COMM 4100 - Gender and Communication

Hours: 4
For over three decades, scholars have been systematically determining whether there are clearly differentiated regularities in mens’ and womens’ speech. While it appears that there are often 1) more similarities among men and women than differences, and 2) greater variability of style within the groups than between them, it remains that there is a general difference. This difference has an impact on how we are perceived by others, how we negotiate relationships, and how we succeed in the public and the work place.
This course will consider: 1) the historical forces which helped shape perceptions of gender and appropriate communicative behavior, 2) the impact of socialization on the construction of gender, 3) contemporary institutions and their impact on understanding gender roles, 4) how gender expectations and differences can impact relationships, and 5) the available theoretical lenses which may be used to interpret the consequences of these differences. Additionally, we will look at how different systems of gendered communication have developed around the world and the impact on those cultures.
Notes: This course fulfills the dyad requirement when paired with one course from among ARTH 3300, FMST 3281, INST 3501, INST 3504, INST 4011, WGSS 3010, WGSS 4026.

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COMM 4100 - Gender and Communication