| Women and Men in Contemporary Society SOC 223/WMST 223 Section 001 Spring 2003
Renzetti Claire M. and Curran Daniel J. 2002 Women, Men, and Society,
5th edition. Disch, E. 2003. Reconstructing Gender: A Multicultural Anthology, 3rd edition. Mountain View, CA : Mayfield Publishing Company
This course is an introduction to the study of men and women’s role in society. The course introduces to you the sex and gender system historically and cross culturally. The perspective of this course is that gender relations have primarily a social rather than biological basis. Focusing on gender relation, the course examines how gender relations structure the gender roles of men and women in the family and economic organization in the contemporary USA. The course also explores the relationship between race, class and sexual orientation. Course Objective: Class Policies: Class discussion may, at times, concern controversial issues. Students
are expected to respect the viewpoints expressed by other. If you disagree
with what someone has said, you are encouraged to express your disagreement
but are expected to do so in a civil, respectable, and polite manner.
1. Acknowledge that racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia exist. Attendance- You are expected to attend the class regularly. You may miss up to five classes without being penalized. These absences include sick days, religious holidays, and personal holidays. Any absences beyond these five will result in a deduction of 25 points from your final total for each day missed. I will take attendance daily. Missed work-Late papers will not be accepted in this course. Any deadlines regarding written work or student meetings will be announced well in advance of due dates. It shouldn’t be assumed that you will be given make-up exams if you miss a test day. Make up exam will be given under these conditions: (1) Written certification from a physician is presented indicating that the student was too ill to take the exam; (2) a written certification of death in the family is presented (3) written certification from a coach is presented stating that attendance was necessary at a previously scheduled intercollegiate event ; (4) when written certification is available for some –other-ordinary event that makes attendance at the exam impossible. Otherwise, failure to show up for an exam on the scheduled day will result in the score of a zero. Plagiarism - Cheating/Academic Dishonesty: COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS REGARDING PLAGIARISM AND OTHER FORMS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL BE UPHELD IN THIS COURSE. If you are not familiar with the definitions and consequences of cheating or with your rights, refer to your Student Conduct Code or see an academic advisor. You should be aware of plagiarism in every paper or assignment you write. Any time you use the ideas of someone else you must give them credit. You should put quotation marks around all direct quotations and cite the author at the end of the passage. If you are unsure of the proper way to do this see me before you turn in any work. Any work that has been plagiarized will receive a failing grade and may be turned in to the university as a violation of the student code of conduct. Office Hours - You should make use of my office hours. If you have any concerns about the class I will be quite happy to discuss them with you. E-mail - My e-mail address is listed on the first page of this syllabus. E-mail can be used as a general means of contacting me. You can e-mail me comments about class, questions, paper drafts, or anything else that you think I should be aware of. I check this e-mail account often. Assignments: Quizzes: There will be three quizzes given periodically throughout the semester. Sorry, no make up quizzes. Each quiz is worth 10 points. Journal: Five times during the semester. Your first journal will be based on the topics covered in the video, that will be shown on the second day of class. For other journals, you are to choose one of the readings from the Reconstructing Gender text or Women, Men and Society that we will not be reading in class to write a journal on. You may not use the same article more than once. For each journal you should pick out an essay, read it, and present your thoughts on it. I would like you to illustrate your viewpoints with analytical descriptions, instead of just purely descriptive essays. Tell me why you take a particular stand or viewpoint by supporting them with theories you have learned from the class or textbooks. It is fine to disagree with the authors of the readings and the instructor. However, I do expect you to put real thought into this. If your journal lacks your viewpoints that will cost 50% of your grade. You should make specific references to readings, lecture, and class discussion. If you do not provide the reference you will lose 5 points instantly. These assignments should be typed, double-spaced, and two-page in length. Each entry is worth 20 points. The journals are due on scheduled dates at the beginning of class. Late journals will not be accepted. Exams: The mid-term and final exams will include short answers and essay questions. You should draw upon your readings, the lectures, and class discussions to answer these questions. Research Paper: You will write a five to eight page research paper on any topic that falls within the bounds of this course topic. This is worth 50 points. We will spend a portion of the class discussing the details of this assignment on several occasions. On February 25, 2003 you should hand in your topic, a paragraph describing the basic outline you plan to follow, and a list of at least 5 academic journal articles you plan to use in writing your paper. If you need assistance picking a topic I will be glad to help you find one that is manageable and recommend suitable articles. It will be to your advantage to stay in contact with me about your progress with your paper. It is best to identify an interest early and begin thinking about what you want to take it. Your final paper is due on 24th April, 2003 at the BEGINNING of class. If you would like to turn in drafts of your paper for feedback prior to this date I will be happy to look at them. Group Presentation: You will be given 10-15 minutes to present a paper in the class. Also, you must develop 2-3 discussion questions, which can generate class discussion following the presentation. Make your presentation as interesting as possible. If you need to use the overhead projector or a VCR, please arrange with me two weeks before your presentation. Points will be given according to the content of your research paper, and the uniqueness of your presentation. Each presentation is worth 50 points. Topics of the Presentation will be handed to you in the second week. Video Show : At the end of the term you will watch a video. I will hand you some questions beforehand and you are expected to answer the questions and bring in to me in the next class. This assignment is worth 10 points. Grading and Evaluating Your Performance Attendance 10 400-450 = A Schedule This schedule represents a tentative plan for readings, lectures, and assignments. Any changes will be announced in class. WMS refers to Women, Men and Society and RG refers to Reconstructing Gender. Supplemental readings may be provided or recommended at later dates. Week 1
January 21: Studying Gender: Overview, Basics of Sociological Theory January 23: The Biological Perspective
Week 4 February 4 : The Cultural Perspective February 6: Group Presentation: Group 1
Week 6
Week 7 : February 27: The Gendered Workplace Week 8: March 6: Midterm Spring Vacation 8th March, 2003 to 16th March, 2003 March 27: Group Presentation #3
April 3: Gender and Health (Introduction). Week 11 April 10: Gender and Violence
April 17: Gender and Politics April 24 : Gender and Religion Final Exam May 6- |