Course Syllabus

GENDER AND SEXUALITY

HONORS / ACP

 

Dr. Cacace

Wellesley High School

Room 410

Voicemail: 781-446-6290 ext. 4410

Email: cacaces@wellesleyps.org

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of gender and sexuality. The course will take both a historical and contemporary focus. Students will analyze shifts in the social construction of gender and sexuality across time, as well as look at the way gender and sexuality are defined today and the impact these definitions have on the individual. Historical topics covered in the course include: feminisms and women’s movements, changing definitions of masculinity, the history of the LGBTQ community, and gender theory. Contemporary topics include: gender socialization, human sexuality, the transgender experience, gender and the media, sex and dating, the politics of the body, gender and economics, LGBTQ movements, and the intersection between gender and race.

 

Please Note: This course deals with controversial, difficult, and sometimes upsetting topics.  We will also be watching films and discussing readings that contain adult language and content.  If you have any particular sensitivities or triggers, please see me as soon as possible. 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• To explore and understand how gender and sexuality are social constructs that condition our experiences and opportunities in life
• To think critically about how our own personal experiences are shaped by our sex, gender, and sexuality
• To understand the shifting meaning of gender and sexuality over time
• To explore modern thinking on gender and sexuality and how it impacts our world today

 

GRADING POLICY

GRADING

 

Grades will be determined using a total point system.  Each quarter, your grade will be calculated by dividing the total points earned on each assignment by the total points offered for each assignment.

 

Honors Point System:  You will have the opportunity to earn up to 100 points.   

 

A+       97-100  B+        87-89                C+        77-79                D+       67-69                F  0-59 

A           93-96               B          83-86                C          73-76                D         63-66

A-          90-92               B-         80-82                C-         70-72                D-        60-62

 

ACP Point System:  You will have the opportunity to earn up to 80 points.   

 

A+       77-80+             B+        70-71                C+        62-63                D+       54-55                F  0-47 

A           74-76               B          67-69                C          58-61                D         50-53

A-          72-73               B-         64-66                C-         56-57                D-        48-49

 

 

GENERAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

This course will be exciting, rewarding, and memorable.  I know you will all succeed, learn, and have fun.  However, to make this possible all of us must follow certain behavioral expectations. 

 

• Be positive! Embrace others’ opinions and share your thoughts and feelings!
• Be curious! Ask questions, grapple with difficult issues, change your opinions, and seek a greater understanding!
• Be prepared! Bring your binder or notebook/folder, paper, a pen, a pencil, and your assignment book to class every day.  Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings!
• Be respectful to everyone and everything!

 

COURSE POLICIES

The following policies are in place to maximize your opportunity to learn and to ensure that the class runs effectively and efficiently.  

 

ASSIGNMENT POLICY

• All assignments are due at the beginning of class.

• Assignments are to be completed at home.  If you are found to be working on assignments during class time you will receive a zero on that assignment. 
• No assignments will be accepted via email!
• Late assignments will be accepted, but will be subject to a late penalty.
• No assignment may be rewritten.

 

“GO GREEN” POLICY

• Please complete all assignments on either 2-sided or “scrap” paper when possible.

 

EXTRA HELP AND AVAILABILITY OUTSIDE OF CLASS

• I am available for extra help before, during, and after school.
• I am more than happy to meet with students for any reason, please come by!