Society and Gender
Introduces sociological theories of gender and examines inequality, power, identity, and social institutions.
View syllabusI believe the classroom is a space for critical inquiry, respectful dialogue, and collaborative learning. Through inclusive pedagogy, I empower students to engage with challenging ideas, connect theory to real-world challenges, and approach complex social questions with confidence and independence. My goal is to prepare thoughtful, ethical leaders and engaged citizens committed to justice and equity.
As the instructor of record across a range of postsecondary institutions, course levels, and instructional formats.
Stanford University · San Francisco State University · California State University, Stanislaus · Laney College
Sociology · Gender Studies · Ethnic Studies · American Indian Studies · related interdisciplinary fields
Introduces sociological theories of gender and examines inequality, power, identity, and social institutions.
View syllabusGuides students through the design, analysis, writing, and completion of an original sociological research project.
View syllabusIntroduces interdisciplinary approaches to race, ethnicity, power, inequality, identity, and social change.
View syllabusExamines federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and the continuing legal relationships between Native nations and the United States.
View syllabusStudies feminist and women’s rights movements in the United States with attention to race, class, gender, and intersectional politics.
View syllabusFour most recent semesters · 1 = highest rating
San Francisco State University · Ethnic Studies
| Evaluation criterion | My average | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Overall effectiveness | 1.17 | 1.57 |
| Subject-matter expertise | 1.07 | 1.29 |
| Clarity of course objectives and expectations | 1.13 | 1.40 |
| Course organization supported learning | 1.22 | 1.56 |
California State University, Stanislaus · Gender Studies
| Evaluation criterion | My average |
|---|---|
| Assignments contributed to my learning | 1.15 |
| Activities contributed to my learning | 1.15 |
| The instructor provided feedback that supported my learning | 1.1 |
| The instructor communicated concepts clearly | 1.15 |
“Professor Hontalas taught me the strength of being a student. I thought I was not worthy of school and success, but she helped me see that within myself through her teachings.” — Laney College student
“Professor Casselman brings her excellence and care into the classroom.” — College Dean, San Francisco State University
“Hontalas provides invaluable instruction. Students consistently praise her subject expertise, passion, discussion leadership, and timely feedback.” — Department Chair, San Francisco State University
“Professor Hontalas made what could’ve been a confusing and daunting subject extremely accessible and engaging. Her expert breakdown of complicated material into comprehensible terms made this my favorite class.” — Undergraduate student, San Francisco State University
“This was the best class I have taken in all of my college years, I think it should be taken by everyone at the university. I learned so much and was pushed so much in this class. The content is so important, organized, and relevant. The professor is so helpful, passionate, and thoughtful.” — Undergraduate student, San Francisco State University
I support students as they move from emerging ideas to completed research and as they navigate the academic and professional decisions that accompany that process. My mentorship emphasizes intellectual growth, methodological development, sustained accessibility, and individualized support. I attend not only to students’ academic progress, but also to their sense of belonging and longer-term goals, with particular care for first-generation, transfer, and other underrepresented students. Through this whole-person, equity-oriented approach, I help students become more confident as independent researchers prepared for graduate study, public scholarship, and meaningful professional pathways.
View Mentorship Statement“I know her guidance will help me as I finish my thesis and as I look toward law school. Her feedback and guidance were always in-depth, and she was always willing to help. Can’t rave about her enough.” — Graduate student, Stanford University
“I really appreciated this course because it broadened my perspective in ways I can take with me into my fieldwork in different communities. She made learning fun and comfortable.” — Undergraduate student, California State University, Stanislaus