PSYC 3490.001 – Psychology of Women
(Cross listed at WMST 3520.001 – Psychological Dynamics of Women)
Spring 2010 Course Syllabus*
Catalog This course provides a comparison of personality and cultural factors associated with
Description gender.
Required Texts Half the Human Experience: The Psychology of Women (7th Edition), by Janet
& Material Shibley Hyde
Readings (journal articles) available on the Blackboard Vista course page.
Course The Psychology of Women takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding
Overview & psychological and social factors related to sex and gender. Classroom discussion and
Objectives participation are encouraged.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Identify historical and current theories regarding women and gender in the field
of psychology.
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of scientific research with specific focus
on women and gender.
Understand the basic structures and functions related to women’s health and
reproduction.
Understand the basic physiologically-based differences between men and women
and any resulting differences in cognition or behavior.
Identify the creation and influence of gender roles throughout the lifespan.
Identify the influence of gender on achievement motivation in the context of
physical activity, academics, and vocation.
Describe and explain how language influences and reinforces gender stereotypes.
Understand the influence of gender on relationships, dating, and sexuality.
Describe the major stages of development from conception through adulthood.
Identify various ways in which violence is expressed against women.
Identify psychological disorders that are of particular concern for women.
Describe key factors involved in their assessment and treatment.
Explore themes related to the psychology of women in a multicultural context
Grading Policy Graded Assignments Points A = 630-700 points
& Procedures 3 Exams (100 points each) 300 points B = 560-629 points
Research Paper 200 points C = 490-559 points
Group Project 200 points D = 420-489 points
Total Possible Points 700 points F = 419 points or below
1. All written assignments must follow this format: typed, double-spaced, Times New
Roman font, 12-point type, one-inch margins, and be stapled. Research papers must
also include a cover-page, APA references page, and APA citations. Violation of these
formatting requirements will result in a deduction of at least one letter grade.
2. Assignments are due at the beginning of class (including extra credit assignments) and
emailed assignments are not accepted.
3. If for any reason you communicate with the instructor or TA and do not receive a
reply, it likely means that the email was not received. Please resend it! Also
understand that email is rarely received on weekends (Friday-Sunday).
Exams A large portion of your grade will be based on three out of four exams, meaning your
lowest test grade will be dropped. Each test is worth 100 points and will consist of 50
multiple-choice questions. Emphasis will be on the material covered in class; however,
you are also responsible for material in the text that we do not discuss in class. There
may be material on each exam from the class lectures that is not covered in your book;
therefore, it is in your best interest to come to class every day. The exams may cover
material presented in lecture, supplemental readings, films/movies shown in class, as
well as presentations. The final exam will be comprehensive, and it will also consist of
50 multiple-choice questions.
You will need a #2 pencil and a green scantron on test days.
There will be no make-up exams. If you miss an exam, that exam will be your one
exam that is dropped. Thus, please plan accordingly and make sure you are able to
attend each exam or you may need to drop this course.
Project & You will be completing an activism project and a 4-6 page research paper on a topic of
Research your choice. These are a major portion of your grade as each is worth 200 points. Refer
Paper to the related handout for further details.
Extra Credit You will have the chance to earn up to 25 points of extra credit. There will be several
opportunities for extra credit in class through 1-2 page reflection papers (assigned in
class) or through participating in research studies via SONA (http://unt.sona-
systems.com) worth 1 point per credit.
Attendance This is an upper-level/advanced college course. As such, attendance will not be taken
Policy and will not be a part of your grade. However, you are still expected to attend class,
arrive on time, and stay for the duration of the class. Attendance is required on days that
exams are administered. You cannot expect to do well in this class if you are not
here. We will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2-3:20pm in LANG 113. If you
do miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes/handouts and find out about any
schedule changes that may have been made. Out of courtesy to both your instructor and
TA, please refer to your fellow classmates for such information.
