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Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for COMM 237 archive revision 237

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Effective Term:
Spring 2015 through Winter 2017
Course Number:
COMM 237
Course Title:
Gender and Communication
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines the similarities and differences in masculine and feminine communication styles and patterns. Discusses the differences between sex and gender and the impacts on perception, values, stereotypes, language use, nonverbal communication, power and styles of conflict management in human relationships. Covers the influence of both interpersonal and mass communication on the social/cultural construction of gender identity and gender roles. Offers strategies for improving communication in gendered relationships. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

  1. Express understanding of how gender influences our perceptions of – and communication about – personal, social, cultural and political problems.
  2. Create and manage relationships through the understanding of gender communication theory.
  3. Communicate more effectively with people from diverse viewpoints shaped by gender identities and expectations.

Integrative Learning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.

Course Activities and Design

Course outcomes and objectives are met in the face-to-face and online modalities with a combination of: lectures, online modules, in-class application activities, out-of-class experiential learning activities, reflection papers and journals, group and individual projects and presentations, discussion and discussion posts, artifact posts, exercises, exams, community-based learning projects and critical analysis of mass media texts related to gender.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

This course will have at least one self-reflective component and at least one research-based analysis component.

Instructors may use the following assessment strategies:

  • Qualitative examinations
  • Quantitative examinations
  • Essays
  • Journals
  • Research papers
  • In-class dialogue
  • Portfolios projects
  • Oral presentations
  • Group work
  • Case studies
  • Media analysis
  • Community-based learning

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
  • Gender & Communication Theories
    • Muted group
    • Genderlect
    • Queer theories
    • Cultural and social construction of gender
    • Rhetoric of social movements
    • Nature vs nurture
  • Perception
  • Self concept
  • Gender identity
  • Cultural variables
  • Stereotyping
  • Verbal communication
  • Nonverbal communication
  • Power
  • Conflict management
  • Violence
  • Sexism
  • Organizations
    • Education
    • Workplace
  • Mass communication
  • Relationships
    • Friendships
    • Family
    • Courtship/romantic
  • Communication competence

A textbook is required. Suggested texts. Alternative texts need Dept. or SAC chair approval.

Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender and Culture, Julia Wood

GenderSpeak, Ivy; Pearson