all assignments: full name, course number, and topic of assignment. Assignment directions will be provided on course website: web.mnstate.edu/racek
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
It is expected that students attend all classes as regular class attendance impacts the grade you earn. If illness or emergency keeps you from class, it is YOUR responsibility to get notes (cases of illness or emergency situations will be handled on an individual basis). Any activities given out in class will be available only to students who are in attendance that day, or who made prior arrangements. Points will be deducted for late assignments.
This course relies on student participation. Along with attendance, students are expected to participate in class discussion for meaningful learning to occur. A goal for this class is to build awareness of issues relating to psychology of genderand to make individual connections with experiences and information learned. This will require sharing of ideas, discussions and questioning.
Respect for the ideas of others is crucial in class discussion, so students are asked to show basic respect and civility for the opinions of others. Problems with this will be dealt with on an individual basis. Talking during class, sleeping, or reading of newspapers or other materials is not showing respect. Phone calls and texting need to happen before or after class. Students will be given two warnings if using their cell phones after which you will be asked to leave class. Laptop computers will not be allowed unless necessary for note-taking. Please discuss laptop needs with me in person.
Website and Email: Notes and assignment information will be posted on instructor website (NOT D2L or Moodle) found at web.mnstate.edu/racek. Notes for chapters will be posted for a limited period, and then removed. Assignments may be handed out in class or posted, with assignment directions posted on course website. Study guides, if used, may be given out in class or posted for a short period of time on website. Students will need to print any notes or assignment information posted as soon as possible. If problems exist in accessing website material, please see me to make arrangements for printed material.
I will attempt to respond to email questions within 24 hours, excluding weekends. If there is a more immediate concern, you need to see me directly. Due to time constraints in dealing with numerous emails, certain types of messages will not get a response, such as “won’t be in class today”. When missing class, you will need to get notes and announcements from another student, and you can talk with me the following class period with questions.
Grades: Students are expected to keep track of grades after point totals are shared with you. It is important that you speak with me if you have concerns or questions, and you will need to do so right away. Do not wait until the end of the semester, as that will be too late. Due to privacy laws, I cannot share grade information using telephone or email. Other than questions relating to actual grading, any questions about grade concerns have to occur BEFORE the semester is over, and will be done ONLY IN PERSON. Prepare for the last exam and/or last assignment as if your grade depends on it, because it likely does!
When she stopped conforming to the conventional picture of femininity she finally began to enjoy being a woman ~ Betty Friedan
NOTE TO STUDENTS:
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
GRADING:
90-100% of total points = A
80-89% of total points = B
70-79% of total points = C
60-69% of total points = D
less than 60% = F
A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle ~ Gloria Steinem
This schedule may change throughout the semester. Updated information will be posted on instructor website.
DateTopicRead
8/27Class Introduction
8/29IntroductionCh 1
9/3IntroductionCh 1
9/5Introduction/Gender StereotypesCh 1 & 2
9/10Gender StereotypesCh 2
9/12Gender StereotypesCh 2
9/17Infancy/ChildhoodCh 3
9/19Infancy/ChildhoodCh 3
9/24EXAM 1 (Ch 1-3)
9/26AdolescenceCh 4
10/1AdolescenceCh 4
10/3Adolescence/Gender ComparisonsCh 4 & 6
10/8Gender ComparisonsCh 6
10/10Gender Comparisons Ch 6
10/15NO CLASS Fall BREATHER
10/17Women and WorkCh 7
10/22Women and WorkCh 7
10/24Love relationshipsCh 8
10/29Love relationshipsCh 8
10/31EXAM 2 (Ch 4, 6, 7 & 8)
11/5Pregnancy, Childbirth, MotherhoodCh 10
11/7Pregnancy, Childbirth, Motherhood Ch 10
11/12SexualityCh 9
11/14Women and physical healthCh 11
11/19Women and psychological disordersCh 12
11/21NO CLASS Thanksgiving
11/26Women and psychological disordersCh 12
11/28Violence against Women Ch 13
12/3Violence against WomenCh 13
12/5Violence against WomenCh 13
12/10Moving OnwardCh 15
12/11STUDY DAY
12/18WEDNESDAY at 2:00 EXAM 3 (Ch 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,& 15 )
Follows final exam schedule
“I am a woman, hear me roar / In numbers too big to ignore, / And I know too much / To go back and pretend.” Helen Reddy