GENDER ROLES

SOC 3352-021
MWF: 1:00 – 1:50 pm, CN 1.304

Instructors: Brenda McCoy, Ph.D.

Alicia Schortgen, M.P.A.
Office: GR 3.412
Phone: (972) 883-4940
Email: brenda.mccoy@utdallas.edu
schortgen@sbcglobal.net

Office Hours: By appointment only

Required Texts:

Both required books are available for purchase at the University Bookstore and at Off
Campus Books (581 West Campbell Road, Suite 101):

Crittenden, Ann. (2001). The Price of Motherhood. Boston: Metro Press.

Minas, Anne (Ed.). (2000). Gender Basics (2nd Edition). Belmont: Wadsworth
Publishing.

Course Objectives:

This course examines female and male gender roles in American society. Gender roles
are behaviors considered appropriate specifically for females versus males. We will study
these roles and their contribution to gender identity as complex cultural products. While
biological sex differences certainly play a part in shaping gender roles, the overriding
emphasis of this course will be the “social construction” of gender. Other course objectives
are to assist the student in:

1. Recognizing that gender roles are not a uniform set of expectations and outcomes; in
fact, gender roles are intricately intertwined with and vary by race, ethnicity, social
class and age.
2. Identifying the part played by social structure and ideology as explanations of gender
inequality.
3. Examining the extent of change in gender roles and gender stratification and
understanding the directions and reasons for these changes.

This course includes topics on the historic roots of today’s gender roles and
socialization. In addition, we will discuss gender in relation to the media, family, work,
reproduction, religion, and deviance.

Exams, Media Project, and Papers:

There will two exams given during the semester: a mid-term and a final exam. Exams
cover material from the texts, assigned readings, lecture notes, and class discussions and will

Gender Roles Page 1

Fall, 2005
 typically consist of multiple choice, short answer, and/or essay questions. The final exam will
not be cumulative.

Students missing the mid-term exam will be allowed to take a make-up exam only in
cases of a university-approved absence or an absence approved in advance by the instructor.
Any student missing this exam because of illness must provide indication of illness from a
medical doctor. All students must take the final exam.

Students must also complete a media project. This project is a group effort consisting of
three students per team. Groups will analyze a particular media form (e.g., magazines, TV
shows) for gender messages and report their findings to the class. Detailed instructions for the
media project will be given in class.

There will be two short optional reflection papers (approximately 3 double-spaced

pages each) assigned in this class. These papers will not require outside research. Rather,
students who choose to write these papers will be asked to identify and reflect on their own
attitudes and behavior patterns. The topics and instructions for these papers will be given one
week prior to the due dates.

Students must complete both reflection papers in order to get credit for the assignment.
Those who fail to submit the first reflection paper by the due date will not be able to choose to
complete this assignment at a later date. Please note that we do not accept papers sent to
via email.

Grade Calculation:

Exams and media project only:

Exams: 2 @ 33.3% each: 66.6%

Media project: 33.3%

Exam, media project, and BOTH reflection papers:

Exams: 2 @ 25% each: 50%

Media project: 25%
Reflection Papers: 2 @ 12.5% each 25%

Final grades will be assigned based on the following averages:

A+ = 97 – 100 A = 93 – 96 A- = 90 – 92
B + = 87 – 89 B = 83 – 86 B- = 80 – 82
C+ = 77 – 79 C = 73 – 76 C- = 70 – 72
D+ = 67 – 69 D = 63 – 66 D- = 60 – 62
F = Below 60

Extensions & Special Exceptions:

Extensions for assignments are not generally permitted. If, however, you are in need of special
consideration or extension of deadlines you should address your situation with the instructor in
private (by email or in person during a scheduled appointment). Please do not ask for
exceptions before, during, or after class.

Gender Roles Page 2

Fall, 2005
Attendance and Class Preparation:

Students are expected to attend class, to arrive punctually, and to be prepared to

contribute to discussions. Attendance will be taken five times throughout the semester. Each
unexcused absence will result in a one point deduction from the student’s final grade.

There is simply not enough time to cover in class discussion many important points
raised in the readings. Similarly, some points raised in lecture are not described in the readings.
Active preparation for class by reading assigned materials and regular attendance is essential
for understanding class lecture and discussion.

