Masculinity, Sexuality, and Difference

This course may be used to satisfy one of four electives required within the Communication major. This course will examine constructions of masculinity and sexuality in Western society from a critical cultural perspective. We will consider the ways in which cultural narratives about acceptable masculine behaviors and attitudes catalyze social conflicts, reinforce established power hierarchies, and organize the modes of being available to people of different gender identities and sexual orientations. We will also evaluate the liberatory potential of emergent discourses and practices that seek to cultivate greater acceptance of diversity, and promote social healing. There will be a concentrated focus on popular cultural forms (especially television, film, music, sports, and social media) that are particularly influential to contemporary men and boys.