SOC 478Men and Masculinities

3 credits · Sociology · Penn State

This course is designed to discuss and analyze masculinity in contemporary societies. The focus in this course will be in examining the way masculinity is constructed and the different ways that boys and men (and girls and women) learn to experience it. Various areas of social structure and social interaction will be explored such as historical origins of masculinities, theoretical constructions of masculinity, media, work, subcultures, violence/mass shootings, and sexualities. Students will develop critical thinking skills as sociologists, and as members of society. Additionally, students will be encouraged to think about the way their gender has been shaped and shapes their own lives.