Dr. Strong
This course compares the life experiences of women and men in societies throughout the world. We will discuss the evidence regarding the universal subordination of women, and examine explanations that propose to situate women’s and men’s personality attributes, roles, and responsibilities in the biological or cultural domains. In general, through readings, films and lectures, the class will provide a cross-cultural perspective on ideas regarding gender and how gendered meanings, practices, and performances serve as structuring principles in society. Topics will include biology, gender, and sexual identity; social constructions of parenthood and gender roles; reproduction, kinship, and the household; colonialism and development; religion, ritual, and personhood; gender in the domestic and public space. The course will incorporate perspectives and reading material from and about world regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South America, Asia, Europe, and the United States.Students will finish the course with an ability to critically interact with and examine both scholarly and popular media materials, including evaluating sources. The course culminates in a mini research project and report.