Detailed Course Description: This course examines theories of women's and men's roles in society. It surveys contemporary gender inequalities in the U.S. and developing countries. Special attention is given to employment, race and class, sexual assault, feminist movements, alternative family/lifestyles, and childbearing.
Course Objectives: Students will be able to: (a) demonstrate an understanding of such concepts as gender, discrimination, feminism, and patriarchy; (b) display basic knowledge of gender's significance in U.S. history, culture, and social structure; (c) demonstrate critical thinking about the dialogue emerging from different theories and perspectives pertaining to gender, race, class, and sexuality; and (d) apply concepts from personal and/or family experience to analyze gender as a form of human mutuality that must be understood to enhance the common good.
Required Texts:
Renzetti, Claire M. and Daniel J. Curran. 2002. Women, Men, and Society, 5th Edition
Disch, Estelle. 2002. Reconstructing Gender: A Multicultural Anthology, 3rd Edition
Cheating/Copying/Plagiarism: Do not copy from anyone else’s work. You must provide a citation both in the text and in the bibliography in any work turned in if you quote someone else’s work. Ask me if you are not sure. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade. Do not cheat or copy from another student. Cheating and/or copying will result in a failing grade. (See the student handbook for details)
Citations/Bibliographies: I am not concerned with “how” you reference the works you use (ASA, APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), but you must do it. In text citations should be as follows: (Jenkot 2001:23-24).
Quizzes: You will be writing your own quizzes for this course, and taking them. This will be explained on a separate handout.
Writing Assignments: These will range between three (3) and six (6) page projects, I will make the assignments clear when I assign them. These assignments must be typed, using 12 point font, double spaced, and with one inch margins. Failure to comply with these parameters will result in lost points.
Late Assignments: I will only accept a late assignment in EXTREME cases. In such extreme cases I will allow for an additional week with a corresponding 10 point deduction, except in special circumstances. The idea is to turn your work in on time. I will accept no late work after April 25, 2003.
Missed Exams: These will be handled on a case by case basis. No exam will be returned until all exams have been turned in and graded. The style of any make-up exam allowed will be at the instructors discretion.
Attendance: Your grade is not dependent upon your attendance. However, I do ask that you provide me with a written reason for your absence. Include your name, date(s) missed, course name, and your reason.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices: Please turn them OFF while in class. The class is more than your time, it is all of the student’s time, please respect that.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING: I will use the standard 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%.
Assignments:
-In class Mid-Term (100 points) half multi-choice & half take home essay
-In class Final (100 points) half multi-choice & half take home essay
-2 papers (2 @ 100 points each = 200 points)
-12 Quizzes (2 lowest dropped), 5 points for writing & 5 points for taking (10 @ 10 points each = 100 points)
-Class Participation is VERY desirable, I will know who takes part and who does not
-Total Points = 500 + Extra Credit that MAY be made available. These may take the form of pop quizzes, these CAN NOT be made up.

Tentative Course Schedule: I expect that you have read, or are reading the material as we review it.

Week 1: January 13-17
Course Introduction
Renzetti & Curran (R&C) Chapter 1and 2: Overview & Sex Differences
Disch (D) Chapter 7: White Privilege and Male Privilege
D 13: The Myth of the Latin Woman
Week 2: (No Class Jan. 20) Jan. 21-24-QUIZ #1 Fri
R&C Chapter 3: Social Construction of Gender
D 9: The Social Construction of Gender
D 48: Black and Female
D 29: Real Men Don’t Cry
D 18: Beauty is the Beast
Week 3: January 27-31-QUIZ #2 Fri
D 5: “J.A.P.”- Slapping
D 10: Masculinity as Homophobia
D 12: Color, hair texture and standards of beauty
D 14: He Defies You Stil
D 23: I’m Not Fat, I’m Latina
Week 4: February 3-7-QUIZ #3 Fri
R&C Chapter 4: Gendered Socialization
D 4: Angry Women are Building
D 11: Boyhood, Organized Sports and the Construction of Masculinities
D 27: The Boy Code
D 24: The Tyranny of the Esthetic
Week 5: February 10-14-QUIZ #4 Fri
R&C Chapter 5: Socialization in Schools
D 45: Boys and Girls Together
D 46: Dreams: Bad Boys
D 49: Scholarly Studies of Men
Paper #1 Assigned, Due 3/7
Week 6: February 17-21-QUIZ #5 Fri
GUEST LECTURE: Terry Lilley, 2/17 & 2/19
D 26: For the White Person...
D 28: Asymmetries
D 30 Danny
D 31 American Indian Women
Week 7: February 24-28-QUIZ #6 Fri
R&C Chapter 7: Intimate Relationships
D 6: To Be Poor and Transgendered
D 15: Growing Up Hidden
D 32: How Men Have (A) Sex
D 34: Using Pornography
Essay Portion of Mid-Term Handed out
Week 8: March 3-7-QUIZ #7 Wednesday
D 35: The Sex Experts Versus Ann Landers
D 37: The Impact of Multiple Marginalization
D 36: Reproductive Rights
Exam #1: The Mid-Term Friday 3/7
Week 9: No Class—SPRING Break
Week 10: March 17-21-QUIZ #8 Fri
R&C Chapter 8: Employment & The Economy
D 50: It’s a Family Affair
D 53: Sharing the Shop Floor
D 54: The Effect of Affirmative Action
Week 11: March 24-28-QUIZ #9 Fri
R&C Chapter 10: Politics & The Military
D 16: The Military as a Second Bar Mitzvah
D 17: Becoming Men
Week 12: March 31-April 4-QUIZ #10 Fri
R&C Chapter 9: Crime & Justice
D 33: The Myth of the Sexual Athlete
D 56: Women, Violence, and Resistance
D 58: The Ultimate Growth Industry
Week 13: April 14-18
Midwest Sociological Society Meeting
(4/16-19)
D 59: Where Race and Gender Meet
D 63: Sneak Attack
D 60: Homophobia in Straight Men
Paper #2 Assigned, Due 4/28
Week 14: April 21-25-QUIZ #11 Fri
R&C Chapter 11 and 12: Spirituality & Health
D 66: Health, Social Class, and African American Women
D 69: Does silencio=muerte?
D 65: Masculinities and Men’s Health
Week 15: April 28-May 2-QUIZ #12 Fri
D 55: The Globetrotting Sneaker
D 73: Statement of Principles
D 70: A World Worth Living In
Week 16: December 9-13, Finals Week: Monday May 5, 7:50- 9:50 am