Course Description: This class will analyze roles of women and men in contemporary American society from a sociological perspective. We will also look at biological, anthropological, and psychological aspects of gender roles. Changes in the roles of women and men will be explored in areas as education, the labor force, the legal system and government, health and medicine, crime, and family relationships.
Required Texts: Available in CSUN bookstore
Course requirements:
Students are expected to attend all classes. Missing more than three classes may result in lowering a grade. Grades will be based equally upon: three examinations (3/4 grade) and fieldwork/essay assignments (1/4 grade).
| Important: Complete all assignments on the required dates. | ||
| Aug 27-29 | Introduction to Sociological Concepts for studying Gender and Sex Roles | |
| Text
Reader Reader |
Chpt.1
Kimmel |
Introduction, xiii
Clarence, William, Iron Mike, Tailhook, Senator Packwood, Magic...and Us p. 497 |
| First fieldwork assignment | ||
| Sept. 3-5 | Socialization for Gender Roles--American variations | |
| Text
Reader |
Chpt. 4
Sabo Pleck |
Pigskin, Patriarchy & Pain, p. 99. Men's Power with Women, other men and society p. 5 |
| Sept. 10-12 | Schools: Reinforcing Gender Roles | |
| Text
Reader |
Chpt.3
Thorne Hantover Messner |
Girls and Boys Together p. 61 Boy Scouts & Masculinity p.74 Boyhood, Sports & Masculinity p. 102 |
| Sept. 17-19 | Biological Dimensions of Sex & Gender | |
| Text
Reader |
Chpt. 2
Steinem Glassner |
If Men could Menstruate p. 250 Men and Muscles p. 252 |
| Sept. 24-26 | Cross-Cultural & Ethnic Perspectives on Gender | |
| Text | Chpt. 3
Majors Marable Zinn |
Proud Signature of Black Survival P. 82 The Black Male p. 26 Chicano Men and Masculinity p.33 |
| FIRST EXAMINATION October 1 No MAKE UPS | ||
| Oct. 3, 8, & 10 | Communication, Conversation and Media | |
| Text
Reader |
Chapt. 6
Lyman Simmons Collinson Donnerstein & Linz |
Fraternal bond as a joking relationship, p.86 Truth about Male Friendships, p. 358 Engineering Humor p.164 Mass Media Sexual Violence p. 381 |
| October 15-17 | Gender Issues and Violence | |
| Reader | Hood
Beneke Jack M, Kaufman | Let's Get a Girl p. 307
Men on Rape p.312 Confessions of a Date Rapist p. 318 Construction of Masculinity & Violence p. 13 |
| October 22-24 | Gender Roles in Intimacy/ Family Roles | |
| Text
Reader |
Chpt. 7
Hochschild Rubin McAdoos Miller |
The Second Shift p. 443 The Approach-Avoidance Dance, p. 279 African American Father's Roles p.485 Life-Styles of Gay Husbands and Fathers p.461 |
| October 29-31 | Gender Roles in Politics, Government & Military | |
| Text |
Connell Cohn Rodriguez |
chapter 10
Masculinity, Violence and War p. 125 Wars, Wimps and women: talking Gender & thinking war, p. 131 "Sissy" Warriors vs. "Real" Men -Gays in Military p. 144 |
| SECOND EXAM November 7 no make-ups | ||
| November 7 | Gender and Spirituality | |
| Text | Chapter 11 | |
| November 12-14 | Gender Issues in Employment | |
| Text
Reader Reader |
Chpt. 8
Williams Levine Nonn |
Glass Escalator p. 193 Status of Gay Men in Work Place p. 212 Hitting Bottom--homelessness, poverty p. 225 |
| November 19, 21, 26 | Gender and Health | |
| Text
Reader |
Chpt. 12
Harrison, Chin & Ficarrotto Gershick & Miller |
Masculinity May be Dangerous to your health? p.237 Masculinity & Physical Disability p.262 |
| December 3 | Future Trends in Gender Social Movements Men's Liberation, Feminist Movement, Lesbian & Gay Rights Issues | |
| Text
Reader |
Chpt. 13
Hooks |
pp. 503-19
National Organization for Men Against Sexism p. 529 Men Comrades in Struggle p. 520 |
| THIRD EXAMINATION December 5 | ||