The Gender Spectrum

Hello class!

As I told you I am out of the building today.  I'm learning about one of my favorite things: Chicago!  Its more history based than sociology based but I'm sure I'll find something in the day that can apply to our class.  Sociology and History often inter lap.

Your assignment for the day is to read the following articles:

The Gender Spectrum and What is Gender?

The Gender Spectrum analyzes the socialization of gender and what happens when you don't feel like your fall under the "boxed" in gender of masculine or feminine.

What is Gender? will look at the various terminologies that are associated with gender issues.

You can find the two articles by clicking HERE!  and then click on the link for The Gender Spectrum.  You next blog post will have your directly respond to these articles.  Feel free to annotate.  What is the thesis?  How does the author try to prove their point?  What evidence do they use?

I'll be back Friday.  Don't forget we have members of your SHS community coming in to discuss their gender identities with you.  Feel free to think of questions to ask them.


If you finish reading the articles, please think about you lyrics you will be presenting next week and how it fits into socialization.  Look back a couple blog posts to refresh your memory on what you need to present on.

Socialization through Music: Music Helps Me Keep My Sanity

Part One

You will be choosing one of the music genres we listed on the board. Your task will be to research the history of the particular genre, focusing on the following:

1)   Early history of the genre (roots of the genre, important artists, events in society that influenced the development of the genre, early perceptions of the genre, ways the genre influenced society and allowed its artists to vocalize socio-political ideas and viewpoints

2)   Popular instruments and/or equipment

3)   Influential artists and composers

4)   Ways in which the genre evolved from its early history to today

5)   Ways in which the music relates to the culture in which it was created.  Effects the genre had on other “outside” cultures.

6)   What are ways that this genre is an agent of socialization?  In what ways does the music effect how people act or interact?

7)   How is the dress/style of the genre appropriate for the content of the music?  Does the content of lyrics affect the clothing style of the genre?

Your squad will create a one page PPT/Keynote or poster board billboard that somehow represents all of the previous questions.  Your group will give a brief explanation (3-5 minute) of your billboard.

Part Two:

You are going to choose a favorite song lyric and write it down. The lyric should be at least a line, and may be up to a whole verse. Lyrics which contain vulgar language are not be used for this assignment. Please reflect and answer the following questions relating to why you picked this lyric, and why it is important to you (SEE BELOW).

What does this lyric make you think of when you hear it?

How does it relate to you?

Does it relate to an event in your own life?

Do you like to listen to this song at specific times, and if so, when?

Do you think this lyric would appeal to adults?

How is this lyric/band/song an agent of socialization in your life? (How does/did it affect how you act in society?)

If the lyric is really long then put it on a PPT/Keynote slide so the class can see it as you discuss it, or just write it on the board if it is short.