HUMAN 160 - Introduction to Gender Studies

Credits: 5
Examines theoretical concepts and themes of gender through the lens of the Humanities (including literature, philosophy, film, communication studies, and popular culture, among other subjects). Course synthesizes historical and social analyses into inquiry about the human experience and expression of gender. Course specifically examines issues such as language, media’s treatment of gender, and gender and power, relating each of these to the formation of our gendered and human identities.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 099 or instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Humanities/Fine Arts/English

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Demonstrate command of important philosophical terminology, themes, and arguments related to sex, gender, and sexuality.
Identify the influence of sex, gender, and sexuality on identity, language, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), values, media, power, and violence.
State and evaluate non-trivial theories and arguments related to sex, gender, and sexuality.
Recognize the dominance of Essentialist/Biological philosophical perspectives.
Evaluate the suppression or denigration of identities which are intersectional, multiple, and fluid.

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate intellectual humility in forming and defending their own beliefs while being respectful of the views of others.
Systematically formulate, develop, and defend non-trivial answers to philosophical questions by applying rational standards.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.