SOC 333 Gender Roles in Society
Corey Wrenn
Clark C 251
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Fall 2012
Office Hours
B 271 Clark Building
Tuesdays 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Introduction:
In this course we will explore the concept of gender through a critical sociological lens. Our two major goals in the
course will be to examine the ways that gender and sex are socialized and socially constructed and the shifting
relationship between gender/sex and the major institutions in our society. Gender will also be explored in relation
to race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, culture, age, and species. The course objectives and structure are summarized
briefly in this syllabus. The course objectives will be realized using the sociological imagination and critical
thinking. Please be aware that this course will challenge many taken-for-granted social “realities” and will often
cover uncomfortable subjects. I ask that you please maintain a professional demeanor and help me in creating a
respectful and safe environment for discussion and learning.
Course Objectives:
 Recognize the social construction of gender and subsequent social implications
 Recognize the intersections between gender and other social institutions, classifications, and inequalities
 Develop critical thinking skills and sociological imagination
Course Materials:
Linda L. Lindsey. 2010. Gender Roles: A Sociological Perspective. 5th Edition.
You are welcome to use an older edition, but you are responsible for any discrepancies.
You will also be responsible for articles and other reading materials available to view and download from RamCT.
Contact:
RamCT email.
Evaluation of Student Performance:
Three exams: 25% each (including final exam) (75% total)
Essay: 15%
Attendance: 10%
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
93.3 % - 100%
90.0% - 93.2%
86.7% - 89.9%
83.3% - 86.6%
80.0% - 83.2%
75.0% - 79.9%
70.0% - 74.9%
60.0% - 69.9%
59.9% or below
Late Submissions and Absences:
No late submissions will be accepted without a note from a physician or the university. I will only accept late
submissions from students who notify me at least 24 hours in advance. If you require special circumstances for
any exam, please email me to discuss your options.
Each class will begin with a lecture and end with class discussion. For this reason, attendance will be taken. Up to
two absences are allowed without penalty. Each additional absence will count towards 5% of your total 10%
attendance credit. Class participation may be considered to regain attendance credit.
RamCT:
Check RamCT regularly for course announcements, course documents, assignments, and mail. A discussion board
is also available to connect with classmates—however I will not be monitoring it, so if you have any questions for
me, please email me directly. Please check your RamCT mail prior to each class in case of class cancelations and
other important announcements.
Writing Competency:
Writing assignments in this class are intended to improve students’ comprehension of course content and
proficiency in writing. Students are expected to demonstrate:
 The ability to convey a theme or argument clearly and coherently,
 The ability to analyze critically and to synthesize the work of others,
 The ability to acquire and apply information from appropriate sources, and
 Competence in standard written English (including proper use of syntax, grammar, punctuation, etc.)
If you require assistance on meeting these requirements, please set up an appointment with the CSU writing center
(http://writing.colostate.edu/). This course requires strict adherence to the American Sociological Association’s
citation style. Please see the Owl at Purdue website for assistance (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/). See the RamCT
page for further information on citing in the ASA style.
Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, and Classroom Behavior
Students will comply with the rules and regulations concerning academic dishonesty, plagiarism and
classroom behavior that are found in the Colorado State University General Catalog
(http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/FrontPDF/1.6POLICIES1112f.pdf ). Plagiarism is an act of academic
dishonesty that includes submitting something written by others as your own written work, paraphrasing without
proper documentation, and/or quoting without proper documentation. Please refer to RamCT for instructional
materials to assist you in proper citation.
Different Abilities
If you are a student who will need accommodations in this class, please make an appointment to see me to
discuss your individual needs. Any accommodation must be discussed in a timely manner prior to
implementation. A verifying memo from Resources for Disabled Students may be required before any
accommodation is provided.
Course Schedule
Subject to change: Please check RamCT regularly for updated information, announcements, and
additional reading materials
Week 1 – Introduction to Gender
August 20: CLASS CANCELED
August 22: Introduction & Major Theoretical Perspectives
August 24: Feminist Frameworks
Gender Roles - Chapter 1 “The Sociology of Gender: Theoretical Perspectives and Feminist Frameworks”
Week 2: Biology, Sexuality, and Health
August 27: Nature and Nurture
August 29: Sexuality
August 31: Health
Gender Roles - Chapter 2 “Gender Development: Biology, Sexuality, and Health”
Week 3: Socialization
September 3: Labor Day Holiday—No Class
September 5: Socialization
September 7: “The Codes of Gender”
Gender Roles - Chapter 3 “Gender Development: The Socialization Process”
Week 4: Language
September 10: Linguistics
September 12: Talk
September 14: Class Exercise
Gender Roles - Chapter 4 “Gendered Language and Socialization”
Week 5: Gender in the West
September 17: Woman’s Experiences in Western History
September 19: Women in America
September 21: The Women’s Movement
Gender Roles - Chapter 5 “Western History and the Construction of Gender Roles”
Week 6: Global Perspectives on Gender
September 24: Exam #1
September 26: The Global Female Experience
September 28: “Saving Face”
Gender Roles - Chapter 6 “Global Perspectives on Gender”
Week 7: Love, Marriage, and Relationships
October 1: Love and Attraction
October 3: Marriage and Family
October 5: New Marriage Forms
Gender Roles - Chapter 7 “Gendered Love, Marriage, and Emerging Lifestyle”
Week 8: Family
October 8: Parenthood
October 10: “Nontraditional” Families
October 12: Global Families
Gender Roles - Chapter 8 “Gender and Family Relations”
Week 9: Masculinity
October 15: The Male Historical Experience and Patriarchy
October 17: Masculinity
October 19: Gendered Violence
Gender Roles - Chapter 9 “Men and Masculinity”
Week 10: Speciesism and Gender
October 22: The Gendered Nonhuman Experience
October 24: Objectification, Sexualization, and Intersectionality
October 26: Masculinity and Speciesism
Adams - Chapter 1 “What Pornography?”
Adams – Chapter 2 “More than Meat”
Luke – Introduction “Gender and the Exploitation of Animals”
Week 11: Work
October 29: Exam #2
October 31: The Home and Work
November 2: Women in the Labor Force
Gender Roles - Chapter 10 “Gender, Work, and the Workplace”
Week 12: Education
November 5: Early Education
November 7: Later Education
November 9: Education and Gender in the Developing World
Gender Roles - Chapter 11 “Education and Gender Role Change”
Week 13: Religion and Media
November 12: Religion
November 14: “Missrepresentation”
November 16: Essay due
Gender Roles - Chapter 12 “Religion and Patriarchy”
Week 14: Fall Break
Week 15: Media (Ctd.)
November 26: Media
November 28: “Tough Guise”
November 30: ‘’
Gender Roles - Chapter 13 “Media”
Week 16: Politics and the Law
December 3: Law
December 5: Politics
December 7: Wrap-up and Final Exam Review
Gender Roles - Chapter 14 “Power, Politics, and the Law”
Final Exam: December 11th 9:40 AM – 11:40 AM