Psychology 345: The Psychology of Women examines several topics in psychology that are of specific relevance to women and are about women. The course discusses scientific findings and sexist myths about male and female differences, and looks at a variety of gender issues from a feminist perspective.
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to the Psychology of Women
Unit 2: Gender Stereotypes and Other Gender Biases
Unit 3: Infancy to Adolescence
Unit 4: Gender Comparisons
Unit 5: Work and Relationships
Unit 6: Sexuality, Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood
Unit 7: Physical and Mental Health
Unit 8: Violence Against Women and Women and Older Adulthood
Unit 9: Future Trends
Learning Outcomes
This course is a “survey” or introduction to the large number of topics and ideas that are important to the study and understanding of women in contemporary society. Each topic discussed in this course provides information and offers insights that encourage a critical awareness of factors affecting contemporary women’s lives. After you have completed this course, you should be able to
describe how feminism has transformed the psychology of women.
explain how feminist perspectives have contributed to theory and research methodologies within psychology.
critique psychological theories with an awareness of the impact that gender, power, and women’s diversity have on scientific knowledge.
critically compare the processes and consequences of gendered socialization practices on the lives of girls and women.
identify the physical, cognitive, and social factors unique to women across their lifespan.
evaluate the issues relevant to women’s psychological development and sense of well-being, particularly issues related to employment, interpersonal relationships, sexuality, pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, ageing, physical health, mental health, and violence.
Evaluation
To receive credit for Psychology 345: The Psychology of Women, you must complete all six assessment activities including five assignments and the final invigilated exam. The weightings for each activity are as follows:
Activity
Weight
Complete by
Assignment 1: Reflection Exercise
5% of final grade
After Unit 1
Assignment 2: Mid-Term Take-Home Review
20% of final grade
After Unit 4
Assignment 3: Research Question and Article Summaries
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Your final grade will be determined by a weighted average of the grades you received on the activities noted above. To receive credit for this course, in addition to completing all five assignments and the final exam, you must achieve a minimum grade of 50 percent on the final exam and a minimum overall weighted grade of D (50 percent) or better for the entire course.
Materials
Matlin, M. W. (2012). The psychology of women (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning. (eText)
All other learning resources will be available online.
Challenge for Credit
Overview
The Challenge for Credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PSYC 345 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) or greater on the research essay and oral presentation to be eligible to write the challenge examination. A cumulative average of 50 percent on both activities is required. Credit is awarded on a pass/fail basis only.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 5, February 25, 2019
Updated July 15, 2021, by Student & Academic Services