Teaching the psychology of women: an interdisciplinary approach

This paper explores the development of a college freshman level course entitled, "Psychology of Women" at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. Interdisciplinary focus groups were held that included female professors from various disciplines, i.e., business, education, English literature, biology, nursing, and religious studies. The critical question posed to the group was: In this era of globalization and diversity, what issues and topics should be covered in a class that explores the psychology of women across the lifespan? The importance of studying womanhood within the context of nationality, religion, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and physical ability was highlighted.