This is a discovery channel film that looks at research into the physiological differences between men and women and the debate over which explains human behavior: nature or nurture.

How important are the differences? Which differences are important and which not, why?

If men and women are physically different must they be treated different socially and politically as well? Should society provide support and laws especially for men and women on the basis of their differences? In what ways? Who determines which differences are important and which aren't? What criteria do they use to make their decisions?

Are we slaves to our genetic make-up?  Are social definitions of male and female sufficient and accurate when apoplied to individuals?

Killing Us Softly

This film looks at the depiction of women in advertizements. As you watch it please keep in mind the way in which Jean Kilborne is analyzing the ads and their images. Dr. Kilborne is the first to look at the presentation of gender in advertisements and raise questions about what this tells us of societiy's view of men and women.

Which ones does she see as positive? Why? Which as negative? Why? Do you see them in the same way? How do you differ? what criteria would you use to analyze these messages?

Dreamworlds 3

This film explores a particular segment of television, music videos. The researcher, Sut Jhalley (One of the two authers of your book Englishtened Racism) has studied the phenomena of music videos from the point of view of their presentation of a specific world view and of a specific topic: women. He views these videos as commercials not merely entertainment, as he sees they are made to help sell cds and albums. This makes them relevant to our study of women in ads and t.v. product commercials. His presentation is quite controversial, as he focuses on the images not the music.

What has Prof. Jhalley learned from his research? How has he analysed the contents of the videos?

How are women presented in the videos? What affect might this have on the perception of male consumers of women? As consumers of music videos, what do you think of their presentation of the music and the images of men and women?

Deborah Tannen: He Said, She Said

This film presents the research of Deborrah Tannen who has written several books about the way in which men and women use conversation differently. Not all men and women act the same way that is typical for their group. It is important to remeber there is variation within the genders as well as between.

What are the main differences that she has found?

What specific issues and topics seem to be areas in which men and women differ in the attitudes and approach? Do you find these to be problems for you?

How can understanding these differences help us to communicate better?

Women and Men

This film looks at problems in relationships between men and women as a result of the definitions of what it is to be male and female in society. It particularly focuses on the definitions of macho male and feminine female. and the problems that arise in communication. What are these problems?

What impact do our gender definitions have on our ability to communicate effectively with each other?

What is romance? What pattern of behavioral expectations are set up in romantic situations?

Violence Against Women

Young people like to think that they are safe from problems such as rape. It can't happen to me or my friends, but statistics show that rape is most likely to occur among aquaintances rather than strangers and is also most likely to be more damaging to the victim's sense of self. When the rapist is a family member of friend, it is more difficult for the victim to speak out and get assistance or even admit they were victimized.

What is rape? Define it.

Have you or one of your friends had to deal with the issue of rape? What did you do?

Did you fear that people wouldn't believe you?

Were you more concerned for the rapist than the victim?

Do you view the police as your friend?

If there is interest, we may also discuss Title IX and view the film:

Straighttalk: Sports Title IX

This discussion was held recently on television among women players on the WNBA, promoters and lawyers who prosecute Title IX cases. It talks about the success of thw WNBA's first season and the reasons for that success and the role of Title IX in developing women's pro-sports.

What is Title IX?

Have you personally been affected by it? How?

What impact has it had on sports at Cal Poly?

Does football deserve to be treated differently than other sports in determining opportunities for athletes? If so, why?

Email your responses to me at: bmori@calpoly.edu

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