Sex and Gender in Communication Contexts

Through communication processes we acquire culture which informs how we create and maintain our sexual identities and gender roles. These identities and roles have shifted greatly throughout time. This course examines the complexities of sex, gender, culture and communication throughout many cultures and time periods. Historical movements, scientific conventions, and cross-cultural exposure will be studied in terms of how they have shaped the cultural expression of gender. Students will study aspects of communication that have, throughout history, influenced individuals to behave in gender-specific, as well as culturally specific ways.