ODA The University of North Texas is on record as being committed to both the spirit and
Statement letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 – The
And Special Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of new federal legislation
Circumstances entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same
opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.
As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to
students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student
responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in
providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information
regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations
can be found at www.unt.edu/oda/apply/index.html. Also, you may visit the Office of
Disability Accommodation in the University Union (room 321) or call (940) 565-4323.
ODA Please present your written request for accommodations on or before the 12th class day
Statement to allow arrangements to be made.
And Special If a previously unknown disability surfaces during the course of the semester, please
Circumstances notify the instructor immediately.
(Cont.) The instructor and/or TA are willing to assist students who feel they need added
instruction. Please contact the instructor or TA ASAP in order to obtain this assistance.
If you are a member of a University Athletic Team or if you represent the University in
another capacity, please notify the instructor during the first week of class with the dates you
will be absent and provide official documentation, including a phone number, name, and
email of your coach or official club supervisor.
Academic You are encouraged to become familiar with the University’s Policy of Academic
Integrity dishonesty found in the Student Handbook. The content of the Handbook applies to this
course. If you are in doubt regarding the requirements, please consult with me before you
complete any requirements of the course.
1. All work must be the original intellectual effort of the student receiving the grade.
2. Plagiarism and academic dishonesty include the following:
copying another’s work or allowing someone to copy your work during a test
unauthorized communication or using unauthorized material during a test
handing in any work product that is not your own
failing to give credit to the intellectual property of another in any written work
(e.g., plagiarizing).
o copying all or part of someone else’s work
o using material from another source without proper citation
3. If acts of academic dishonesty occur, the following events will occur:
1st offense: The student(s) involved will receive a grade of ZERO (0) on the
assignment/test and will be reported to the University and you will be required to
meet with the Instructor.
2nd offense: Grade of ZERO (0) in the course and reported to the University.
Withdrawal I fully encourage you to discuss your decision to drop this or any course with the
Date instructor. Students wishing to withdraw must notify the Registrar’s Office by
completing a Course Withdrawal form. The last day to drop this class and still receive a
‘W’ is 2/25/2011. The last day to drop the class and receive a ‘WF’ is 4/22/2011.
Classroom 1. Please conduct yourself in a mature, responsible, and respectful manner while
Conduct & participating in this course. This includes, but is not limited to, respecting peers,
Communication instructors, and staff. I reserve the right to ask you to leave if you are disruptive or
inhibiting an environment conducive to learning.
2. Cell phones must be off or on silent during class and are prohibited during exams. If
your cell phone is out during the exam, I must assume you are cheating.
3. Laptop computers are allowed for note-taking purposes only. It should not be used to
check facebook, emails, etc. Laptops will not be allowed on exam days.
4. Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other
students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated
in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be
directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center
for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct
violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student
conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic
classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can
be found at www.unt.edu/csrr.
5. When participating in online assignments and/or discussions, refrain from using
offensive or derogatory language, gestures, or innuendos. Use of the aforementioned
devices will result in a ZERO (0) for the particular assignment and referral to the
appropriate University officials.
6. When communicating via email, be sure to monitor the tone and language of your
email. Communication through email should include your first and last name and your
preferred email address.
*The instructor reserves the right to modify or change the syllabus (course requirements, grading policy,
etc.) as the curriculum and/or program require(s). This syllabus should not be interpreted as a contract.
Any changes to this syllabus will be communicated to you by the instructor and posted on Blackboard.
COURSE SCHEDULE
This schedule is tentative, likely to change, and this should not be construed as a contract-if you miss class,
it is your responsibility to find out about any schedule changes.
