This course is concerned with understanding how people in our own and other cultures learn, negotiate, and accept or resist their gender roles. This is an introductory course designed for students with little or no background in the cross-cultural study of gender. It is broad in scope and covers topics in American feminist theory, the social construction of gender, and issues affecting women's and men's lives in our own and in non-Western societies.
Participation is emphasized.
This means that you are expected to come to class with the assigned readings completed, to listen attentively while in class, and to contribute to class discussion. Please respect your classmates' opinions and rights by arriving to class prepared, by giving others an opportunity to speak, and by listening to what they have to say. Regular attendance is expected. Experience suggests that students who miss class do poorly and that those who attend class regularly do well and also enjoy the course more. Since much of this course involves discussion and class participation, regular attendance is important.