This course is a continuation of Special Topics ⅡA. In this course, we will look at gender related topics in Japan.
What is gender? How is it different from sex? What are the problems facing men? women? sexual minorities? While these questions may seemingly be easy to answer at first, once we delve a little deeper we may find that they may not be so easy to answer and in fact just raise more questions.
In this course, we will take a look at the concept of gender and the role it plays in societies around the world. We will also look at gender and how it relates to religion, sex, psychology, etc. We will use a vast array of resources including but not limited to films, current events, excerpts and personal experiences. The hope is that this class will be both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. The goal is that, by the end of this course, we will have a better understanding of gender, how it pertains to our lives and what we can do to advance the field so that it is accessible to more people.

By the end of this course, students should have a better understanding of the concept of gender and be able to express their ideas on the various topics discussed in class.

The majority of class time will be dedicated to class discussions. There will be required reading/video assignments and homework throughout the semester.
If the class has to be done remotely due to the COVID-19, we will use Zoom.
The class schedule may change slightly due to unforeseen circumstances or to address student needs.

Direct feedback (verbal or written) will be given when necessary.

Students are expected to complete all readings prior to the beginning of class and be ready to discuss their thoughts on the readings.
Please be aware that the syllabus may change depending on the needs & interest of the students. While we will try to stay on schedule, if students are particularly interested in a certain topic, more time (within reason) will be given to discussion of that topic.

＜No textbook required.＞

Language or actions that lead to a hostile class environment will not be tolerated. Please be respectful to everyone in the classroom.