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Sociology of Gender SOCI-2060 Canadian Mennonite University (CMU)

Winter term 2016

CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor: Fadi Ennab (M.A. Sociology, U. of Manitoba) E-mail: fennab@cmu.ca Class Meeting: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. in classroom C344. Office Hours: by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Voluntary Withdrawal: the last date to withdraw without academic penalty – March 18, 2016

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The study of gender from a sociological perspective develops an appreciation for how social structure, institutions, and culture shape gender roles and the lives of those who play these roles; and for how, at the same time, gender roles shape culture, institutions, and social structure. This course will also attend to the ‘inherent or constructed’ debate about gender roles, the role of the media in shaping gender, and the intertwining of gender and family, politics, work, and religion. Prerequisite: SOCI-1110 or the former SOCI-1020.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

This is an introductory course to the sociology of gender. It will introduce you to key concepts and theories in studying gender relations, institutions and socialization processes in society. You will be able to develop a ‘sociological imagination’ towards gender and be able to understand how it is socially constructed and performed.

COURSE FORMAT

Classroom sessions will involve a mix of lectures, class discussion, and small group projects. Sessions will also involve audio/video presentations to illustrate specific cases, experiences, or issues. The lectures will vary throughout the course. Some will be academically and theoretically challenging, and others will be light and entertaining. Most students should find that attending and participating actively in classroom sessions will increase their chances of attaining a good grade in the course.

REQUIRED READINGS

Janet Siltanen and Andrea Doucet. 2008. Gender Relations in Canada: Intersectionality and Beyond. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

All additional readings will be available electronically through the CMU Library or on-line using the Student Portal.

EVALUATION

Mid-Term Exam February 23 30% Written Assignment March 15 30% Final Exam April 12, 1:30 p.m. 40%

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Mid-Term and Final Exams: Consist of short and long essay questions based on course material examined for the term. Exams are designed to assess how well you understand and think critically about the assigned readings and discussion in class, rather than your ability to memorize facts. Written Assignment: Write a paper on any issue discussed in class that is related to gender. The assignment is divided into three parts:

1. Opinion editorial piece (2 pages) – 10% In this part of the assignment you need to present an interesting topic in the form of an opinion piece. Choose a topic from the course material (in-class discussion and assigned readings) and take a stand on the issue. You have to try to identify your argument(s) in a clear way and explain why this issue requires consideration. Note: examples of opinion editorial pieces can be found in various newspapers, it may be helpful for you to review some to get an understanding of the format.

2. Relation of subject material to course material (2 pages) – 10%

In this part you need to link the topic that you choose back to course material. This part will be graded based on the amount of support provided and how it is organized. You should try to rely on multiple sources.

3. Theoretical interpretation of the subject material (2 pages) – 10%

In this part you need to explain how and why the topic you chose can relate to one or more of the theories discussed in class. You should try to explain how one or more theories can interpret the topic, or why your topic needs a certain theoretical understanding.

The paper should be no longer than 6 pages (plus title page and reference list). Papers should be typed, double-spaced, font 12, and with 1 inch margins. You may reference outside academic sources, but you should rely primarily on the course material. Submit a printed copy of your paper in class on the due date. The assignment will be graded according to writing style, persuasiveness, relation to the course, examples given, and explanation of the theory. You are encouraged to check with me as you are thinking of a topic or if you have a concern.

LATE POLICY

Late assignments will be penalized 3% per day (including weekends). No request for an extension will be considered if made after the relevant due date, except for documented medical reasons or very severe family emergencies. No extension will be given under any conditions if requested more than two weeks after the due date.

GRADING SCHEME

A+ 95-100% Exceptional C+ 67-73% Satisfactory A 88-94% Excellent C 60-66% Adequate B+ 81-87% Very Good D 50-59% Poor B 74-80% Good F 0-49% Fail

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All grades submitted by CMU’s instructors are provisional until reviewed by the Dean’s Council.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

CMU offers several ways in which students may receive additional assistance to help them

to be successful in their studies. For more information, contact Vern Kehler, Coordinator of

Student Advising, at vkehler@cmu.ca

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic misconduct and plagiarism are serious offences and will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty in which a student submits another person’s published or unpublished work as his or her own, either in its entirety or in part. Other acts of plagiarism include: not giving recognition to the author for phrases, sentences or thoughts, and submitting the same work for evaluation in more than one course. According to CMU’s academic policies guide:

Plagiarism is presenting the work of others (a short phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, an idea, a chart, an entire essay, or a composition, whether from a printed or electronic source) as if it were one’s own, that is, without explicitly and clearly indicating its source (i.e., by using quotation marks or by presenting a block quotation, and by providing a bibliographical reference.

