Geology students reviewing a topographical map. background

Course Catalog

Girls, Girls, Girls: Sociology of Girls and Girlhood

What does it mean to be a girl? Who counts as a girl? What are girls supposed to be like? When does girlhood end? This course explores the cultural, structural, and individual forces shaping girls and girlhood. We will examine girlhood as a developmental period, a source of identity, and a social performance. We will discuss the stereotypes and realities related to girl’s identities (e.g., mean girls, girly girls, tomboys, good girls, bad girls, cool girls, ugly ducklings, nerdy girls, at risk girls, strong girls, rebel girls, boy-crazy girls, California girls, Indigo Girls, Spice Girls). Where do these stereotypes come from? How do they impact girls’ lives? How do girls embody, resist, or transform these identities? Throughout our discussions, we will pay attention to how race, class, and sexuality affect the experience of girlhood. Fall semester.

Grade Basis: Letter Grade
Credits: 4.0