1

WMNST325-03: Psychology of Women Class Meets: Fully Online Instructor: Geneva Robinson Darcuiel, PsyD. Email: geneva.robinson@mail.sdsu.edu Telephone: 619-917-8336 Office: NE 162-B Office hours: Wednesday 1:30-3:30pm Lecture: Thursday Assistant: Claire Plourde Assistant’s email: claireplourde@gmail.com Required Text: Crawford, M. (2012). Transformations: Women, Gender & Psychology (2nd ed.) New York: McGraw Hill Publishers

COURSE DESCRIPTION   If you know at least a woman or two, you already have some fundamental experiences that are course-related! We are here to learn together and from each other. Please keep in mind the shared goal of making this a rewarding learning experience for all participants. You are expected to actively participate by completing all assignments, and demonstrating your understanding of the materials through multiple online activities and exams, and also through your contributions to Discussion Board Forums that reflect your thoughtful and in-depth consideration of course concepts and feminist perspectives. The course is designed to provide participants with an integrated and academically rigorous examination of theories, research, and subjective experiences in the study of the psychology of women within the social contexts of culture, class, race, sex and gender; similarities and differences, and the social construction of these concepts. Because of the nature of the material, student willingness to introspect regarding course concepts and an experiential investment in class are essential components of the anticipated meaning-making process and of the learning experience, and students are expected to actively engage in all course components.

The Psychology of Women satisfies the University General Education section IV, Explorations of Human Experience: Cultural Diversity requirement.

2

 

COURSE FORMAT  

This course is offered fully online through San Diego State University’s course management system, Blackboard, so the prerequisite is reliable computer and Internet access. Familiarity with Blackboard, though not a prerequisite, will be necessary in order to successfully complete all requirements; so for those who are not familiar with or comfortable within Blackboard, please familiarize yourself with the course “FAQs”

This course incorporates an in-depth investigation of biological, historical, social, and cultural factors that shape diverse women’s lives, influencing their behaviors, world views and experiences of self. Course content will be organized around the following predominant themes: -The Psychology of Woman has as its focus the illumination of all factors that contribute to better understanding women, their minds, behaviors, and particularly the contexts in which women live their lives. -Women have not yet achieved full equality with men. - Women are diverse and vary widely from one another and there are similarities and differences between women and men. -Psychology can contribute to social change and social justice. Gender is a social system linked to status and power. “The personal is political.” -Underlying all of the above concepts and lived experiences is an inherent theme of social justice and activism.

3

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES   Upon completion of this course, the successful student will be able to: ▪ Articulate an understanding of women’s multiple realities; ▪ Critically evaluate the social construction of issues relating to gender

▪ Integrate personal perspectives with theories and current research findings in the field, and reflect on their significance

▪ Identify and discuss the social and cultural mechanisms that support the unequal status and treatment of women

▪ Produce online assignments that synthesize course objectives ▪ Define and recognize the implications of social justice in the context of

contemporary real-life issues ▪ Navigate Blackboard sufficiently well to be able to effectively complete all required

coursework.

What we expect from students:

• Carefully review the syllabus and ask for clarification as needed.

• Consistently and actively participate in your own learning process

• Contribute respectfully, using appropriate language and with an open mind, to constructive deliberation and discussion of topics to be addressed

• Complete assignments and communicate concerns with the instructor or Assistant in a timely manner.

• Submit questions to the appropriate source for answers (Blackboard Helpdesk, Registrar’s office, Graduate Assistant, etc.)

What you can expect from Instructor and Assistant:

• To develop and implement purposeful learning activities

• To facilitate creation of a safe learning and teaching community.

• To be reasonably accessible via email, or scheduled “Virtual lecture” sessions.

• To facilitate collaboration, communication and insight on diverse topics to be addressed

• To recognize and support varied learning styles

• To clarify assignments and grading criteria and provide direction for resources and research

• To review and grade student work in a timely manner

• To provide opportunities that challenge students toward personal insight and accountability.

• To support practical implications and applications of course content.

