GWS 395-02 - Advanced Special Topic: Masculinities

4 credits (Spring)

What is masculinity? Is masculinity static? Dynamic? Is masculinity reserved for men? What is the relationship between maleness, masculinity, and other identity categories? How do conceptions of masculinity shift and change? This course explores the meaning of masculinity and how maleness is gendered. There is not one version of masculinity but rather multiple masculinities influenced by gender, race, ethnicity, class, nationality, sexuality, disability, and subcultures. As such, we will be conducting an intersectional exploration into how masculinity is embodied and lived out in American culture. Fatness, disability, female, and transgender masculinities are also explored. The system of masculinity and its dominant form are also not created in isolation. We will explore how notions of femininity interact and influence masculinity and vice versa. The course is interdisciplinary and will use popular cultural texts, history, creative writing, art, and autobiography to aid our exploration.

Prerequisite: GWS 249.
Instructor: Gill