Essay #2 - Gender and Sexuality

Unit 2—Gender and Sexuality

Write a three to four page essay in which you explore one of the following topics. You must construct a specific and argumentative thesis statement that clearly states your own opinion. Furthermore, you must use a close reading of 1-2 texts to support your argument. Do not repeat a text that you addressed in your first essay and select a text from Unit 2 of the course. (If you want to use a text from one of the other units, you must clear it with me first.)

• What does the text(s) say about the way gender shapes our expectations of family? That is, do we have certain assumptions about particular family members based on their gender? You may explore roles of parents, fathers, mothers, children, spouses and so forth.

• What view of masculinity or femininity is being constructed in the text(s)? What are the characteristics of being “masculine” or “feminine”? Does the text reaffirm society’s view of masculinity and femininity or does it critique it? Note: You do not have to address both masculinity and femininity. You may explore one or the other or both. For a 3-4 page essay, however, I would suggest that trying to cover both is too ambitious.

• How is a fairy tale rewritten in the text(s)? What is the purpose of using a well-known fairy tale or myth? What are the differences and why are they important? What might the text(s) be saying about the images of female desire that traditionally have been perpetuated?

• How does sexual orientation affect one’s role in society? Is sexual orientation connected to or influenced by one’s masculinity or femininity?

• To continue refining the analytic skills you utilized in writing your first essay.

• To focus your analysis on a specific topic and theme relating to gender and/or sexuality.

• To consider the ways in which we are socialized to conform to certain gender roles and sexual orientations.

• All papers must be typed and double-spaced. Papers should have 1” margins on all sides and standard 12 pt. font should be used.

• The paper should include an informative and interesting title.

• Papers must be a minimum of three pages (not including the heading and title).

• The paper is due on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 and the revision is due on Tuesday, February 18, 2003. If you are late five minutes either day, your paper will also be considered late.