4

COMPONENTS OF THIS COURSE  Resources 1. Text: Transformations: Women, Gender and Psychology, 2nd edition, by Mary

Crawford 2. Learning Modules: This course is comprised of learning modules that may be

accessed through the Blackboard site for the class. Each module will generally include the following components:

a. A written statement of specific learning expectations and outcomes b. Current assignment(s) c. Discussion Board forum and Current Event reminder

In addition some modules may also include: d. Video or other media to be viewed e. Surveys, questionnaires or other tasks to be completed

3. PowerPoint slides: PowerPoint slides for each Chapter will be made available prior to the weekly lecture.

4. Lectures: After the first partial week of classes, at the designated day and time, the instructor will post a lecture on topics relevant to the assigned module(s). Power points are made available to be downloaded prior to the lecture for more efficient note taking.

Graded Components 5. Discussion Board -75 points: After the first week of classes, students are required to

interact regularly using the “Discussion Board” tool within Blackboard. Further instructions regarding these structured communications are included within each DB Forum, along with specific expectations and guidelines about appropriate interactions using this tool. You are required to contribute your original response to each forum and subsequently to respond to one other student’s post. You may earn up to 10 points for an original post and up to an additional 5 points on the same topic for your response to a peer. You are required to participate in every posted forum. Criteria for grading Discussion Board posts are clarified in the DB grading Rubric, which is available under “Course Documents.” Components include adherence to the prompts for specific Discussion Board Forum; synthesis of course concepts; demonstration of an ability to understand and articulate a feminist perspective; depth of thought and analysis; and appropriate use of college-level vocabulary and grammar. Discussion Board deadlines are posted in the Discussion Board schedule. NO Credit will be given for late submissions. All questions regarding Discussion Board are required to be directed to our Graduate Assistant.

6. Exams -80 points There will be two (2) exams administered using Blackboard during mid semester. Each is worth 40 points (please reference the attached Course Schedule). These online exams will consist of multiple-choice questions based on lectures, videos, discussions, online and/or classroom activities and assignments as well as information in the text. In respect for the varied schedules of students enrolled in fully online courses, please note that both midterm exams will be given on Thursdays and they will be available from 8am-9pm, so please make arrangements in advance to access the exam during the specified time period on the dates listed

5

in the Course Schedule. A medical document is required to justify re-scheduling of an exam.

7. Online Assignments -95 points There will be assignments for which the parameters and additional information will be posted within Blackboard as the semester progresses. The first online assignment is an Orientation quiz worth 10 points, which will be your introduction to test taking within Blackboard, but will also indicate how carefully you have read all introductory course documents, and how well you understand the course syllabus. Other required online assignments will support University-level writing expectations, and they will be graded for adherence to the prompts for the particular assignment, specific reference to course concepts, depth of thought, understanding of course concepts and use of vocabulary and grammar. Late assignment submissions will not be accepted. The instructor reserves the right to submit any and all student writing to “Turnitin” to determine if it is the student’s original work.

8. Final -50 points The final will consist of multiple-choice questions and will be administered and graded through Blackboard. Exam questions will be multiple choice, and based on course content covered since the previous exam. Students may access the Final Exam only between 8am-9pm on the scheduled date.

9. Extra Credit (10 points maximum) Each student may submit only one extra credit option per semester.

CRITERIA FOR STUDENT ASSESSMENT Criteria for Student Assessment

Online Assignments 95 Discussion Board 75 Midterm Exams 80 Final Exam 50

Total 300

A 282 and above A- 270-281 B+ 261-269 B 252-260 B- 240-251

C+ 231-239 C 222-230 C- 210-221 D+ 201-209 D 192-200

F under 192

WOMEN’S STUDIES MAJOR OR MINOR Thinking about a Major or Minor in Women's Studies? The program offers exciting courses, is committed to women's issues and social justice, and is adaptable to your

6

interests and concerns. The Women's Studies Major is not impacted! For more information please contact the Women’s Studies Undergraduate Advisor, Dr. Doreen Mattingly, at MATTINGL@mail.sdsu.edu, (619) 594-8033, office is Arts and Letters, room #342.

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES   • Please read this syllabus carefully during the first week of class, and feel free to ask

questions immediately, as each student is responsible for understanding and compliance with its contents.

▪ Students with special needs: Students who need accommodation for disabilities should register with Student Disability Services, 619-594-6473, or online at http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/index.html. Please notify and provide documentation of your entitlement for the instructor by the end of the first week of class in order to make appropriate arrangements to support your successful completion of all class requirements.

