PSYC 160 Clinical Psychology Assessment Coureswork 2026 | San Jose State University

PSYC 160 Assessment Coureswork

Lecturer: Patience Lunga

E-mail: patielunga@gmail.com

Consultation and Office Hours: Tuesday & Friday: 14:00 -16:00

STUDY MATERIALS

Required Texts:

1. Bosson, J. K., Buckner, C. E. & Vandello, J. A. (2021). The Psychology of Sex and Gender (2nd Ed.). Sage Publications.

OVERVIEW

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the theory and psychological concepts used to understand sex differences and gender more broadly (as gender is a key construct underlying psychological differences between women and men). Sex differences are complex and often vary by sexual orientation and gender identity, too, and some individuals are born intersex (neither female nor male) while others identify as neither a man nor a woman. Accordingly, this course examines the topics of sex and gender as they are relevant to all people, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Research addressing both women and men, as well as diverse gender and sexual identities, will be examined in order to provide a complete introduction to this area of study. Similarly, cross-cultural and intersectional views will be considered throughout. Specific course topics include psychological differences between men and women; social and biological factors in sex differences and gender; gender development; stereotypes and sexism; sexuality and interpersonal relationships; work and family life; and aggression and violence. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to discuss research on sex differences and gender, compare theoretical perspectives on sex differences and gender, and consider the individual and social implications of these topics.

Learning Activities

This course will be structured around textbook readings and PowerPoint/lecture content, which is intended to summarize and expand upon textbook readings. PowerPoint/lecture content will be posted online on the Moodle platform and should be read in addition to the assigned textbook readings. Both textbook readings and PowerPoint/lecture topics are indicated in the course schedule (see the end of this syllabus). This schedule should be your main resource for staying organized in the course.

Course Objectives

The main goal of the course is to dispel myths and stereotypes about gender through the careful examination of research in psychology. Specifically, this course will develop students’ critical thinking skills by examining gender beliefs in popular culture and the popular press and contrasting them to psychological findings. A second goal is to examine both the biological basis and cultural basis of gender, gender roles, masculinity/femininity, and stereotypes.

By the end of the course, students will be able to accomplish the following outcomes:

1. Define the major concepts used by social scientists to investigate and analyse sex differences and gender.
2. Explain the major principles, models, and issues under investigation by the social scientists on the topic of sex differences and gender.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological processes that result in the development, maintenance, and expression of stereotypes, prejudices, discrimination, and inequities based on gender.
4. Critically evaluate how one’s own experiences with gender identity and gender roles result from and impact social structures and cultural practices.

Class Expectations

• Attend every class and be punctual. READ the material before each class. REVIEW material after class.
• Be respectful of others. Failure to do so may result in the student being asked to leave class. Side discussions between students, even in the back of the class, are very disruptive to others.
• Approach class and assignments as a professional. Be present, awake, attentive, and engaged.
• Do not cause distractions. Please make a habit of putting your cellphones on silent before class.
• Complete assignments and exams as scheduled. Communicate effectively regarding barriers.
• Take responsibility for your own learning throughout the semester. Don’t expect extra opportunities at the end to raise your grade. Over-study at the beginning to ensure a good start.

Evaluation of student performance

Assessment for the course will be as follows:

Continuous assessment (CA 60%)

Midterm Exams (x2): 30%

Group Research report: 15%

Debate critique (x2): 10%

Class participation: 5%

Final Exam (40%)

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions                            30marks

Section B: Fill-in-the-blanks/ Matching/true or false     10marks

Section C: Structured Questions                                     30marks

Section D: Short essay                                                    15marks

Section E: Case Study                                                     15marks

Class Attendance: By college policy, regular attendance is expected and required. Absence in class will negatively affect your grades as some discussions may be incorporated into exams. The relationship between attendance and achievement in education has been extensively documented in peer-reviewed research. Attendance may be the single most important factor under your control in determining your grade.

* All exams must be taken on time as noted in the course calendar with three exceptions: documented health emergencies, documented family emergencies, and documented required participation college events (e.g. sporting activities). Make up exams will only be offered in the case of a documented emergency and the Lecturer must be notified about this emergency within two calendar days of the scheduled exam through email; after this point, the exam make-up request will be denied and your score will be a zero for that exam. If you will be out of town on the day of the exam to attend a college event, please make arrangements with the lecturer in person at least one week before the exam date. 

CHEATING and PLAGIARISM

Although this will not apply to the vast majority of you, cheating on any exam, written research alternative paper, and/or plagiarism will result in class failure (i.e., an “F” in the class). You will also be reported to the Dean’s Office for disciplinary action, which may result in probation, suspension or expulsion, as well as a possible disciplinary hearing composed of faculty members and your peers.

Plagiarism refers to formal work (e.g., research papers, oral reports) publicly misrepresented as original and may comprise oral, written and crafted pieces. If you wish to use original references or pieces, word for word or by paraphrase, those ideas should be noted by the appropriate author. It

is your responsibility to know what constitutes plagiarism before you submit any work; if you are unsure, I will happily discuss it further with you before any written assignment is due.

If you have questions, please feel free to ask me before your assignment is due and before you submit it for course credit.

** IMPORTANT NOTE **

Due to the sensitive nature of some of the material in psychology courses and in order to encourage everyone to participate freely, audio and video recordings of class lectures are not allowed for this course. In addition, camera/phone, video and still cameras are not allowed in this class.

Assessment Due dates:

1. Test 1: 11 March 2026
2. Test 2: 22 April 2026
3. Debate Critique:
   • Debate 1: 30 March 2026
   • Debate 2: 30 April 2026

Lecture Schedule

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