Gender and Communication

Course Number:

COMM 237

Transcript Title:

Gender and Communication

Created:

Aug 04, 2022

Updated:

May 06, 2024

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

40

Lecture / Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

0

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

Yes

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)

Major

2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)

Not Addressed

3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)

Major

4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)

Minor

5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Department suggestions:

• In-class participation in experiential activities.
• Journals chronicling cross-gender interactions and identifying socially-based assumptions and interpretations
• Research papers exploring historically- and socially-embedded gender behaviors, values and beliefs.
• Oral presentation of a contemporary or historical issue reflecting the influence on or impact on gender.
• Critical analysis of films representative of and relevant to the concepts of cross-gender interaction.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1. Employ effective strategies for creating and managing cross-gender relationships.

• Examine one’s own hidden biases related to gender expression
• Honor differences among distinct gender identities
• Research social, economic and cultural frameworks that impact gender

Outcome #2. Recognize and respond to gender-based assumptions and stereotypes in media and society.

• Increase awareness of gender structures in society
• Recognize how perspectives on gender are formed and maintained
• Learn to apply new/different lenses to develop new perspectives and truths

Outcome #3. Demonstrate awareness of diverse viewpoints shaped by gender identities and expectations.

• Explore gender expression, development and stories
• Challenge to reach out and learn about different gender identities
• Accept gender differences as natural and authentic opportunities to grow

Outcome #4. Understand gender influences on wider societal issues.

• Recognize the role social constructs play in shaping gender realities
• Appreciate and welcome values, beliefs and practices other than one’s own
• Be aware of and actively work against the perpetuation of gender inequities

Suggested Texts and Materials

Texts:

• Gendered Lives (13th edition) by Julia T. Wood, Natalie Fixmer-oraiz, published by Cengage.

• Communication and Gender(4th edition) by Lea P. Stewart, et al, published by Allyn & Bacon.

NOTE: No OER texts have been found to date.