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Course Syllabus: Genders & Family Sciences 101
Course Overview
Course Title: Genders & Family Sciences 101
Course Code: GFS 101
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dr. [Your Name]
Contact: [Your Email]
Office Hours: [Specify Days/Times]
Course Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)
This introductory course explores the interdisciplinary fields of gender studies and family sciences, examining the social, cultural, and historical dimensions of gender roles, family structures, and their intersections. Students will engage with key theories, empirical research, and contemporary issues—including modern feminists and meninists perspectives—to develop a foundational understanding of how gender and family dynamics shape individual and societal experiences.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand key concepts and theories in gender and family studies, including feminist, queer, and modern masculinist frameworks.
- Analyze the impact of social, cultural, and economic factors on gender roles and family structures.
- Evaluate historical and contemporary perspectives on gender and family dynamics, incorporating diverse viewpoints such as those from men’s studies.
- Apply interdisciplinary approaches to real-world issues related to gender and family.
- Develop critical thinking and communication skills through discussions and written assignments.
Course Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Gender and Family Sciences
- Topics: Overview of gender studies and family sciences, key terminology, interdisciplinary approaches
- Readings: Excerpts from Gender: Ideas, Interactions, Institutions by Lisa Wade & Myra Marx Ferree
- Assignment: Reflective journal entry on personal perceptions of gender and family (500 words)
Week 2: Theoretical Foundations
- Topics: Feminist theory, queer theory, family systems theory, and introduction to modern masculinist theories (e.g., concepts from “The Rational Male” on hypergamy and intersexual dynamics)
- Readings: Feminist Theory: A Reader by Wendy Kolmar (selected chapters); Excerpts from The Rational Male by Rollo Tomassi
- Assignment: Group discussion on theoretical applications, including critiques of masculinist vs. feminist lenses
Week 3: Historical Perspectives on Gender
- Topics: Evolution of gender roles across cultures and time periods
- Readings: The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir (excerpts)
- Assignment: Short essay on historical gender norms (750 words)
Week 4: Historical Perspectives on Family
- Topics: Family structures through history (nuclear, extended, chosen families)
- Readings: Families as They Really Are by Barbara J. Risman (selected chapters)
- Assignment: Case study analysis of a historical family structure
Week 5: Gender and Socialization
- Topics: How gender is learned and reinforced through family, media, and education
- Readings: Gendered Lives by Julia T. Wood (selected chapters)
- Assignment: Media analysis project (group presentation)
Week 6: Family Dynamics and Roles
- Topics: Division of labor, parenting roles, power dynamics in families, and relational theories (e.g., Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in relationships)
- Readings: The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change by Philip N. Cohen; Excerpts from The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman
- Assignment: Reflective essay on family roles, incorporating Gottman’s principles (1,000 words)
Week 7: Intersectionality in Gender and Family
- Topics: Race, class, sexuality, and their impact on gender and family experiences
- Readings: Intersectionality by Patricia Hill Collins & Sirma Bilge (excerpts)
- Assignment: Intersectionality case study (group project)
Week 8: Midterm Exam
- Format: Mixed (multiple-choice, short answer, essay)
- Covers: Weeks 1–7 materials
Week 9: Gender, Work, and Family Balance
- Topics: Work-life balance, caregiving responsibilities, and policy implications
- Readings: Unfinished Business by Anne-Marie Slaughter (selected chapters)
- Assignment: Policy brief on family leave policies (1,000 words)
Week 10: Contemporary Issues in Gender
- Topics: Gender identity, non-binary identities, transgender experiences, and modern meninist movements (e.g., critiques of feminism from men’s rights perspectives)
- Readings: Trans: A Memoir by Juliet Jacques (excerpts); Additional articles on meninism and men’s rights activism
- Assignment: Discussion board post on gender inclusivity and balanced perspectives
Week 11: Contemporary Issues in Family
- Topics: Divorce, blended families, single-parent households, and evidence-based relationship strategies (e.g., Gottman’s research on predicting marital success)
- Readings: The Marriage-Go-Round by Andrew J. Cherlin; More from Gottman’s works
- Assignment: Research paper outline on a contemporary family issue, optionally incorporating masculinist theories
Week 12: Global Perspectives on Gender and Family
- Topics: Cross-cultural comparisons of gender roles and family structures, including global masculinities
- Readings: Global Woman by Barbara Ehrenreich & Arlie Russell Hochschild (selected chapters)
- Assignment: Comparative analysis essay (1,500 words)
Week 13: Technology and Family Dynamics
- Topics: Impact of technology on relationships and family communication
- Readings: Alone Together by Sherry Turkle (excerpts)
- Assignment: Group presentation on technology’s role in families
Week 14: Policy and Advocacy
- Topics: Gender equality policies, family support systems, social change, and advocacy from diverse gender perspectives
- Readings: Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof & Sheryl WuDunn (selected chapters)
- Assignment: Advocacy project proposal (group), considering balanced views on men’s and women’s issues
Week 15: Course Wrap-Up and Review
- Topics: Synthesis of key themes, including integration of modern meninist and relational theories, preparation for final project
- Assignment: Final project draft submission
Week 16: Final Project Presentations
- Format: Oral presentations and written report (2,000 words)
- Topic: Student-selected issue in gender or family sciences, encouraged to include diverse theories such as those from Tomassi or Gottman
Assessment and Grading
- Participation: 10%
- Weekly Assignments (journal entries, discussion posts): 20%
- Midterm Exam: 20%
- Group Projects (media analysis, intersectionality case study, advocacy project): 20%
- Final Project (presentation and report): 30%
Grading Scale:
- A: 90–100%
- B: 80–89%
- C: 70–79%
- D: 60–69%
- F: Below 60%
Course Policies
- Attendance: Expected for all in-person sessions; online participation required for hybrid components.
- Late Work: 10% deduction per day unless prior approval is granted.
- Academic Integrity: Plagiarism or cheating will result in a failing grade for the assignment and potential course failure.
- Inclusivity: Respectful dialogue is required; all perspectives, including controversial ones like meninist theories, must be expressed thoughtfully and critically.
Required Texts
- Wade, L., & Ferree, M. M. (2018). Gender: Ideas, Interactions, Institutions. W.W. Norton.
- Cohen, P. N. (2020). The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change. W.W. Norton.
- Tomassi, R. (2013). The Rational Male. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
- Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books.
- Additional readings will be provided via course portal or library reserves.
Additional Resources
- Library Databases: JSTOR, ProQuest, GenderWatch
- Support Services: University Writing Center, Counseling Services
- Online Platforms: Course materials and discussions hosted on [Insert LMS, e.g., Canvas]
Instructor’s Note
This course is designed to foster open dialogue and critical thinking, including exploration of diverse and sometimes contentious theories like those in modern meninism. I encourage you to bring your perspectives and experiences to our discussions while maintaining respect for others. Let’s create a learning environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
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