Sex and Gender News 10.2

• The Women's March returns to protect abortion rights (Washington Post)
  
•  Is this classic James Bond character implied to be gay? (Out)
  
•  Italian bronze statute, commemorating the massacre of hundreds, deemed too sexy (The New Yorker)
• Teen is first transgender homecoming queen in Orlando, Florida's history (WKMG-TV)
• Study: consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks lowers sperm count (Eat This, Not That) 

Process Analysis Essay

It's been said that "walking in someone else's shoes" can help us better understand one another. This approach can even be applied to people's recreational and leisure activities.

For this assignment, you will participate in an activity that has been "historically" associated with your  opposite sex. For example, a female might choose to explore bushcraft, while a male might dabble in makeup. The objective is to delve into an activity traditionally reserved for someone other than you.

You will chronicle your experience through a process analysis essay. Think of a process analysis essay as an older cousin to the “how-to” essay of middle school. Yes, a process analysis essay informs readers of how to do something, but the goal is not to simply outline the steps involved in a process. The intention is to illustrate the significance of an activity. Here, the "why" is as important as the "how." Your task is not only explain the process, but to consider the bigger picture. In other words, why is has this activity been of historic importance to members of the opposite sex?

Note: Of course, just what constitutes a feminine or masculine activity is entirely relative. Remember, we are speaking very broadly here. Obviously, a man can be passionate about needlepoint, while a  woman can be an exceptional woodworker. There is no right or wrong in your choice of activity. That said, the historical view of your activity is a very important consideration—remember, it's about those activities that have traditionally exclude one sex or the other. Additionally, you might also consider how this activity challenges some of your preconceived notions.

Also, what your own "opposite sex" is depends on how you define your sex and/or gender. This consideration is wholly yours—feel free to define your opposite sex on your own terms.

Requirements:

• Approximately 2.5 pages
• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation and works cited
• Cite at least two outside sources regarding the historical significance of your chosen activity
• You must provide some evidence of your activity (e.g. receipt, ticket stub, photos). Please email these to daniel.hendeldelao@sjsu.edu when you submit your essay on Canvas. 
• Very important: 
• Do not feel obligated to participate in an activity that costs money—free or cheap is fine
  
• You may not participate in anything: 
• Illegal—always obey the law
• Potentially dangerous—for example, if you're not a strong swimmer, perhaps this is not the time to try surfing for the first time
• That puts you at risk for contracting Covid-19—always observe pandemic safety protocols

Due: Thu 10.7-Su 10.10 (via Canvas)

 

Week 7: Tue 9.28/Thu 9.30

"Now, I'm not going to deny that I was aware of 

your beauty. But the point is, this has nothing to 

do with your beauty. As I got to know you, I began 

to realise that beauty was the least of your qualities. 

I became fascinated by your goodness. I was drawn 

in by it. I didn't understand what was happening to 

me. And it was only when I began to feel actual, 

physical pain every time you left the room that it 

finally dawned on me: I was in love, for the first time 

in my life. I knew it was hopeless, but that didn't matter 

to me. And it's not that I want to have you. All I want is 

to deserve you. Tell me what to do. Show me how to 

behave. I'll do anything you say."

—Choderlos de Laclos, Dangerous Liaisons

Week 7: Tue 9.28/Thu 9.30
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations

Upcoming:

Week 8: Tue 10.5*/Thu 10.7**
Read: AMERICAN—Introduction - Chapter One: 13
Class: All-male or all-female class discussion (see below)
Due: PROCESS ESSAY

*Men-only class
**Women-only class with special guest lecturers (TBA)