Spring 2021 Gender and Mental Health Accessable Syllabus.docx

Soc/WS 426-001Gender & Mental Health Spring 2021 Department of Sociology Instructor: Matthew Geraths, MA, LMFT Office: Zoom Availability: Monday 1-2 Phone: 503.719.2037 Email: matg@pdx.e

Soc/WS 426-001

Gender & Mental Health

Spring 2021 Department of Sociology

Instructor: Matthew Geraths, MA, LMFT

Office: Zoom

Availability: Monday 1-2

Phone: 503.719.2037

Email: matg@pdx.edu

Course Title: Gender & Mental Health

CRN: Soc: 64891 WS: 64892

Credits: 4

Course Location: REMOTE

Course Meeting Schedule:

Course Description

This course is a social and historical explanation of, and research on, mental health and illness, with a focus on gender Contemporary distributions, diagnoses, and treatments

of mental illness among all genders are examined Specific attention will be paid to systemic approaches when conceptualizing and treating mental health issues

Focus on psychiatric disorder and gender-based discourse This is the same course as WS

426 and may be taken only once for credit Prerequisite: Upper-division standing

4.000 Credit hours

Course Outcomes/Learning Objectives

1 Learning Objective One: Learn about theoretical frameworks, theories, and concepts.

a Reading quizzes will test students on identifying and defining the

sociological frameworks, theories, or concepts used in course readings

b Students will practice using theoretical frameworks when constructing and conducting genogram interviews and writing a research reflection.

c Students will be expected to participate in online discussion groups

generating questions and critiques of theoretical frameworks.

2 Learning Objective Two: Learn about other scholars’ sociological empirical research

a Students will read original works of sociologists and social psychologists

on the topics of gender and mental health

b Students will discuss in small groups the impact, relevance, and need for novel research.

c Students will find original articles to inform their genogram research interviews and paper.

3 Learning Objective Three: Learn how to collect and analyze data using sociological research methods

a Students will conduct at least one interview using interview guides

designed for collecting data for a genogram.

b Students will be asked to write a research paper based on the data

collected from their genogram interviews.

c Learning Objective Four: Learn about inequality through a sociological lens

d Students will be taught how to apply an intersectional,

transgenerational, and systems approach to all course readings, paying particular attention to the wide range of experiences depicted in the course reading material.

Required Materials

I will not require students to purchase any books for this class I have decided to use

2 A means of recording video/audio for the genogram interviews and class

reflection videos See either Genogram Interviews or Reading/Class Reflections for more information I would suggestPSU My Media

Major Assignments

1 Exams (see Exam Structure for more information)

a Midterm - 50 points

Due Sunday May 2, by 11:59 pm - Midterm can be found on D2L

b Final - 50 points

Due Sunday June 13, by 11:59 pm - Final can be found on D2L

2 Genogram Research Paper(see Genogram Research Paper for more information)

a First Draft - 50 points

Due Sunday April 25, by 11:59 pm - upload to D2L First Draft Dropbox

b Second Draft - 75 points

Due Sunday May 23, by 11:59 pm - upload to D2L Second Draft Dropbox

3. Small Group Participation(see Participation Grade for more information)

a Self-graded for 100 points

Due every Sunday starting April 11, by 11:59 pm

4. Reading & Class Reflections(see Requirements for Reflections)

a 10 points each for a total of 50 Points

Due every two weeks starting April 11, by 11:59

Percent of grade, by Required assignments

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale (total of 375 points)

Exam Structure

The midterm and the final will be approximately 50 questions Questions will be multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank or True/False based on the course readings and lectures

I want to acknowledge not everyone does well on this kind of exam and your performance may not be indicative of your interest or understanding of the material

To ensure students do well, I will allow students to take each exam twice After each attempt, you will see which questions you have answered incorrectly in order to help study for the next attempt

Exams are open book, you can work in groups, and you will have three hours for each attempt Exams will not be cumulative

Genogram Research Paper

The aim of this paper is to think about how mental health issues are connected to larger social systems, historical contexts, and family legacies There will be two stages or drafts for this assignment Major components of this assignment will be decided on by the class in the first two weeks of the course Below is a rough outline of important components

2 A written paper identifying who you would like to interview, the interview

questions you would like to use, and how your questions connect to the course material (A detailed structure for the paper will be provided in class)

● You may choose to focus on your family (as you define family) or use a fictional family for this assignment

2nd DRAFT

Your second draft is an analysis describing what you learned from the interview, how the interview has reshaped your understanding of the family you focused on, and how the new information connects to themes discussed in your first paper

Small Group Participation Requirements

Students will be randomly assigned to small reading groups that will meet each class for the duration of the term Groups will consist of 6 or less students and will be responsible for discussing the readings together

20 minutes will be allotted for group discussions every class After small group

discussions, the class will come back as a whole and one person from each group will summarize the major themes from the group

