SECTION I: What is Gender? Biological and Social Constructions of Femininity, Masculinity and Personhood.

What are the views and stereotypes we have of members of the opposite sex? Test yourself.  What do we mean by personhood?  Are stereotypes being perpetuated?  Prepare a list for class of all the terms used to indicate men and women that you can find (both positive and negative) for discussion in class. Definitions.

Readings: Leonard: Ch. 1, 2 & 3

SECTION II: Perspectives of Sex and Gender.

Readings: Renzetti & Curran: Part 1 Ch. 2, 3

Film: Killing Us Softly 3  

Socialization consists of many influences one of the most important that we will explore is the influence of language.(speech patterns) Not just the words we use but also the way in which we use them. We are also concerned with the way in which our society values people and things and the way this is reflected in gender. The media also affect the way in which we learn what it is to be male and female in its portrayal of men and women today and in the future, especially the way in which we teach gender expectations to children.

Readings: Leonard Ch. 4
Renzetti & Curran:Part 2 Ch. 4, 6.

Films: "Tannen: He Said, She Said,"

"Dreamworld3 "

Family

This section will examine family as part of the lives of adult men and women. It will focus on the roles they play as a result of family membership.

Readings:Renzetti & Curran: Part 2 Ch. 5

SECTION V: Education

  This section will look at issues in educational opportunities for men and women and the role of formal education on the lives of men and women. Access to the same education available to men is an important issue for women in all areas of academics and sports training (Title IX). Often the contributions of women in various fields are not part of the story of the society. Test yourself. Which of these women do you know?  How about history? Try this quiz.

Readings:Leonard Ch. 6
Renzetti & Curran: Part 3 Ch. 8

SECTION VI:Work

This section will look specifically at issues faced by men and women on the job. It will focus on issues of adequate pay, workplace discrimination and harassment, hostile work environment and entry into the workforce.  Think about the following questions: What causes sexual harassment?  How can it be reduced?  Are current ways of dealing with it effective?

Readings:

Renzetti & Curran: Part 3 Ch. 7

SECTION VII: Politics and Gender
 
In this section, we will explore the role of gender in determining access to power in society and the role that law plays in the lives of men and women. Love Profile Love types

Pornography:  power in sexual relationships will also be discussed.

Readings:
"Pornography and Media" Gail Dines and Robert Jensen
Leonard Ch. 8 & 9
Renzetti & Curran: Part 3 Ch. 10

SECTION VIII: Health and Gender

The issues around health are varied and often controversial especially when women seek to assert control over areas in which men feel they have an interest or will lose control in such areas as abortion, medical profession and determining parentage.

One of the issues concerning women's health is spousal abuse and the way it harms women.  The major question asked is "why doesn't she leave?'  Research has shown that leaving a relationship is the most dangerous period for a woman and her children.  Fear of disertion by the spouse can lead to violence.  In making the decision to leave.

Readings: 
Renzetti & Curran: Part 3 Ch. 12

SECTION IX: Gender Issues: Sexuality, Violence, Ethnicity 

In this section, issues around diversity in gender and the presence of violence will be discussed. gender crimes

Battering

Flowers
Think about the following questions:  What causes violence against women?  Are current criminal justice approaches effective?  Why do we blame the victim for their assault?  How can we change men's behavior?

Readings: Renzetti & Curran: Part 3 Ch. 9

Film: "Violence Against Women"

Guest Lecturer: Karen Coffey (or her assistant) who will speak on Domestic Violence and the County Victim Witness Assistance Center.