Required Texts:

(l) Brettell & Sargent Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective

2) Mead Sex and Temperament

Course Description

The course will begin with a discussion of whether or not gender is biologically or culturally constructed. We will read analysts who take both sides. One question we will consider is the way in which sexuality (homosexuality, heterosexuality and bisexuality) is/are culturally and/or biologically constructed. We will then look at the way that gender is constructed in "simple" societies which are regarded as egalitarian, move on to more complex societies which are regarded as hierarchical and end with a discussion of how gender is constructed in societies such as our own. One of the aims of the course will be to dissolve some of the stereotypes about other cultures' constructions of gender and sexuality and develop a more rich and sophisticated understanding of them and ourselves. We will also look at the limits of one of anthropology's basic premises--cultural relativism. Where does cultural relativism leave off and issues of universal human rights begin? These questions will help us analyze other cultures as well as our own.

Attendance & Discussion and Lecture --15%

You are expected to attend every class and participate in class discussions. Do not think that just because you are present that your attendance grade is good. You must be prepared to discuss the readings for the day and/or ask any questions you may have about the readings. Thus speaking up in class is very important to your grade. You are also expected to attend three lectures and write up one page summary on each. One is next week on Wednesday night at 7:30 in Keller Hall. It is Phyllis Boans who will talk about women in the civil rights movement. The second is on Tuesday February 23 at 7:30 in the Alice Haynes Room. Dr. Stephanie Coontz will talk on Ozzie and Harriet Don=t Live Here Anymore: Coiming to Terms with America=s Changing Families.@ Another is the Patricia Ireland lecture and workshop during the week after Spring Break. You then will write up a three page summary of what you learned from the lecture. This is worth 5% of the total.

Debates--15%

Throughout the semester there will be a series of debates on selected topics. Female Circumcision/Female Genital Mutilation, Should we be Culturally Relative? Is Homosexuality Biologically or Culturally Determined? Is Inequality and Patriarchy Universal? Each debate team will be pre-selected by Dr. Nourse. The Debate materials will be on reserve in the library. I expect the materials to come back in the same order as they were given in the library. Each debate team will have a particular position to argue and defend. The readings will help to orient each team, but if people want to conduct more research they are welcome to. After each debate, the teams participating are to turn in their summary of what they said and a separate reaction paragraph that may include their personal opinions about the debate topic. All people in the audience are also required to turn in a reaction paragraph after each debate. This will be factored into your debate grade. Each person will thus have 3 debate grades: (1) for the group as a whole; (2) for the individual summary of what was said and presented; and (3) for various reaction paragraphs to other debates.

Writing Assignment--20%

You are expected to write a seven page paper on a topic of your choice. You may review one book written about women in another culture (approved by Professor Nourse), you may interview and write life histories of middle-aged women from other cultures, or you may conduct a research project. All of these possibilities must be approved by me prior to turning in the paper.

Midterm Exam--20%

The Midterm will consist of essay questions and short answers. .

Final Exam--30%

The format for the Final will be just like the format for the midterm.