Oct 23, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

PSYC 2120 - Psychology of Women


Credits: 3

Catalog Description
This course is an introduction to the theories and research concerning the psychology of women. The course will explore the way that biological, cultural and psychosocial issues affect the psychological development of women. It will include topics such as sexism, the construction of gender categories, gender comparisons, and female identity formation. It will also explore contemporary women’s issues related to education, work, and family.

Prerequisite(s) (must have a grade of C or better): PSYC 1110  
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area(s) fulfilled: Goal 05B: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 07A: Human Diversity, Race, Power, and Justice in the United States

Cross-Listed Course(s): WGST 2120  










Additional fee to student: No

Learner Outcomes
  1. Examine research and theory important to the psychology of women.
  2. Analyze how much has been accomplished, and still needs to be accomplished, to achieve gender equality and fairness in US society.
  3. Compare the experience of women from different cultures and racial/ethnic categories, both within the USA and between the USA and other countries.
  4. Question the limitations of current theories and research on the psychology of women, especially in terms of diversity issues.
  5. Integrate the perspectives of many disciplines into the study of the psychology of women.
  6. Discuss the role that the media plays in shaping gender expectations for women.
  7. Identify ways that gender expectations influence women’s development, in areas such as identity development, relationship issues, parenting choices, health decisions, and career and work choices.
  8. Review research on the past victimization of women, and contrast those issues with the experiences of women today.

Major Areas of Course Content
  1. Theoretical perspectives related to the psychology of women
  2. Gender stereotyping and gender differences
  3. Ethnicity and cultural issues for women
  4. Female development across the lifespan
  5. Psychology and women’s health issues (physical and mental)
  6. Women and work
  7. Gender and language
  8. The victimization of females
  9. The psychology of men, as it relates to women’s issues

Credit for Prior Learning Options
No credit for prior learning option is available for this course.



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)