C-ID Descriptor
Introduction to Gender

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Course will include:

1. Introduction to the Sociology of Gender and the Issues of Women and Men
2. Major Theoretical Paradigms and Research Methods in Sociology
3. Biological, Psychological, and Socio-Cultural Construction of Sex and Gender
4. Gender, Agents of Socialization, the Socialization Process, and Gender Development
5. Gender, Language, Communication, and Social Interactions
6. Gender, Intimate Relations, Family Relations, and Lifespan
7. Gender and the Social Construction of Sexuality
8. Variations of Gender, Masculinity, and Femininity
9. Economic, Racial, Ethnic, Migrant, Sexuality, and Cross-Cultural Variations
10. Gender and Social Institutions (including Education, Politics, Religion, Work, Healthcare, Media, and the Economy)
11. Gender Politics, Women’s Movements, Men’s Movements, and Feminist Struggles

Other topics may include:

1. Gender, Crime, and Deviance
2. Gender and Violence
3. Women’s Life and Multicultural Perspectives.

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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Compare and contrast sociological perspectives used to interpret gender relations
2. Differentiate between the terms sex and gender and discuss their differences within the larger social context of gendered relations
3. Identify the main agents of gender socialization and their impact on children’s and adults’ gender construction
4. Describe gender ideology and practices in multiple social institutions and across cultures and societies
5. Identify the interplay of race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality affecting gender relations
6. Outline the process by which people negotiate power and gender boundaries through their relationships with others (including violent relationships)
7. Identify social and political movements to change gender inequalities and gender practices

May include:
Objective exams
Written assignments
Application exercises 
Research Project 
Field Journal 
Oral Presentations
Reflection and discussion 
Small group activities
Out-of-class activities

Linda L. Lindsey. Gender Roles
Kimmel and Aronson. The Gendered Society Reader
Renzetti and Curran. Women, Men and Society
Richardson, Laurel, Verta Taylor, and Nancy Whittier (eds.). Feminist Frontiers
Satow, Roberta.  Gender and Social Life