COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, we examine our gendered selves and society. We will study the contemporary
research on how intersections of gender, class and race influence sexuality, love, family, religion,
politics, law, work, education, and social change. We will investigate current “hot” topics, such
as U.S. masculinity and violence, college “hook-up” culture, and the social movements that
contest gender injustices.
Required Texts
Kimmel: The Gendered Society. Edition: 6th.
Kimmel & Aronson: The Gendered Society Reader. Edition: 6th.
(Available in the UM bookstore.)
COURSE ASSESSMENTS
Written and Verbal Answers to Assigned Readings Questions
Each day of class, you will bring in hand-written answers to the assigned questions based on the
assigned readings and videos. It is best that these hand-written answers stay in your notebook, so
that you can review them for your reflection papers. You will be called on to answer and discuss
these answers. 10% of grade. (10 points)
Online Exams
There will be three online tests during the semester. Each is cumulative. Tests will range from
twenty to forty multiple choice questions. Most of the questions will be based on the assigned
readings questions. The rest will be based on the assigned book chapters and class lectures. The
exams will be available on Blackboard. 30% of grade. (30 Points)
Reflection Papers
There will be three reflection papers due during the first ten weeks of the course. These papers
will be approximately five double-spaced pages each. You will write about a concept or concepts
covered in the course readings thus far. The purpose is to both reflect on the significance of the
concept, as well as to highlight what you have learned thus far. You must apply the concept to a
current event, an artifact of popular or high culture, or a personal experience. To be uploaded to
Blackboard. Twenty points per paper. 30% of grade. (30 points)
Final Paper
For the final paper, you will develop one of your reflection papers into a research paper. You
must address my feedback in this paper. You are required to include at least three outside
academic sources in this paper. This paper should be approximately ten double-spaced pages.
30% of grade. (30 points)
Grading Scale: A 100-94; A- 93-90; B+ 89-87; B- 83-80; C+ 79-77; C 76-74; D+ 69-67; D 66-
64; D- 63-60; F 0-59
Course Policies
1. Attendance: You may have one absence and you may be tardy twice per semester without
penalty. Any absence or tardy beyond one absence and two tardies will result in you
being marked down by five points in the overall class. This procedure will happen for
EACH additional absence or tardy.
2. Note that use of cell phones, computers, or any other devices during class will result in
student being marked absent and receiving the Five-point grade penalty.
3. You are expected to take hand-written notes in class. You may not use a lap top or other
computer to take notes during class.
4. Films and film clips are shown frequently in class. You are encouraged to take notes
during the films and during discussions about the films. You should expect test and essay
questions based on these films.
5. Extra credit opportunities will be announced in class. Extra credit is only available to
students who have done all assigned course work, including the daily written answers to
course questions. Students who have failed to complete any assigned work are not
eligible to receive extra credit. Extra credit will typically require students to attend an
on-campus lecture, write a hand-written summary of the lecture, and an analysis of the
gendered aspects of the lecture, and turn the paper in at the NEXT class meeting. One
point may be added to an exam grade if the student’s extra credit is approved.
6. Conduct in the Classroom: If students disrupt the teaching/learning process or act in a
disrespectful, threatening, or intimidating way toward the professor or other students,
they will be asked to leave the class.
WEEK 9
10/15-17 (Fall Recess Thursday & Friday)
Read Only in The Gendered Society Reader:
“Rethink What you "Know" About High-Achieving Women” “Unmasking Manly Men.”
View Assigned Videos
“Me Too Now What?” Is Masculinity in Crisis? https://www.pbs.org/video/masculinity-in-
crisis-ssflna/
WEEK 16
Week 16. 12/3-4
Student-led discussions.
Final Paper Due Friday December 7th by 11:59 pm.
Exam 3 Due Monday December 10th by 11:00 pm