Welcome! This course provides introduction to the literature on the psychological development of women and girls. We will read some of the classic literature, but will focus primarily on contemporary and emerging frameworks for thinking about women’s psychological development. We will also consider the implications of cultural and empirical constructions of gender for social and educational policy and practice. This seminar is open to students in all graduate majors.

My goal for this course is to provide a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for serious intellectual engagement and personal growth. We have so much to learn from each other. Our class meetings will include a variety of formats, including presentations, seminar-style discussion, field trips, video and artifact analysis and small group activities. Requirements: In addition to reading and participation in seminar style discussions, each student will complete a project focusing on a topic of personal or professional interest during the course of the semester. Note that Psy 331 or a course in personality psychology is listed as a prereq, but I am willing to waive this requirement. Email me if this is a concern. Jan A.

Reading (Please note: These were assigned Spring, 2010. Books for Spring, 2013 not yet selected.)

Hinshaw, Stephen P. (2009). Triple Bind: Saving Our Teenage Girls From Today’s Pressures. New York: Ballentine.

Miller, Jean Baker. (1986/1976). Toward a new psychology of women, 2nd edition. Boston, MA: Beacon.

Greene, S. (2003). The psychological development of women and girls: Rethinking change in time. London and New York: Routledge

Additional readings will be assigned, including selections from:

Jordan, J.V., Walker, M. & Hartling, L.M. (2004). The complexity of connection: Writings from the Stone Center’s Jean Baker Miller Training Institute. New York: Guilford.

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