Sociology of Gender

Catalog description

Four lecture. This capstone course will identify and critically examine contemporary social issues related to the theories of gender development; examination of social, cultural, political and economic conditions affecting the experience of gender; and exploration of issues involved in the different roles and expectations placed on women and men in various cultures at different periods in history, with particular emphasis on the contemporary U.S. culture. Various sociological perspectives namely functionalism, conflict theory, interactionist perspective, feminism, and social constructionism are to be utilized in approaching gender in the United States. Students will be able to: describe the different theoretical perspectives related to the analysis of gender in the U.S.: i.e. Functionalism, conflict theory, interactionist perspective, feminism, and social constructionism; discuss the methods of research in the field of gender as a social problem; distinguish between social issues and personal troubles in the U.S; explain the social construction of gender in relation to gender roles and expectations within and outside the family; describe dimensions of social inequality and related issues as it relates to gender in the U.S.; compare and contrast the role of culture and various social structures (e.g., economic, educational, and civil institutions) in the formation, identification, and solution of social problems in relation to gender issues; examine the intersection between gender, race, class and sexuality in the U.S.; demonstrate writing and oral presentation skills in describing, analyzing, and evaluating social issues. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 and SOC 101 . Pre/Corequisite(s): ENG 102 . General Education: Social and Behavioral Sciences