MCGS 8 - Introduction to Multicultural and Gender Studies

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: An introduction to the concepts, terminology, and issues in multicultural and gender studies. Topics include an exploration of America's multicultural history, gender as an element of culture, social inequality, and contemporary social issues from multiple perspectives to arrive at a plural and multicultural understanding of American society.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Analyze the intersectionality of various aspects of identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ability, and their influence on individuals and communities.
2. Analyze the impact of systemic discrimination, bias, and privilege on marginalized groups and their experiences within society.
3. Analyze the social construction of gender by assessing how American culture creates masculinities and femininities.
4. Describe the key concepts, theories, and terminology related to multicultural and gender studies.
5. Research to analyze and discuss contemporary social justice movements, including feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism, and other activism efforts related to diversity and inclusion, and to develop strategies and practices for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in various settings, such as education, workplaces, and communities.
6. Explain the historical and sociopolitical contexts that have shaped the field of multicultural and gender studies, including key events and movements.
7. Analyze and explain the role of cultural diversity in shaping identity, worldviews, and interpersonal relationships.
8. Develop self-awareness and self-improvement in relation to issues of diversity and gender by reflecting on personal biases and prejudices.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Collaborative Group Work
2. Discussion
3. Group Discussions
4. Lecture
5. Multimedia Presentations
6. Reading Assignments

1. Quizzes
2. Oral Presentation
3. Homework
4. Journal
5. Mid-term and final examinations
6. Essays and research papers
7. Class Discussion

Reading Assignments

1. Analyze the two readings assigned by the instructor. Identify the issue being discussed and the opposing views represented by the two texts. By comparing and contrasting these texts, form your own criticisms of each view. If you could speak with each author, what issues/questions/criticisms would you raise? Come to class prepared to role-play that discussion.
2. Prepare a one-page reading response addressing the social construction of gender in American media. You should address the following in your response: what issues were raised by these readings? How did these readings relate to our classwork on the topic? As you reflect on what you read, what questions do you have about this topic that we should discuss in class?

Writing Assignments

1. Read the assigned text regarding gender, sexuality, and self-expression. Choose an issue within the reading (i.e. unisex bathrooms, gender neutral clothing stores, gender-specific literature) and formulate an argument for or against it. Conduct research on your own using the library databases and further readings listed in our textbooks. Write a five-page paper explaining your argument and providing supporting evidence. Cite your sources using the MLA format.
2. With approval from the instructor, choose multicultural and/or gender studies topic or issue that you would like to research further from any part of our readings, viewings, and/or discussions. Your research paper should explain the history of the topic/issue, its effect on society, and its current status. This paper should be a minimum of five pages typed, double-spaced, and include cited sources in MLA format. Include a works cited page.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Choose a weekly TV program and analyze the content according to representations of race, class, and gender. Is the cast diverse? Do they belong to a certain economic group? What evidence supports your opinion? What are the roles played by men and women? How are the characters portrayed? Do they fit gender roles as you have learned about in class? Prepare a two-page review of your findings and prepare to share your paper in class.
2. Now that we have learned how masculinity and femininity are socially constructed, I want you to find evidence of this social construction in your own lives. For example, analyze the magazines you read. How are men portrayed? How is masculinity defined via advertising? How about femininity? You can also look at the toy aisles in department stores. What differentiates the toys for girls versus the toys for boys? Your task is to evaluate one external source (like magazines, toy aisles, clothing stores, etc.) and then examine your own social construction. Think about how you learned to be feminine or masculine. Who taught you these skills and how did they teach you? How old were you? Did any problems arise for you when you wanted to do something "masculine" as a woman, or "feminine" as a man? Be prepared to share your findings in a class discussion.

Pinder, Sherrow O. (2013). American Multicultural Studies: Diversity of Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality. Sage, 1st. 9781412998024.

Connell, Raewyn W., Pearse, Rebecca. (2020). Gender: In World Perspective. Wiley, 4th. 9781509539000.

Koppelman, Kent L. (2020). Understanding Human Differences: Multicultural Education For a Diverse America. Pearson, 6th. 9780135196731.

History (Masters Required)

Sociology (Masters Required)

Ethnic Studies (Masters Required)