Homework: Gender and Sexuality
For this homework, you will choose ONE option. Remember that these homework are a way of testing what you know from working through the course materials, so be sure to use the course terminology correctly and to fully explain your answers. Also, since there are two options, find one that is interesting to you, and that challenges you. These homework not only test what you know, but are a great way to grow and continue learning the course materials through application.
For this homework option, there are two parts. You will submit a comprehensive paper including an introduction, main body paragraphs, and conclusion. Your paper will need to include transitions between paragraphs, a reference list, and proper in-text citations. Your paper should be between 750 to 1500 words.
In the first part, you will find two advertisements from any source (newspaper, magazine, tv, etc). One will be an example of the ways that the advertisement perpetuates normative gender role socialization, and one that challenges normative gender role socialization. Compare and contrast the advertisements. What ages, genders, races, etc are present in each advertisement? What message do those statuses send? What key message is being sent by each advertisement? Summarize a thesis statement of 1-2 sentences that wraps up succinctly one message that can be gleaned from each of the advertisements about gender. This will be presented as part of your main body, and the discussion should include mention of socialization, gender, and norms and/or values.
Then, find an example from the media that socializes individuals into normative expressions of sexuality (this can be an advertisement, movie/tv clip, video game, or website). Explain how this example from the media adds to the social construction of sexuality. Be sure to provide ample evidence of how this process occurs, and the role that the social institution of the media plays in the construction of sexuality. Your discussion should include a clear explanation of what the social construction of sexuality is, what sexuality is, and how cultural transmission occurs through the media. This will be presented as part of your main body.
For your concluding paragraph, you will bring together a solid conclusion about gender and sexuality, giving a nice sociological analysis.
Notice how there are different requirements for each part of this option. One of the most common mistakes for students is to confuse gender, sex, and sexuality. This homework is designed to test whether you know the difference and can explain them independently, so points will be deducted if you do not use correct terminology.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, and typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the homework, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.