Date Assignments Due Readings Topics/Activities
1/18/11 First Day of Class! Syllabus & Introduction
1/20/11 Chapter 1 History & Perspectives in Psychology
1/25/11 Chapter 3 Stereotypes & Differences
1/27/11 Chapter 3,7 Finish Ch. 3, Gender Roles and Lifespan
2/1/11 Last day to post on Blackboard Chapter 7 Gender Roles and Lifespan
2/3/11 Sign up for groups Chapter 7,5 Finish Ch. 7, Gender and Language
2/8/11 Chapter 5 Gender and Language
2/10/11 Paper outline due! Chapter 6 Gender and Emotion
2/15/11 Group contracts due! Wrap up Ch. 6
2/17/11 Exam 1 (Ch. 1, 3, 5-7) Exam 1
2/22/11 Chapter 8 Abilities, Achievement & Motivation
2/24/11 Group activism plan due! Chapter 8,9 Finish Ch. 8; Career Issues
3/1/11 Chapter 9 Career Issues
3/3/11 Chapter 4 Women of Color
3/8/11 Chapter 4 Women of Color
3/10/11 Research paper due! Chapter 13 Lesbian and Bisexual Women
3/15/11 Spring Break -- Have fun!
3/17/11 Spring Break -- Be safe!
3/22/11 Chapter 13 Lesbian and Bisexual Women
3/24/11 Exam 2 (Ch. 4, 8-9, 13) Exam 2
3/29/11 Chapter 12 Sexuality and Relationships
3/31/11 Chapter 14 Violence Against Women
4/5/11 Chapter 14 Violence Against Women
4/7/11 Chapter 11 Physical Health
4/12/11 Chapter 11, 15 Finish Ch. 11, Psychological Health
4/14/11 Chapter 15 Psychological Health
4/19/11 Exam 3 (Ch. 11-12, 14-15) Exam 3
4/21/11 Presentations
4/26/11 Presentations
4/28/11 Presentations
5/3/11 Presentations
5/5/11 Presentations
5/10/11 Final Exam 1:30 – 3:30 Comprehensive Final Exam
Group Project Guidelines
The group project is meant to be a semester-long endeavor that involves the ultimate goal of expanding the influence of this
course outside of the confines of the classroom. This project will involve participating in some form of activism related to
the topics covered in this class.
Group Assignments: You will join an approved group based on your interest in a topic related to the course material. We
will take time in class and through the discussion board on blackboard to brainstorm potential group topics. We will pass
around topic sign-up sheets in class on 2/3/11. You have no excuse for missing the opportunity to sign up for a group
project, so make sure you attend class regularly! If you are not in class to sign up for a group, you will be responsible for
an individual activism project.
Each group will develop a Group Contract and an Activism Plan that must be approved by the instructor (See Course
Schedule for deadlines!). Each student in the group will also write a 2-3 page reflection paper about the experience of
participating in the activism. The paper is an INDIVIDUAL effort, NOT a group paper!!! The group project will be worth
200 points.
As a group, you must create and have everyone sign a Contract for Group Participation, indicating the roles and
expected contributions of group members. Based on the “Contract for Group Participation” that you create as a group, you
will be required to evaluate your own participation/performance and the participation/performance of your peers by
completing the “Peer Evaluation Form.” Complete a “Peer Evaluation Form” for your group members and for yourself.
These evaluations will be confidential and only be viewed by the instructor and TA.
The In-Class Presentation
The presentation itself should be 15-20 minutes in length. Your presentation will be a report of your group’s efforts to
bring your knowledge of the chosen topic OUTSIDE of the classroom. This means that you will be telling the class
about what you have done this semester, not just presenting more information about your topic! How you divide the
work is completely up to the group. For example, you may choose to have everyone speak or have just 1 speaker.
Your presentation should include:
1. Content:
o Explanation of the purpose of your project
why it is important for people to hear about your topic
o Major concepts of your topic
Basic information about your topic
How your material relates to concepts of the class
o How you brought the information beyond the confines of the classroom
Show examples of pamphlets or other materials used during your activism
Show us the plan your group developed to bring your project beyond the classroom
Tell us what you did with the material
o Future implications for the material your group focused on
Tell us what the rest of us can do to continue the activism
2. Visual Aids –
Power point slides are a necessity (at the very least to show references).
