Psychological science demonstrates that appearance matters, influencing our judgments of the character and well-being of others, as well as our sense of self. Nonetheless, “appearance matters” as integrated field of psychological inquiry is just beginning to take shape. This course provides an overview of key topics in appearance-related research in psychology, including: beauty ideals in a diversity society, body image and eating problems, gender and visual media, visible differences related to illness/disability, among other topics. This course highlights key research and theoretical perspectives to explore the social and clinical significance of appearance matters, as informed feminist, queer, and critical disability theories, as well as social and evolutionary perspectives on the science of beauty and appearance. This course counts toward the Gender Studies minor.