An examination of the development of modern American women through the life span. The course emphasizes how female biology and socialization, as well as demographic, political and economic forces, help to create important differences in female development from that of males. Consideration is given to uniquely female events such as menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, and menopause. Modern social problems that particularly affect women, including poverty, provision of child care, psychological depression, role overload, being a displaced homemaker, and widowhood are also discussed.