Application deadline

Type of course

Admission requirements

Course content

The aim of this course is to provide students with a broad understanding of gender from a psychological perspective. In this course, we critically examine both classical and contemporary theories and research in the field, based on scientific findings from behavioural neuroscience, social and cultural psychology and developmental psychology.

The lectures will also situate the reading in their historical, political, sociocultural and socioeconomically context. Students will learn how to critically evaluate empirical articles and will gain confidence and fluency in sharing ideas with others during group discussions.

Content learning: Students will learn about the origins of gender differences (with a focus on the nature vs. nurture debate) and study the development of gender identity in childhood from various theoretical perspectives such as: social learning theory, social role theory and cognitive schema theory. Moreover, the student will learn about the content and the implications of gender stereotypes on stereotype threat, performance and psychological well-being. Students will also become familiar with the classic literature on women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and the emerging literature on men in health, early education and domestic work (HEED).

Recommended prerequisites

Objectives of the course

Successful completion of the course will lead to the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

Students will learn to:

• outline different perspectives on the origin of gender differences
• describe and define factors in the formation of gender identity development (such as the role of reinforced and observational learning)
• outline different theoretical perspectives on gender development
• describe and define the concept of gender stereotyping and its broader implications
• define psychological and structural barriers to men and women¿s engagement with HEED and STEM, respectively
• situate gender in a cultural and historical context (with a particular focus on the current gender-debate and the different challenges men and women face in Norway today)

Skills:

Students will develop in their skills to:

• critically compare different theoretical perspectives on gender development
• critically evaluate the methodology of gender research
• critically evaluate the impact of statistically significant gender differences on real life behaviour
• identify gender issues in fictional literature and historical events

Competencies:

Students will have developed skills that are transferable to other modules (and future employability), such as their ability to:

• communicate scientific findings from gender research to a group
• critically evaluate findings from gender research and their relevance to real life 
• transfer their theoretical and scientific knowledge into interventions
• identify gender stereotypes in real life 

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Assessment

Coursework requirements:

Students must attend 80% of the seminars. In addition, students are required to pair up and give a 10-min-long presentation (using Power Point or similar) during one of the seminars. The teacher will allocate presentation slots to student at the beginning of term. Students should choose an article from the recommended reading list (relevant to that weeks topic) and critically evaluate the studys rationale, design, methods, impact, and/or conclusions. The students should then lead a short group discussion.

Both coursework must be approved in order to take the exam.

Exam:

The book review is a 2000-word assignment. There is no leeway on the word limit, students who exceed the word limit will be penalized. Students may choose a book from the suggested list (see syllabus), but they may also suggest a book of their choice (subject to the course convener¿s approval). The assignment is an analysis of the book from a gender perspective, the student is required to use one or more of the perspectives/theories from the course material (lectures, reading list).

Deadline for submission, see Canvas. The assessments will be assessed on an A-F grades scale. Grades are A-E for passed and F for failed.

Retake or deferred examination is offered in the beginning of the following semester in case of grade F.

Recommended reading/syllabus