Penalties will range from failure on an assignment or failure in the course, to suspension from the university. All suspected cases of plagiarism are forwarded to the registrar and then to the Academic Student Issues Committee for determination. All students are expected to adhere to the standards of CMU’s academic policies. To view and familiarize yourself with these standards go to section 2 of the Undergraduate Academic Calendar: http://www.cmu.ca/academics.php?s=calendar

IMPORTANT DATE

Last date to withdraw without academic penalty – March 18, 2016

SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

CMU strives to provide a fair and supportive learning environment for academically qualified students with disabilities. The Accessibility Services office coordinates with the Academic Office to provide academic accommodations to eligibile students. If you are eligible for these services or have questions about becoming eligible, please contact Sandra Loeppky, Coordinator of Accessibility Programs at sloeppky@cmu.ca or 204-487-3300 (x - 340).

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SCHEDULE OF COURSE READINGS AND ACTIVITIES (topics and timing may vary somewhat, depending on the pace of student engagement and interest.)

January 5 – 7 Introduction to Course Gender Relations, Ch. 1, pp. 1–15. January 12 – 14 Living in a Gendered and Gendering Society Lorber, J. (1993). Believing is Seeing: Biology as Ideology. Gender & Society, 7 (4), 568-581. West, C. & Zimmerman, D. (1987). Doing Gender. Gender & Society, 1 (2), 125-151. January 19 – 21 Sociology and the Analysis of Gender Relations Gender Relations, Ch. 1, pp. 15–32. Film: Codes of Gender: Identity and Performance in Popular Culture (45 min). January 26 – 28 Analyzing the Complexity of Gender: Intersectionality & Beyond Lindsey, L. (2005). “The Sociology of Gender: Theoretical Perspectives and Feminist Frameworks” in Gender Roles: A Sociological Perspective (1-21). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Gender Relations, Ch. 6, pp. 172–190. February 2 – 4 Undoing Gender Lorber, J. (2000). Using Gender to Undo Gender: A Feminist Degendering Movement. Feminist Theory, 1(1), 79-95. Valochhi, S. (2005). Not Yet Queer Enough: The Lessons of Queer Theory for the Sociology of Gender and Sexuality. Gender & Society, 19(6), 750-770. February 9 – 11 The Multiple Genders of Childhood Gender Relations, Ch. 2, pp. 34–63. Film: Sexy Inc. (36 min). February 16 – 18 Reading Week – No Classes February 23 Mid-Term Test February 25 Gender Intensification: Adolescence into Adulthood Gender Relations, Ch. 3, pp. 65–79. March 1 – 3 Masculinity, Sports and Gender Violence Film: Wrestling With Manhood: Boys, Bullying and Battering (45 min) Gender Relations, Ch. 3, pp. 80–94.

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March 8 – 10 Diverse Paths: Gender, Work, and Family Gender Relations, Ch. 4, pp. 95–133. March 15 – 17 Parenting and Gender * Written Assignment – Due in Class March 15* Mandell, N., & Sweet, R. (2004). Homework as Home Work: Mothers' Unpaid Educational Labour. Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice, 28 (2), 7-18. Doucet, A. (2004). Fathers and the Responsibility for Children: A Puzzle and a Tension. Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice, 28 (2), 103-114. Film: Chore Wars (48 min). March 22 – 24 Making Change: Gender, Careers, and Citizenship Gender Relations, Ch. 5, pp. 134–171. March 29 – 31 Racialized Gender Film: El Contrato (60 min).

Abu-Lughod, Lila. 2002. “Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving? Anthropological Reflections on Cultural Relativism and Its Others.” American Anthropologists 104 (3): 783-790.

April 5 Producing New Sociological Knowledge on Gender Relations *Discussion of Final Exam & Course Evaluation/Feedback* Gender Relations, Ch. 6, pp. 190–200. April 12 Final Exam, 1:30 p.m.