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ANTH 310 Anthropology of Masculinity

Anthropology of Masculinity explores masculinities from a cross-cultural perspective. While many cultures once believed there is only one "natural" way to be a man, they are now confronted with a variety of masculinities. This course explores the modern quandary, "What does it mean to be a man in the modern age?" from an anthropological perspective. Themes include sexuality, work, dominance, fatherhood, marriage, violence, feminism, popular culture, initiation rituals, and the male body.

Prerequisites

4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 24, 2013 to May 6, 2025

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Understands methods and concepts from anthropology and related fields used to analyze masculinities within and across cultures
  • Knows and understands how masculinities are socially constructed
  • Can evaluate global variation in gender roles from a culturally relative perspective
  • Critically reflects on the relationship between culture and biology in shaping male behavior
  • Writes analytical papers that are informed, well-reasoned, and literate at an upper division college level.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 8: Global Perspective

  • Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  • Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
  • Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.