In the last decade transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have become increasingly visible in our families, culture, and public discourse. This course explores the concept of gender identity for people who are curious about the nature of gender, the process of gender affirmation, or changing social dynamics. Participants will learn the unique challenges faced by the TGNC population as well as develop the skills to build inclusive spaces in all spheres of their life. This course was developed under the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education at the University of Minnesota.
What does it mean to identify as Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)?
Offered By
University of Minnesota
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Welcome!
In the last decade transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have become increasingly visible in our families and culture. This course explores the concept of gender identity for people who are interested in the nature of gender, the process of gender affirmation, or changing social dynamics. Participants will learn the unique challenges faced by individuals within the TGNC population as well as develop the skills to build inclusive spaces in all spheres of their life. Each module will contain original video content, readings, and other multimedia to enhance the learning experience. Throughout the course, participants will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge via short multiple choice quizzes and/or discussion sections that challenge you to reflect on your learning experiences. This course was developed under the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education at the University of Minnesota.
1 video (Total 4 min), 1 reading
1 video
1 reading
Pre-Assessment10m
Week
2Introduction to Gender Identity
Gender identity is a wide spectrum beyond the binary of male and female. Each and every one of us has a gender identity innate to our experience as humans. While gender is all around us, much remains unknown about the development of gender identity. This module introduces the basics of gender and explores how gender affects our daily lives.
11 videos (Total 53 min), 18 readings, 3 quizzes
11 videos
Gender Identity - Dr. Katie Spencer4m
Gender Queer - Dr. G. Zachariah White9m
Pronouns - Nova Bradford1m
Importance of Language - Dr. G. Zachariah White1m
Evolution's Rainbow - Dr. Joan Roughgarden11m
"Should research focus on the genetic basis of transgender identities?" - Dr. Brian Rood2m
Introduction to Dysphoria and Mental Health - Nova Bradford2m
Gender Dysphoria - Dr. Katie Spencer6m
History of TGNC People and Mental Illness - Cei Lambert5m
Working with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Populations - Dr. G. Zachariah White8m
18 readings
Gender and Sexuality5m
The Language of Gender10m
Additional Resources
An Introduction to Transgender People3m
Understanding Transgender People5m
Understanding the Transgender Community5m
Understanding Non-Binary People5m
Gender Pronouns2m
Why Pronouns Matter for Trans People3m
Questionable Questions10m
Pronoun Game5m
Additional Resources
Nature and sex redefined – we have never been binary10m
Between the (Gender) Lines20m
Additional Resources
American Psychological Association5m
Probing the Complexities of Transgender Mental Health10m
Additional Resources
3 practice exercises
Terminology and Language8m
Science of Gender4m
Science of Gender and Mental Health4m
Week
3Digital Stories
A collection of first-person narratives exploring the ups and downs of daily life as a transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC) individual from several points of view.
14 videos (Total 120 min), 3 readings
14 videos
This is Ben12m
This is Leonardo3m
This is Paula13m
This is Maya7m
This is Samwise13m
This is CeCe12m
This is Anne6m
Our Story as Parents - Chris and Sarah15m
Parenting, Family and Divorce - Paula Overby9m
This is our family - Ben and Katrina-Marie9m
Losing Friends and Keeping Friends - Chris, Sarah and Maya7m
Dating before Transition - Maya5m
My Spouse - Ben2m
3 readings
Transgender Oral History Project20m
Additional Resources
Parenting Non-Binary Kids10m
Week
4Understanding the Process of Gender Affirmation
Developing a healthy gender is a lifelong process. For individuals that identify as transgender or gender nonconforming, the process of gender affirmation can take many forms as they age from children to older adults.
8 videos (Total 35 min), 10 readings, 1 quiz
8 videos
Gender Creative or Expansive Children - Dr. Dianne Berg6m
Informed Consent and Adolescents - Dr. Dianne Berg3m
Gender Affirming Medical Care for Youth - Dr. Eric Meininger13m
Gender Dysphoria and Gender Affirmation - Dr. Brian Rood2m
Medical Transition - Cei Lambert4m
Aging and Transgender Populations - Phil Duran1m
Coming out to Family - Ben1m
10 readings
Supporting Gender Independent Children and Their Families15m
The K-12 Binary10m
Additional Resources (Children)
Additional Resources (Youth)
Here’s What Trans People Who Aren’t Medically Transitioning Want You To Know10m
Truth and Transgender at 7010m
The Challenge of Being Transgender in a Nursing Home10m
Additional Resources
The Why, When, and How of Coming Out5m
Coming Out Again, 10 Years Later10m
1 practice exercise
Gender Affirmation: Children and Youth6m
4.6
14 ReviewsTop Reviews
By RC•Sep 4th 2017
This course was amazingly informative. I have learned many new thoughts and ideologies. This new understanding will help me to help my students feel a sense of belonging, inclusion and understanding.
By AA•Feb 12th 2018
An amazing course rich with narratives and lots of readings/ videos/ resources. This has been a great learning experience for me. Thank you to everyone who was a part of teaching this course :)
Instructors
Rebecca Graetz, EdD
InstructorUniversity of Minnesota - Program in Human Sexuality
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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Is financial aid available?
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