▪ Thoughtful contribution to class and compliance with all guidelines is required to obtain full credit.

▪ You are required to respect all participants in this class, including fellow students, our Assistant, and the instructor.

▪ Please be aware of the language you choose to use to communicate, particularly within Discussion Board, virtual classroom, and all other course-related interactions. Racist, sexist, homophobic, and other offensive comments do not contribute to creating a safe space for community learning. Should any questionable or offensive contributions come to the attention of the instructor, we will address these as a class.

▪ Each student is responsible to maintain her/his own back-up copy of all online submissions through the end of the semester. Should Cyberspace, a chocolate Labrador, or a Black hole devour your submitted assignment, it is your responsibility to immediately provide the back-up version. All assignments must be submitted through Blackboard as instructed.

▪ Students are responsible to monitor Blackboard every week for announcements, changes, grades, and additional instructions throughout the semester. Any inquiries or challenges regarding grades must be submitted within one week of the date the grade is posted in Blackboard.

▪ Please plan ahead, as late work will result in loss of credit for the assignment. ▪ Do not email work to the Instructor, please submit all work using the links provided. ▪ There will be no makeup for the Exams or the Final without valid written medical excusal,

so please arrange to take them as scheduled at the end of this syllabus. ▪ E-mail is generally the most efficient means to reach the graduate assistant or instructor.

Your email subject line must have the specific class and must also include your full name as it appears on SDSU’s official enrollment, e.g. (WS325-04 Perfect Student) in order to generate an appropriate response. If you have not received a response within approximately 24 hours (weekdays), please check that you have complied with the above-described format, then re-send, adding “attempt #2” in the subject line.

▪ Students will be expected to adhere to University standards of academic honesty and integrity as outlined in the Student Academic Honesty Policy. Violations of academic integrity include the following: unauthorized assistance on an examination, unauthorized collaboration on an academic endeavor, plagiarism, misappropriation of research materials, unauthorized access of an instructor’s files or computer account, and any other serious violation of academic integrity as established by the instructor. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class, and the instructor also reserves the right to submit any student writing to “Turnitin” for evaluation. Academic dishonesty will result in an

7

automatic zero for the assignment and possibly the course, the incident will be reported to the Dean’s Office, and may result in student suspension or dismissal from the university. Cheating and plagiarism are extremely serious offenses. For more detailed information, please visit the following website http://infotutor.sdsu.edu/plagiarism/index.cfml and communicate with your professor before turning in any assignment if these expectations remain unclear to you.

8

CLASS SCHEDULE

WEEK #

Week of… CONTENT TO BE SUBMITTED

1 Monday, Jan. 19th Orientation BE PATIENT as the BlackBoard page evolves… Welcome Letter/Announcement explains how to be fully prepared for SUCCESS!

2 Monday, Jan. 26th Module 1 Orientation Quiz (ONLINE ASSIGNMENT) is available until 11:59pm on Thursday Jan. 29th

3 Monday, Feb. 2nd Module 2 Discussion Board Forum # 1

4 Monday, Feb. 9th Module 3 Current Event # A

5 Monday, Feb. 16th Module 4 Discussion Board Forum # 2

6 Monday, Feb. 23rd Modules 1, 2, 3, 4

EXAM #1: Accessible only Thursday, Feb. 26th between 8am-9pm

7 Monday, Mar. 2nd Module 5 Current Event # B

8 Monday, Mar. 9th Module 6 Discussion Board Forum # 3

9 Monday, Mar. 16th Module 7 Current Event # C

10 Monday, Mar. 23rd Module 8 Discussion Board Forum # 4

11 Monday, Mar. 30th SPRING BREAK SPRING BREAK

12 Monday, Apr. 6th Modules 5, 6, 7, 8

EXAM #2 Accessible only Thursday, Apr. 9th between 8am-9pm

13 Monday, Apr. 13th Module 9 Current Event # D

14 Monday, Apr. 20th Module 10

15 Monday, Apr. 27th Module 11 Discussion Board Forum # 5

16 Monday, May 4th Module 12 Change Agent Assignment

17 Monday, May 11th Modules 9, 10, 11, 12

FINAL EXAM Accessible only Thursday, May 14th between 8am-9pm

*Important date