Course Outline for Communication Studies 12
Gender, Sexual Identity, and Communication

Effective: Fall 2025
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

COMM 12 - Gender, Sexual Identity, and Communication

3.00 Units

Processes and theories of gender and communication; emergence of sexual identity and orientation in society; the power of language and stereotypes in private discourse and public dialogue; the impact of historical, social, ethical, cultural, and psychological factors on gendered communication in multiple contexts.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000 (Formerly ENGL 1)
CB03: TOP Code 1506.00 - Speech Communication
CIP Code 09.0101 - Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
Course Grading: Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate an understanding of the differences between gender identity and sexual identity;
  2. demonstrate sensitivity for language and empathy for its power in public/private contexts;
  3. evaluate the historical, social, and psychological factors affecting gendered communication behavior;
  4. explain how culture plays a role in the development of gendered communication;
  5. employ critical listening skills when discussing issues of gender and sexual identity.

Course Content:

Lecture topics:
  1. Processes and theories of gender and communication
  2. Processes and theories of sexual identity and communication
  3. Power of language in private/public discourse
  4. Influence of gender-related communication and behavior in interpersonal situations
  5. Influence of culture on gendered communication and sexual identity

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Group Activities
  3. Presentation
  4. Distance Education

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Write a brief essay describing an experience of miscommunication because of gender and/or sexual identity differences.
  2. Bring a recent article from a mass media source that reflects stereotypic language relating to issues of gender and/or sexual identity to class. Write a 1-2 page reflection in your journal about the inappropriate use of language.
  3. Write a brief essay reflecting on your own childhood and the ways you were taught appropriate behavior for men and women. Explore the cultural, social, and historical factors that contributed to your understanding of gender differences.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Class Work
  2. Class Participation
  3. Group Projects
  4. Research Projects
  5. Oral Presentation
  6. Midterm Examination
  7. Final Examination or Project
  8. Journals
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Articulate knowledge of the core concepts, central figures, and different theoretical frameworks of feminist thought and gender studies.
  2. Critically examine social, ethical, and/or political gender issues from multiple perspectives.
  3. Explain a variety of practical communication skills appropriate for successful cross-gendered/cross-sexed communication to maintain healthy relationships.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Wood, J (2013). Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture (10th). Wadsworth.
  2. Ivy, D.K (2011). GenderSpeak: Personal Effectiveness in Gender Communication (5th). Pearson.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Processes and theories of gender and communication; emergence of sexual identity and orientation in society; the power of language and stereotypes in private discourse and public dialogue; the impact of historical, social, ethical, cultural, and psychological factors on gendered communication in multiple contexts.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000 (Formerly ENGL 1)