Sociology 127
Men, Masculinity and Society
California State University,
Sacramento
Department of Sociology
Spring 2004
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This class will introduce students to the field of men and masculinity. Examines the construction of masculinity in sports, family, work and other social relationships, showing how it effects and is affected by people, institutions and society. Explores the diverse experiences based on race, class, occupation, physical ability and sexuality, and the implications for people from such diverse groups. As masculinity is taken in this course as a social concept that impacts everyone, both socially and personally, the course will assist students in understanding how masculinity as a social construction is related to the development of them as individuals.
1. Recognize and critically examine the development of the gendered individual
as an integrated physiological, psychological, and social being as a result
of masculine expectations and behaviors in society.
2. Identify the internal and external influences that promote masculine
dominance and portrayals in society, and ultimately influence the development
and display of masculinity and masculine behavior throughout a person’s
life (both portrayers of masculinity and recipients of other’s masculine
performances).
3. Critically examine their own individual behavior in reference to issues
surrounding masculinity and the social and natural environment, human
sexuality, nutrition, health stress, family, aging and death.
4. Develop an understanding of the construction of masculinity and its
effects on society.
5. Identify diverse presentations of gender in society, dependent on social
situation.
6. Critically analyze actions and behaviors of people in society in reference
to masculinity.
The following assignments are due on the dates indicated.
Assignment Journal: Students will periodically turn
in a journal that addresses how the topics discussed in class, and
the corresponding readings have influenced and continue to effect
their perception of themselves and other’s in society. They
will be expected to address not only how outside forces have impacted
them, but also how their own beliefs about issues surrounding masculinity
have influenced how they interact with others in relation to the
topics and readings. The journals will be no shorter than 2 pages
each in length, being turned in every three weeks (4 journal papers
turned in). Students will be graded on their understanding of the
theoretical discussions being presented in both the readings and
the class, as well as to be able to appropriately apply it. They
will also be graded on their ability to convey these ideas to the
reader. The 4 journal papers will be graded separately, but will
be compiled into a total grade for the class. Presentation: You are required to research another
culture’s relationship to masculinity and then compare it to
Western societal masculine expectations and/or behaviors Basically,
choose an experience, topic, or event that is related to gender
and then study how it is similar or different in another culture.
You will then present this information to the class. In effect,
you will be teaching the class about this topic. You will be asked
to give multiple-choice questions for the exam (at least two). They
must be usable questions (not too easy or too difficult). Finally,
you do need to bring in a visual aid of some sort: a chart, graph,
video, paraphernalia, etc that adds or is useful in the overall
presentation. You will turn in the questions and a bibliography
prior to giving your presentation. Postings, Class Assignments, and Quizzes: Throughout
the semester a series of short assignments will be given that incorporate
the concepts of the class into your own lives. They will be both
given out during class and on the web, so you will need to periodically
check the web for new assignments or postings. Postings occur over
the weekend, but assignments will be due the class following when
the assignment was given, as we will discuss them then. No make-ups
for these are possible, unless you choose to use one of your extensions,
and that is only available to be used on assignments. As well, quizzes
about the readings may be given throughout the semester. Four exams will be given over the course of the
semester. Only three of the exams will be counted for the total
grade. Each will consist of short answer questions, and matching,
true/false and/or multiple-choice questions . Each test will only
examine your knowledge from the previous test until the class period
just prior to the exam. The final will not be a comprehensive final.
You will need to bring both blue books and scantrons for all of
the exams.
The due dates for each of the papers are stated in the syllabus. No late
papers will be accepted. The paper guidelines are on the web, as well
as in a handout given at the beginning of class. As well, a brief statement
in class about what is expected will be given. The due dates for each
assignment are listed in the course calendar at the end of the syllabus.
While I will attempt to offer reminders to impending due dates, it is
ultimately your responsibility to insure that all papers are ready to
be turned in by the expected due date.
EXTENSIONS: Throughout the course, each student will be allotted four
extensions for the papers/assignments. You do not need permission from
the professor. You may use these extensions whenever you want, subject
to the rules given below:
1) You get four extensions. Don’t ask me for more- you will not get
them. Hence, you should use extensions wisely when you really need them,
such as sickness or an athletic event.
2) You may use a maximum of two extensions on any one paper; by using
two on one paper, you can turn the paper in one week late (two classes
late).
3) You can use one on any assignment given in the class, meaning the assignment
can be turned in one class period later. Any assignment turned in later,
or if you have used all of your extensions, will not be accepted.
4) Any paper that is submitted later than two classes after it is due
(regardless of your extension situation), or is turned in late after you
have used all of your extensions will be penalized two full grades.
All papers must be typed and stapled and not placed in any covers, folders
or any other such contraption. A title page is expected, which will contain
the following information: Title of the paper, your name, and the name
of the class (Sociology 126 for those of you not paying attention). Thank
you.
If you are a student who has a disability that may necessitate accommodations
being made in the classroom, please contact SSD, (916) 278-6955.
Finally, cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you are caught engaging in either of these activities, you will receive an F.
Students will need an electronic mail account and computer access to the Web. All CSUS students enrolled in one or more units can create a SacLink account for electronic mail and Internet services. Although a home computer with a high speed modem running Netscape or Internet Explorer would be beneficial, students can use the Web from one of the campus student labs.
Computing RecommendationsYou should be comfortable using a computer and willing to browse the Web. This class requires online class participation on the Web assignments and electronic discussions.
You need:
- Macintosh compatible with System 8 or higher or Windows compatible Pentium running Windows 95/98 or Windows NT.
- 32MB of RAM, preferably 64MB
- 28.8K or faster modem - preferably 56K
- Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape 4.0 (or higher)
- SacLink or other Internet Account
- Word processing skills
Students need an electronic mail account and computer access to the Web. All CSUS students enrolled in one or more units can create a SacLink account for electronic mail and Internet services. Although a home computer with a high speed modem running Netscape or Internet Explorer would be beneficial, students can use the Web from one of the campus student labs.
Required: The text for the course this semester is/are:
Men’s Lives. 2001. Kimmel & Messner (eds.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
The Men and the Boys. 2000. Connell. Berkley, CA: University of California Press.
You can purchase books through the Hornet Bookstore. Check their Distance and Distributed Learning page at http://www.bookstore.csus.edu/bookstore/distance/ for ordering information.