Gender and Communication

COMM 4220

Texts:

Wood, J. T. (1996). Gendered relationships. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.

Kindlon, D. J., Thompson, M., & Barker, T. (2000). Raising Cain: Protecting the emotional life of boys. New York: Ballantine.

Pipher, M. (1994). Reviving Ophelia: Saving the self of adolescent girls. New York: Ballantine Books.

Course Description:

This course incorporates theory and research in the social and behavioral sciences to examine how gender is culturally created and maintained through communication and in our relationships.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, you will be expected to demonstrate:

1)            comprehension of the major theoretical perspectives and research concerning gender and communication;

2)         an analytical awareness of gendered behavior and gender issues;

3)            understanding of the essential role communication plays in cultural constructions of gender (what it means to be female or male in our culture and others).

Method of Evaluation:

Quizzes (10 X 4 points each = 40 points):

You will have 11 unannounced quizzes over the course readings, documentaries, and discussions/lectures. These quizzes will emphasize critical thinking skills and application, and will highlight the major theories and concepts of gendered communication. The quizzes will consist of 2 questions, of which you will choose 1 question. You will be allowed to drop your lowest quiz grades. No make-up quizzes will be given. If you are late to class and miss the quiz, you may not make that quiz up.

Midterm and Comprehensive Final (2 X 5 points = 10 points):

As a class we will construct short essay questions for our midterm and final. On each exam, you will have five questions, of which you will answer three. Two of the questions will be worth 2 points; one of the questions will be worth 1 point.

Controversial Gender Issue Opposing Viewpoints Presentation and Summary (5 points presentation/ 5 points summary = 10 points):

We often have passionate feelings about topics about which we neglect to listen to the opposing viewpoint. You will select one controversial gender topic and explore existing oppositional arguments concerning the topic in a 4-5 minute PowerPoint presentation. Both (or all) sides should be represented fairly. You should use at least four credible outside sources to support the arguments for each side. You will pass out a detailed summary of your information to everyone in the class (1-2 pages). On the second day of class, bring in a list of your top three issues. You will sign up for presentation dates on the second day of class.

Book analysis paper and presentation/summary of information (2 X 15 points = 30 points):

After reading Raising Cain and Reviving Ophelia, you will choose one to write a 3-4 page analysis. Your analysis should evaluate the credibility/arguments/efficacy of the book and incorporate at least 4 additional sources beyond the book and text to support your arguments. Which arguments/points in the book are credible and why? Which arguments/points do you disagree with and why? What important points did the author leave out? What points that the author made could be discussed further? What would you add? Use credible outside sources to support your arguments. While you are welcome to use Internet sources, they may not count as one of the four required sources.

Movie Analysis

I will give you a choice of five movies, of which you will choose one to analyze the gender issues evident in the movie. Your analysis will consist of 3-4 proofread, typewritten pages, and apply the concepts and theories from the readings, lectures, and class discussions. You should incorporate 3-4 additional sources into your paper.

Use credible outside sources to support your arguments. While you are welcome to use Internet  sources, they may not count as one of the required sources. (This does not, of course, include library sources available via the Internet.)