The student will be able to:

1. Apply the sociological perspective to the concept of gender.
2. Evaluate the sociological approach to the study of gender as it compares to individualistic as well as biological determinist approaches.
3. Analyze the relationship between gender, class, race and sexuality.
4. Investigate the varieties of masculinities and femininities in different contexts.
5. Understand and apply the concept of gender as an accomplished performance by doing gender.
6. Understand the concept of gendered institutions and apply it to the family, education, work, media, the economy, politics and religion.
7. Analyze the varying types of feminism and feminist theory.

1. Introduction
   1. Feminist Perspectives
   2. The Sociological Imagination
   3. Defining Feminism
   4. Women's Studies and the Inclusion of Women
   5. The Growth of Men's Studies
   6. The Significance of Gender, Race, and Class
   7. A Sociological Framework for Thinking About Women
2. Gender, Culture, and Sexuality
   1. The Social Construction of Gender
   2. Biology, Culture, and Society
   3. Gender Identity
   4. Socialization across the Life Course
   5. Theoretical Perspectives on the Formation of Gender
3. Gender, Culture, and the Media
   1. Gender, Language and Popular Culture
   2. Gender and the Media
   3. Gender and the Social Construction of Knowledge
4. Sexuality and Intimate Relationships
   1. The Social Construction of Sexuality
   2. The History of Sexuality in the United States
   3. Contemporary Sexual Attitudes and Behavior
   4. Race, Sexuality, and Power
   5. Sexual Development over the Life Cycle
   6. Love and Intimate Relationships
   7. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Experiences
5. Gender, Work, and the Economy
   1. Historical Perspectives on Women's Work
   2. Economic Restructuring, Class, and Gender Stratification
   3. The Contemporary Status of Women in the Workforce
   4. Poverty and Welfare
   5. Work Environments
   6. Intersections of Family and Work
   7. Policies for Gender Equity
6. Gender and Families
   1. Historical Perspectives on Modern Families
   2. Feminist Perspectives on Families
   3. Family Diversity
   4. Race, Gender and Families
   5. Families and Social Problems
7. Gender, Health, and Reproduction
   1. The Social Structure of Health
   2. Gender, Health, and Social Problems
   3. The Politics of Reproduction
   4. Gender and the Health Care System
8. Gender and Religion
   1. Sociological Perspectives on Religion
   2. Religion and Social Control
   3. Religion and the Emergence of Feminism in the United States
   4. Women and Religiosity
   5. Women's Status in Religious Institutions
   6. Religion and Social Justice
9. Gender, Crime, and Deviance
   1. Sociological Perspectives on Crime and Deviance
   2. Women as Victims of Crime
   3. Women as Criminals
   4. Women in the Criminal Justice System
10. Gender, Education, and Science
    1. Women and the History of Education
    2. Gender and Educational Success
    3. Women in Higher Education
    4. Gender, Science, and Society
11. Gender, Power, and Politics
    1. Defining Power
    2. Women and the State
    3. Women and the Law
    4. Women in Government
    5. Women and the Military
    6. The Women's Movement
12. Gender, Social Reform and Feminism
    1. Frameworks of Feminist Theory
    2. The Liberal Basis of Modern Feminism
    3. Early Liberal Feminists
    4. The Critique of Liberal Feminism
    5. Historical Roots of Radical Feminism
    6. Socialist Feminism
    7. Radical Feminism
    8. Multiracial Feminism
    9. Postmodernist Feminism
    10. Queer Theory and Sexualities

Not applicable.

Class discussions
Active learning exercises
Oral presentations
Critical essay(s)
Examinations or quizzes

Lecture
Discussion
Oral presentations
Electronic discussions/chat

Anderson, Margaret L.. Thinking about Women: Sociological Perspectives on Sex and Gender. 2021.

Uggen, Christopher, Douglas Hartmann, and Lisa Wade. Assigned: Life with Gender. 2017.

Kimmel, Michael. The Gendered Society. 2016.

Kimmel, Michael, and Amy Aronson. The Gendered Society Reader. 2016.

Kimmel, Michael, and Michael Messner. Men's Lives. 2018.

Wade, Lisa, and Myra Marx Ferree. Gender: Ideas, Interactions, Institutions. 2018.

1. Weekly college level readings from primary and secondary sources averaging 50-100 pages in length
2. College level writing assignments based on primary and secondary source reflection and/or analysis in the form of critical essays, journal entries, and/or weekly topical discussion responses