MCCCD Program Description

Gender and Society

Course: SOC212

First Term: 2011 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: A sociological analysis of the way culture shapes and defines the positions and roles of both men and women in society. Major emphasis on social conditions which may lead to a broadening of gender roles and a reduction of gender role stereotypes and the implications of these changes.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Distinguish between sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. (I) 2. Describe the limitations of the gender binary on understandings of gender, gender identity, and sexuality. (I) 3. Differentiate between sociological perspectives of gender versus biological and psychological approaches. (II) 4. Differentiate between micro-sociological analysis of the gendered facets of social interaction and macro-sociological analysis of institutional arrangements for gender. (III) 5. Describe various research methods for studying gender. (III) 6. Identify and describe common myths about gender differences. (III) 7. Critically evaluate the interrelationship between gender and race, class, sexual orientation and region. (IV) 8. Describe how feminist perspectives can provide an alternative perspective to the traditional patriarchal approach. (V) 9. Summarize the history of the women`s movement, its influence in contemporary society, and the role of feminism and feminists. (V) 10. Define sexism, and identify the various types of feminist theories and the contributions of feminist perspectives to sociological theory and research. (V) 11. Identify and debunk myths about feminism, feminists, and the study of gender. (V) 12. Describe the contemporary feminist movement and current gender issues across the globe. (V, XVI) 13. Describe the various aspects and goals of men`s movement(s) in redefining masculinity. (VI) 14. Describe the effects of gender norms of masculinity and femininity and the effects of sexism in education, the media, the workplace, and the family. (VII, VIII, XI, XII) 15. Describe and evaluate normative masculinity and femininity. (VIII, IX) 16. Provide cross-cultural examples of variability among cultures in expectations of gender categories and roles. (X) 17. Describe how society`s basic social institutions and social structures are gendered, with differing ideals, expectations and opportunities. (XII, XIII, XIV, XV) 18. Describe how religion has traditionally defined gender roles and discuss changes which are occurring in contemporary society. (XIV) 19. Describe women`s participation and representation in politics. (XV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Introduction A. Understanding and distinguishing concepts 1. Sex 2. Intersex 3. Gender 4. Gender identity 5. Sexual orientation 6. Masculinity 7. Femininity B. Limitations of Gender Binary and Sex Binary C. Understanding Sexism II. Differentiate between perspectives A. Sociological versus Biological B. Sociological versus Psychological III. Research Methods--Gaining Accurate Information A. Methodology in studying gender B. Micro-sociological and macro-sociological analysis C. Myths about gender differences IV. Interrelationship between gender, race, social class, sexual orientation and region A. Effects V. Feminism and the Women`s Movement A. Alternative approach to patriarchal approach B. Myths about feminism and study of gender C. History of feminism-first and second wave D. Critique of women of color E. Contemporary feminist theory F. Global impact of feminist theory 1. Women as key to global development VI. Masculinity and the Men`s Movement A. Various aspects of the men`s movement B. Redefining masculinity C. Impact of socialization on boys` masculinity D. Gender norms and social behavioral norms 1. Objectification of women 2. Violence and models of nonviolence E. Gender norms and government models 1. Global colonialism and its effects 2. Boy preference and impact on girls VII. Socialization A. Early childhood 1. Gender identity B. Puberty 1. Sexual Orientation C. Parenting D. Norms and roles regarding sexual orientation and transgender issues VIII. Gender and the Media A. Effects of gender norms of masculinity and femininity B. Effects of sexism in the media 1. Objectification of women 2. Limitation of masculinity IX. Gender and Language A. Sexist language B. Communication styles X. Global Perspectives and Issues A. Gender role systems -- Cross-cultural examples B. Marriage rules and structures -- Cross-cultural examples C. International efforts to advance the status of women XI. Intimate Relationships and Family A. Effects of gender norms of masculinity and femininity B. Effects of sexism in intimate relationships and family life C. Violence in the family XII. Gender and the Workplace A. Effects of gender norms of masculinity and femininity B. Power and models of hierarchic models of the organization vs. Egalitarian models C. Effects of sexism in the workplace :sexual harassment, pay equity, glass ceiling XIII. Gender and Education A. Effects of gender norms of masculinity and femininity B. Bullying and the persistence of social norms C. Effects of sexism in education XIV. Gender, Organized Religion and Spirituality A. Historical overview B. Contemporary practices and perspectives XV. Gender and Politics A. Political issues on gender B. Gender and political representation XVI. Social Change A. Egalitarian model B. Gender and today`s social movements

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 6/28/2011

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.