Course Code: APSY- 243 Credit Hours: 3
Course Title: Gender Issues in Psychology (Major Course)
Course Objectives
To give an introduction to Psychology of gender differences and related research evidence
To acquaint students with the contemporary gender related debates and issues particularly in the
Pakistani context.
Course Outcome
At the successful completion of this course the students will be able to:
Differentiate facts from myths about gender differences
Examine and criticize the validity of claims about sex and gender differences in the context of
personality, cognition, mental health, morality, achievement, empathy and aggression
Contemplate about gender issues faced particularly in the Pakistani context such as abuse, harassment,
ownership of property, gender discrimination across different levels
Course Contents
Introduction
Why study psychology of Gender
Scope of Psychology of Gender
History of Psychology of Gender
1894-1936: Gender differences in intelligence
1936-1954: M/M as a global personality trait
1954-1982: Sex typing & androgyny
1982-present: Gender as a social category
Gender & Related Paradigms
Sex differences and physiology
Sex differences in brain architecture
Theories of gender
Sociobiology and evolutionary psychology
Research evidence in sex differences
Gender: Role Attitudes
Attitudes towards men’s & women’s roles
Affective component: Sexism
Cognitive component: Gender role typing
Behavioral component: Sex discrimination
Gender and Aggression
Aggression /violence
Theories of aggression
Biological, social learning, gender-role theory
Cognitive theories
Rape and other form of sexual coercion: Prevalence and incidence
Characteristics of perpetrator &victims
Domestic abuse
Characteristics of perpetrator &victims
Sexual harassment
Characteristics of perpetrator &victims
Psychology of Women: Issues
Emergence and history of psychology of women in the west and in Pakistan
Women and Law (PPC & Shariah)
Women and psychopathologies
Psychology of Men: Issues
Emergence and history of psychology of men in the west and in Pakistan
Men and Law (PPC & Shariah)
Men and psychopathologies
New Men, New Women, New Relationships
Changes in values, economics and employment
New men, new women & new relationships
Gender Issues in the Pakistani Context
Contemporary issues
Current Issues
Semester Work will include Assignments, Quizzes, Presentation, Class Projects, Class participation
The goal through Sessional work would be to inculcate (learning goal of) acquisition of factual
information/ subject matter/ course content, Application of knowledge and enhancing the synthesizing and
generalization capacity of the students.
Evaluation
Total Marks 100
Semester Work=25; Midterm Examination= 35; Final Term Examination= 40
Exam Paper will contain both objective (True False, MCQ, and Fill in the Blanks, Matching the columns)
and subjective section (Short Questions)
Recommended Books
Brannon, L. (2011, 2008, 2005). Gender: Psychological perspectives .USA: Allyn and Bacon.
Brettell, C. B. & Sargent, C. F. (2009).Gender in cross-cultural perspective(5th ed.). New Delhi, India: PHI
Learning.
Lindsey, L. L. (2011). Gender roles: A sociological perspective. (5th ed.). New Delhi, India: PHI Learning.
McCracken, J. (1997, 2009).Thinking about gender: A historical anthology. USA: Harcourt Brace
&Company.
Hassan, I. N. (1990).The psychology of women. Pakistan: Allama Iqbal Open University
Helgeson, V. S. (2005). Psychology of gender, (2nd ed.). UK: Pearson and Education
Ussher, J.M.& Paula, N.(1992).Gender issues in clinical psychology(Eds.).New York: Rutledge Champion
and Hall.
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