Montclair University
Fall, 2003
Sociology of Gender, Fall, 2003
Kathryn Keller, Ph.D.
W) 973-971-4740/(H) 973-467-9465
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course, we will examine how our society builds “social meaning around the physical categories of female and male.” (Kramer). Gender is the social construction of one’s sex; that is, how we think, how we speak, how we are socialized, what resources are available to us, what respect we are given, is influenced by the societal meanings given to being physically identified as a male or female. Moreover, Disch points out that “no one is simply a man or woman.” We must realize that gender intersects with other social factors such as class and race and helps us to answer the questions “Which woman?” “Which man?”
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:
Kimmel, Michael S. & Messner, Michael, A. Men’s Lives, 6th edition. New York: Allyn and Bacon, 2004.
Renzetti, Claire & Curran, Daniel. Women, Men and Society, 2003
Vannoy, Dana., editor. Gender Mosaics. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury Publishing. 2000.
Other articles will be distributed.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Readings: It is expected that the student come to class having completed the reading assignments (prior to the lecture) and ready to participate in the discussion.
Research: There are 4 research assignments. Each of these assignments is worth 25 points.
Test: There will be 2 tests. Each test is worth 100 points. The tests will consist of multiple choice and essay questions.
Term Paper: A 10-12 page type-written paper is required. An outline is due September 24, 2003. The outline will delineate the topic of inquiry, briefly outline the sub-topics, and include a working bibliography. The working bibliography should include at least 5 scholarly references (journal articles and books). Popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Seventeen are not academic references. These may be used if you studying the nexus between gender and popular media. But they are not references. Magazines such as Time and Newsweek can be used for current statistical information but are not considered part of the 5 references. Interviews, visual sources, paintings, television programs are excellent sources to support your perspective. However 5 academic references are still required. You may use internet sources but only from .edu or .org sources. Make sure you include the web address in your bibliography. You must support your statements by citing references. Any of the various formats can be used: endnotes, footnotes, APA, but you must include information that would allow the reader of the paper to substantiate your statement. The paper is due November 19, 2003.
Grades: Your final grade is based on a possible total score of 400 points: 100 points for research assignments, 200 points for the 2 tests, and 100 points for the paper.
Class Discussion: Class participation and discussion is essential for the class to be successful. Class participation is factored into the final grade. Class participation will raise the student’s grade whose score falls between two grades, e.g. an A or A-. The student who participates actively will receive the A.
Attendance: Attendance is expected and will influence your final grade. If you miss more than 3 classes, your grade drops 1/2 grade, e.g. from an A to A-. If you miss more than 5 classes, your grade drops one full grade, e.g. from an A to B. If you miss more than 7 classes, you fail the course. This policy applies to all excuses for non-attendance, illness, other appointments, sports activities, family crises. I refuse to judge the validity of the excuse.
Extra Credit There are a variety of ways to enhance your grade. Class participation is one. Additional essays or class presentations can be arranged. All extra credit assignments must be completed by December 3, 2003.
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