SOC 2640 - Gender in Society
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 43179,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dr. Amanda Fehlbaum
Email: afehlbaum@ysu.edu
Course Description
2640. Gender in Society. Sociological analysis of gender role issues by major institutions of society, including political, educational, economic and legal systems as well as media and the family. Focus is on effects of stratification, culture, gender norms, and the socialization process. Crosslisted: WMST 2640. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Gender: Ideas, Interactions, Institutions, 3rd Ed. | Wade, Lisa, and Myra Marx Ferree | 978-1324044055 |
This course is First Day Ready which means that your book is included as part of your tuition and fees. You may opt-out of these charges though it is strongly discouraged.
Students are required to have access to Blackboard as this course takes place online. These are the computer lab locations on campus.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/19 | • Syllabus • “Why Every Human Should Take a Women’s Studies Course” • Gender: Introduction |
MODULE 1 Introduction to Course CAREER CONNECTION: Gender analysis is a named skill in HR, health, policy. |
Watch and Annotate: • Women’s & Gender Studies: Perspectives and Practices Presentation Post: • Introduction to Course Discussion Sign Up for Paper Module 1 Quiz Syllabus Quiz |
| 10/26 | • Gender: Chapter 1 – Ideas • Gender: Chapter 2 – Bodies |
MODULE 2 Ideas and Bodies CAREER CONNECTION Questioning “natural” differences sharpens evidence-checking in any job. |
Watch and Annotate: • Ideas Presentation • Bodies Presentation Post: • Ideas and Bodies Discussion Exam 1 Homework 1 Due Socialization Paper Due |
| 11/2 | • Gender: Chapter 3 – Performances • Gender: Chapter 4 – Intersections |
MODULE 3 Performances and Intersections CAREER CONNECTION Intersectional analysis appears in DEI, public health, social services postings. |
Watch and Annotate: • Performances Presentation • Intersections Presentation Post: • Performances & Intersections Discussion Exam 2 Homework 2 Due |
| 11/9 | • Gender: Chapter 5 – Inequalities: Masculinities • Gender: Chapter 6 – Inequalities: Femininities |
MODULE 4 Inequalities CAREER CONNECTION Spotting unequal patterns is the first step to fixing them. |
Watch and Annotate: • Inequalities: Masculinities • Inequalities: Femininities Post: • Inequalities Discussion Exam 3 Homework 3 Due Media Paper Due |
| 11/16 | • Gender: Chapter 7 – Institutions • Gender: Chapter 8 – Change |
MODULE 5 Institutions and Change CAREER CONNECTION Organizations change through policy; learn where the levers sit. |
Watch and Annotate: • Institutions Presentation • Change Presentation Post • Institutions and Change Discussion Exam 4 Homework 4 Due Heterosexuality Paper Due |
| 11/23 | • Gender: Chapter 9 – Sexualities • Gender: Chapter 10 - Families |
MODULE 6 Sexualities and Families CAREER CONNECTION Family-serving work requires understanding families beyond one model. |
Watch and Annotate: • Sexualities Presentation • Families Presentation Post: • Sexualities and Families Discussion Exam 5 Homework 5 Due Family Paper Due |
| 11/30 | • Gender: Chapter 11 – Work • Gender: Chapter 12 – Politics • Gender: Conclusion |
MODULE 7 Work and Politics CAREER CONNECTION Labor market data shapes careers, including yours. |
Watch and Annotate: • Work Presentation – Part 1 • Work Presentation – Part 2 • Politics Presentation Post: • Work and Politics Discussion Exam 6 Homework 6 Due Work Paper Due |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.