Gendered Verbal Communication

Analysis and Reflection Paper Assignment 1 Overview This assignment is asking you to select a topic and write an analysis and reflection paper on that topic (Gendered Verbal Communication). The purpose of this kind of writing is to help you to improve your analytical skills. It requires you to express what you think, and more importantly, how and why you think that way. In addition, reflective analysis asks you to acknowledge that your thoughts are shaped by your assumptions and preconceived ideas; in doing so, you can appreciate the ideas of others, notice how their assumptions and preconceived ideas may have shaped their thoughts, and perhaps recognize how your ideas support or oppose what you read. Thus, the papers you write in this class are asking you to critically engage with the concepts we are learning in this class by making connections between what read in our course textbook, your own observations and also ideas expressed on the same concepts by other scholars. Additional Research Required To support your analysis, you must cite at least 2 academic journal articles. These have to be in addition to sources you read as part of the course. Citing course readings is strongly suggested but will not count towards the 2 source requirement. Paper Format Your essay should be between 750-1000 words. Cite the textbook and two additional academic journal articles to support your arguments. Use proper APA or MLA format for referencing. APA is preferred. Grading See attached rubric for grading categories. There are several options for your reflection and analysis paper. Option 1. Read Chapter 1, conduct additional research, and reflect on the following. Popular psychology books often profile the behaviors and characteristics of the “opposite sexes.” Based on your understanding of material from Chapter 1, how would you critique this labeling of men and women? Make sure your answer demonstrates your understanding of essentializing, androgyny, and sex and gender. Use additional research to support your analysis. Option 2. Read chapter 2, conduct additional research, and reflect on the following. Biological theories attribute some aspects of masculinity and femininity to the differences between male and female bodies. Yet, the authors of your textbook note that biological differences between women and men are quite small and do not explain most behavioral differences. How should the relationship between biology and gender be understood? Use additional research to support your analysis. Option 3. Read Chapter 3, conduct additional research and reflect on the following. Radical feminists argued that gender was the principle axis around which oppression revolved. Multiracial feminists and third-wave feminists, in contrast, argue that gender is not the central axis of oppression; indeed, they maintain that gender identity/gender oppression cannot be understood without also considering issues of race, ethnicity, class, sexual, orientation, ability, etc. Weigh in on the debate. Do you think there is a central form of oppression? Can gender oppression be understood as separate from the issues listed above? Use additional research to support your analysis. Option 4. Read Chapter 4, conduct additional research, and reflect on the following. Men’s rights groups argue that some contemporary practices and policies, such as child custody customs and laws discriminate against men. Investigate some of the laws in place in your community and discuss whether you believe they are discriminatory. Justify your responses, indicating why/how you think the laws either do or do not discriminate against men, and if you believe the laws are discriminatory, offer suggestions for how you think the issues under consideration could be addressed in nondiscriminatory ways. Use additional research to support your analysis. Option 5. Read chapter 5, conduct additional research and reflect on the following. Watch an episode of your favorite television program. Does the episode support or contradict Wood and Fixmer’s claim that women typically are defined (and valued) by appearances and relationships and that men typically are defined (and valued) through activities, accomplishments, or positions? Why or why not? Reference specific plot lines or ways of representing women and men to support your answer. Additionally, determine whether characters use masculine or feminine communication styles. Again, be specific in your response. Use your examples to explain the idea that language evaluates gender. What implications does this insight have for individuals’ language use? Use additional research to support your analysis. Summary of what is included in this:What is male generic language? How does language define men and women differently? How does language shape awareness of gender issues? What is the relationship between perception of gender and language? What is polarized thinking? What qualities are associated with individuals who are androgynous ? How does language devaluate women? What are gendered styles of communication? What is a gendered speech community? Describe feminine and masculine community practices. How do boys and girls play differently? Understand gender based misinterpretations in communication