Much is said about maleness and masculinity: “Bros” and practices of male bonding, male privilege, and men’s tendencies towards aggression, competition and dominance. Though often portrayed as direct and straightforward, masculine identity is a deeply complex and varied phenomenon. While many theorists have presented masculinity as a quality inherent to being born male, many argue that masculinity is socially constructed - its expression changing dramatically throughout time and various cultures. From the moment of birth males are inundated with messages of "manhood". This makes it difficult to determine which qualities are inherently ours and which are learned or produced in response to our environments. In all this we are rarely offered the chance to decide exactly who we are as men and how we want to show up in the world… on our own terms. Given the opportunity to do so can we make our own choices concerning our own identity and expression as men?

The Masculinities DeCal will provide participants with an opportunity to “unpack” the male experience and to dialogue with other men through a topic-driven, discussion-based forum about masculinity, individual identity, and the benefits and drawbacks of male socialization. "Masculinities" will be shaped by the perspectives of all participants with success in the course dependent on active participation. Class readings will be assigned with the intention of stimulating further reflection and discussion, and a weekly "journal" exercise will help guide the process.

Masculinity studies is a still emerging field. While this course does not purport to be comprehensive or authoritative in scope its intent is to provide a meaningful and exploratory forum that may serve as a starting point for some, while continuing the conversation for others.

We have an open-house orientation scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th from 6 - 8 in Evans 39. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the course, ask questions, review the syllabus and register. We will distribute the CCN numbers during the first session on Tuesday, January 31st. Please note that the course is limited to 20 participants. In the event that we have more than 20 people interested in the course, we will conduct a short application process online.