Up to 10 slides should be sufficient, just make sure you practice your presentation to be sure you
are within the time-limit!
Pictures/Short Video of your group engaged in whatever form of activism you chose to enact
with your group project
Diagrams, charts, etc. if necessary
If you use video material, provide references or weblinks to these resources. If you create a
video, provide a copy to the instructor (you can pick it up at the end of the semester).
3. Handout - Provide information on purpose of your presentation, major concepts with definitions, how your
material relates to concepts in class, and what the future implications are for the material you’ve focused on
(what’s the “take home” message?).
4. References Page- a slide at the end should include references (this doesn’t have to be a part of the 10 slides, but
it’s no big deal if it is). Avoid references from sources that are not reputable (i.e., Wikipedia)
Some Group Topics From Previous Semesters (just a few ideas to get you thinking!)
Rape awareness International Women’s Issues
Domestic Violence Eating Disorders
Women and Tattoos Healthy Relationships
Race for the Cure Single Mom’s
Sex Education Teen Pregnancy
Group Project Checklist Date Due:
_____ Add Project Idea to Web CT Discussion Board 1/18-2/1/11
_____ Sign up for group 2/3/11
_____ Group Contracts Due 2/15/11
_____ Group Activism Plan Due 2/24/11
_____ Group Presentations 4/21-5/5/11
_____ Peer Evaluation Forms 4/21-5/5/11
Group Project Rubric
Group Contract (20 points) ___________
Group Activism Plan (20 points) ___________
Presentation (60 points) ___________
o Conveyed understanding of the material (10 points) ______
o Creativity (10 points) ______
o Quality (10 points) ______
o Professionalism (10 points) ______
o Level of/Investment in Activism (15 points) ______
o Class Handout (5 points) ______
o References (5 points) ______
Posting on Blackboard (10 points) ___________ (Individual)
Participation (Peer Grades) (50 points) ___________ (Individual)
Reflection Paper (40 points) ___________ (Individual)
TOTAL (200 pts): ___________
Research Paper Guidelines
During this semester, you will also be required to write a scholarly research paper that focuses on some topic related to the
psychology of women. You will need to thoroughly research this topic and complete a 4-6 page paper (Title page and
Reference page do NOT count towards the page total…meaning you need to write 4-6 actual pages!). A detailed outline of
how you plan to cover your topic, along with two relevant sources (APA Citations!), is due February 10, 2011.
The paper needs to be in the following format: typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font, 12-point type, one-inch
margins, include APA formatted cover-page, APA references page, APA citations in text, and be stapled. Any deviation
from these guidelines will result in a heavy loss of points. In addition to turning in a hard copy in class, you will need to
upload a copy of your paper to TurnItIn on the Blackboard page for this class. If you do not upload your paper, you will
automatically receive a zero for the paper.
Papers must have a minimum of 5 sources. A minimum of 3 must be peer-reviewed journal articles. A minimum of 1
source must be a book. The textbook for this course will not be allowed to use as a source. Papers are due no later than
March 10, 2011. The paper is worth 200 points.
Whether you have difficulty writing or not, I strongly recommend utilizing the Writing Lab on campus, as well as each
other to proofread and catch minor errors!
Individual Paper Rubric
Detailed outline with 2 sources (20 points) _________
Grammar (30 points) _________
Organization of paper (15 points) _________
o Logical
o Flows, makes sense
o Paragraph structure
Proper APA in-text citations (10 points) _________
Page length (10 points) _________
o Too short or too long
Content (80 points) _________
o Appropriate to topic
o Original work
Cover Page (10 points) _________
o APA format
Reference Page (10 points) _________
o Appropriate sources
o Minimum 5 sources
3 peer-reviewed journal articles
1 book
o APA format
Formatting (15 points) _________
o 12 point font
o Times New Roman
o Double spaced
o One inch margins
TOTAL (200 pts): ___________