Habitual tardiness, lack of participation, and/or poor classroom etiquette will be

reflected in your grade irrespective of how well you do on the exams and assignments.
You are responsible for any material or announcements covered in class irrespective of your
attendance.

University Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty:

The university is very clear on this point. You must do your own work. Cheating on exams,
plagiarism, or any other form of scholastic dishonesty is unacceptable. Violations will result in
immediate disciplinary action. Detailed explanations of the university policy are found by
accessing the university website at http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/.

Disabilities and Accommodations:

If you have a condition that requires accommodation in this course, please speak with the
instructor after class or during the first week of class. Any necessary or appropriate
accommodations will be made provided timely notice, and that the arrangement is consistent
with recommendations from Disability Services, when applicable. Disability Services may be
reached at (972) 883-2098. The syllabus and other course materials can be made available in
alternative formats.

Problems, Questions, Concerns:

We strongly encourage you to talk to us if you are having problems with the course or if
you have questions or other concerns. The best way to reach the instructors outside of
class is by e-mail. Expect delay in response if you leave messages by phone as neither
instructor is on campus every day of the week.

Gender Roles Page 3

Fall, 2005
 Course Outline:

The schedule of specific topics is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in
lecture. Assigned reading should be completed by the date listed.

8/19 First day of class

8/22 – 8/24 The Social Construction of Gender

Frye: “Oppression” GB: p. 10
McIntosh: “White Privilege and Male Privilege” GB: p. 30

8/26 – 9/2 Historical Perspectives

Friedan: “The Problem That Has No Name” Handout
Film: “Iron Jawed Angels” (124 minutes)

9/5 Labor Day holiday – no class

9/7 Historical Perspectives continued

Introduction to the media project

9/9 – 9/16 Socialization

Adams & Ware: “Sexism and the English Language:
The Linguistic Implications of Being a Woman” GB: 70
Hooks: “Talking Back” GB: 78
Gilman: “Klaus Barbie, and Other Dolls I’d Like to See” Handout
Film: Mickey Mouse Monopoly

9/19 – 9/23 Socialization and the media

Wolf: “Hunger” GB: 85
Dull & West: “Accounting for Cosmetic Surgery:
The Accomplishment of Gender” GB: 92
Film: Killing Us Softly, III
Film: Beyond Killing Us Softly: The Strength to Resist

9/26 – 9/30 Media project presentations

Due 9/26: First reflection paper

10/3 – 10/7 Gender & Sexuality

Rochlin: “The Language of Sex: The Heterosexual
Questionnaire” GB: 276
Baker: “The Language of Sex: Our Conception
of Sexual Intercourse” GB: 277
Steedman: “Who’s on Top? Heterosexual Practices
and Male Dominance During the Sex Act” GB: 281
Frye: “Lesbian ‘Sex’” GB: 293
Film: You Don’t Know Dick

10/10 – 10/14 Gender and Reproduction

Aquinas: “The Purpose of Sex” GB: 392
Marquis: “Why Abortion is Immoral” GB: 398
Thomson: “A Defense of Abortion” GB: 402

Gender Roles Page 4

Fall, 2005
 Steinem: “If Men Could Menstruate” GB: 428
Overall: “Childbirth” GB: 431

10/17 Exam 1

10/19 – 10/21 Workplace & Motherhood PM: ch 1-5

10/24 – 10/28 Workplace & Motherhood PM: ch 6-10

10/31 – 11/2 Workplace & Motherhood PM: ch 11-13

Speaker: Divorce in Texas

11/4 – 11/9 Changing Family Systems

Sullivan: “Virtually Normal” GB: 254
Weston: “Is ‘Straight’ to ‘Gay’
as ‘Family’ is to ‘No Family’?” GB: 249
Due 11/4: Second reflection paper

11/11 – 11/18 Deviance and Victimization:

Beneke: “Men on Rape” GB: 324
Warshaw: “I Never Call it Rape” GB: 330
MacKinnon: “Francis Biddle’s Sister” GB: 373
Steinberg: “The Roots of Pornography” GB: 384

11/21 – 11/23 Gender & Religion

11/24-11/25 Thanksgiving Holidays

11/28 Last day of class

12/2 Final Exam

11:00 am – 12:30pm

GB - Gender Basics
PM - The Price of Motherhood

Gender Roles Page 5

Fall, 2005