Each week you will grade yourself on criteria decided by the class in the first week of class

Requirements for Reflections

The structure of this course will reflect the reflective nature of the material and issues by allowing students to shape the direction and focus of the class through these reflections

Every two weeks, students are expected to submit a reading/class reflection These reflections can either be written or recorded video and submitted on D2L

Reflections should not be longer than two pages or three minutes of recording and the following prompts should be used to guide your reflection:

1 What impact have the readings and/or class had on you?

2 How have the readings and/or class shaped your understanding of mental health?

3 What questions remain unanswered for you regarding class material?

4 What would you like to see more of in the readings and/or class?

Flexibility Statement

The instructor reserves the right to modify course content and/or substitute

assignments and learning activities in response to institutional, weather, or class

situations Any changes to the syllabus will be made on Google Docs

Course Calendar/Schedule

Seethe Content page on D2Lfor the reading schedule

Course Attendance and Make-up Policies

Students are expected to regularly attend class and participate in the small group

reading discussions All required work should be completed and submitted on D2L Please do not email me assignments I am happy to find alternative assignments for students who cannot complete a particular assignment

PSU Policies & Resources

Academics

PSU Grading System

Undergraduate:

http://pdx.smartcatalogiq.com/2020-2021/Bulletin/Undergraduate-Studies/Grading-Sys tem-for-Undergraduates

Drop/Withdraw Deadline:

http://pdx.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2020-2021/Bulletin/Academic-Calendar

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a vital part of the educational experience at PSU Please see

the PSU Student Code of Conduct for the university’s policy on academic dishonesty A confirmed violation of that Code in this course may result in failure of the course

Incomplete Policy

Students do not have a right to receive or demand an Incomplete grade The option of assigning an Incomplete grade is at the discretion of the instructor when the following criteria are met

3 Incomplete grade is not a substitute for a poor grade.

4 Written agreement (SeeIncomplete Contract)

5 Resolving the Incomplete

For the full Incomplete Policy see

https://www.pdx.edu/registration/grading-system#/?section=incompletegradei

Student Services

Disability Access Statement

If you have, or think you may have, a disability that may affect your work in this class and feel you need accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center to schedule an appointment and initiate a conversation about reasonable accommodations The DRC is located in 116 Smith Memorial Student Union, 503-725-4150, drc@pdx.edu,

https://www.pdx.edu/disability-resource-center/

Basic Needs at Portland State

It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting basic needs like safe shelter, sleep, and nutrition Resource centers across campus are here to provide assistance, referrals, and support Please contact anyone on this list for assistance:

● Basic Needs Hub: basicneedshub@pdx.edu

● Portland State Food Pantry: https://psufp.com,pantry@pdx.edu

● C.A.R.E Team:askdos@pdx.edu, (503) 725-4422

● Student Health & Counseling:askshac@pdx.edu, (503) 725-2800

Title IX Reporting

As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment for my students and for the campus as a whole Please be aware of theSafe Campus Statement:

Portland State University desires to create a safe campus for our students As part of that mission, PSU requires all students to take the learning module entitled Creating a Safe Campus: Preventing Gender Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find the appropriate resources on PSU’s Enrollment Management & Student Affairs: Sexual Prevention & Response website athttp://www.pdx.edu/sexual-assault

As a faculty member, I have the responsibility to report any instances of sexual

harassment, sexual violence and/or other forms of prohibited discrimination If you

would rather share information about sexual harassment, sexual violence or

discrimination to a confidential employee who does not have this reporting

responsibility, you can find a list of those individuals on PSU’s Enrollment Management

& Student Affairs: Sexual Prevention & Response website at

http://www.pdx.edu/sexual-assault For more information about Title IX please

complete the required student module “Creating a Safe Campus: Preventing Gender Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault” in the “My Courses” section of D2L

Cultural Resource Centers

The Cultural Resource Centers (CRCs) create a student-centered inclusive

environment that enriches the university experience We honor diversity, explore social justice issues, celebrate cultural traditions, and foster student identities, success, and leadership Our centers include the Multicultural Student Center, La Casa Latina Student Center, Native American Student & Community Center, Pan African Commons, Pacific Islander, Asian, Asian American Student Center and the Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian program We provide student

leadership, employment, and volunteer opportunities; student resources such as computer labs, event, lounge and study spaces; and extensive programming All are welcome!

Technology

Recording Technology Notice

We will use technology for virtual meetings and recordings in this course Our use of such technology is governed by FERPA, theAcceptable Use Policyand PSU’sStudent Code of Conduct A record of all meetings and recordings is kept and stored by PSU, in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy and FERPA Your instructor will not share recordings of your class activities outside of course participants, which include your fellow students, TAs/GAs/Mentors, and any guest faculty or community-based learning

partners that we may engage with You may not share recordings outside of this course Doing so may result in disciplinary action.

Turnitin

Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to

submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference