Course description

This course explores the various ways that culture reflects, constructs, reinforces, and/or challenges gender roles in given social and historical contexts. Theoretical approaches to gender provide the basis for critical analysis of a range of cultural texts by men and women. The focus is on the construction of “masculinity” and “femininity” in English cultures and media selected from the middle ages to the present. “Many Masculinities” studies representations of masculinity. The emphasis is on how men are portrayed in relation to themselves, to others, and to their societies. Many varieties of masculinity are explored, including from socio-economic, racial, sexual orientation, and non-traditional perspectives.