Course Syllabus

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Semester & Location:	Fall 2022 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Public Policy, Gender Studies, Sociology.
Prerequisite:	None.
Faculty:	Finn Ferjá, fife@dis.dk
Program Director:	Helle Rytkønen, hry@dis.dk
Time & Place:	Mondays and Thursdays, 10:05am - 11:25am (Danish time) Classroom: Fi6-Metro 101

Course Description

This is an introductory course in which we will explore the fields of Masculinities in a Scandinavian context. This class will focus on a variety of topics and theories about masculinities and other categories of difference. How do they relate, distinguish and challenge each other? This is debated and analyzed through studies of how possibilities and limitations are handled in the lives of different men and masculine women, and how masculinities are articulated and negotiated in popular media, politics, literature, art, television, commercials, and cinema.

As Scandinavia is often praised for being the most gender equal region in the world, Scandinavian men are frequently seen as effeminate metrosexuals who are not threatened in their masculinity when they clean, cook and care for their children. Equal distribution of resources and opportunities are said to be cornerstones of modern Scandinavian welfare societies. Also, shared participation in childcare, housework and policies promoting women’s leadership are among the characteristics of Scandinavian societies.

In this course we will explore how this has impacted the notion of masculinity. However, while this class explores the particular expressions of masculinities in Scandinavia, this is not only a study of male bodies and practices. Rather, the class will discuss masculinity and its relation to other categories such as sexuality, race, socio-economic background, class etc. In this line of thinking, manliness is not necessarily understood as a given natural or normal form. Masculinities are rather understood as socially constructed spaces of culture and as a phenomenon to be analyzed in its ways of appearing in time and place. It is therefore necessary to talk about male-nesses and masculinities in plural.

Learning Objectives

• Familiarize yourself with theories of hegemonic masculinity and how this is related to

  other masculinities and femininities

• Critically compare constructions of masculinities and their integration in institutional

  structures in Scandinavia and the US

• Recognize the influence of masculinities on the personal narratives of individuals

• Understand and be able to critically reflect on how your own understanding of

  masculinities is socially constructed

Faculty

Finn Ferjá, DIS Copenhagen Semester Faculty
Cand.merc.int. (MSc in Business, Language and Culture - Diversity and Change Management, Copenhagen Business School, 2018). Teaches Gender & Sexuality in Scandinavia at DIS, since 2021 and Masculinities in Scandinavia since 2022. Finn also works as a Diversity Consultant at Queens Consulting with companies such as Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen Business School, and various Danish University Colleges. He is part of various networks, both as a Committee Member and Board Member, focusing on Diversity & Inclusion and LGBT+ rights.

Readings

Ashe, Fidelma (2007) "The Politics of Non-Feminist Men's Groups", The New Politics of Masculinity, Men Power and Resistance, Routhledge

Christensen, Anne & Jensen, Sune Qvotrup (2014) "Combining Masculinity and Intersectionality", NORMA: International Journal for Masculinity Studies, 9:1, 60-75

Connell, R. (1995): Masculinity. University of California Press

Flood, Michael (2003) "Men’s Collective Struggles for Gender Justice: The Case of Anti-Violence Activism." In The Handbook of Studies on Men and Masculinities. Eds Michael Kimmel, Jeff Hearn, and R.W. Connell. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Halberstam, J. (1998). Female Masculinity. Duke University Press

Hearn et. al. (2012). "Hegemonic Masculinity and Beyond: 40 Years of Research in Sweden", Men and Masculinities, 15(1), 31-55

Higate, Paul & Hopton, John (2003). "War, Militarism and Masculinities" In The Handbook of Studies on Men and Masculinities. Eds Michael Kimmel, Jeff Hearn, and R.W. Connell. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Kimmel, M. (1994). ”Masculinity as Homophobia: Fear, Shame, and Silence in the Construction of Gender Identity”, in (eds. Harry Brod & Michael Kaufman) Theorizing Masculinities. Sage 

Lapina, Linda & Leer, Jonathan (2016). "Carnivorous Heterotopias: Gender, nostalgia and hipsterness in the Copenhagen meat Scene" Norma, 11:2, 89-109

Morgan, Davis H. J. (1994). "Theater of War: Combat, the Military, and Masculinities" In in (eds. Harry Brod & Michael Kaufman) Theorizing Masculinities. Sage 

Sedgwick, E. (1991): How to Bring Your Kids up Gay”, in: Social Text, No. 29.

Whitehead, S. & Frank Barrett (eds.) (2001). The Masculinities Reader. Polity Press.

Approach to Teaching

This course will be taught through a combination of Lectures, Group Work, Field Studies, Guest Lecturers, and videos. Throughout, there will be a strong emphasis on participation and class discussion. Overall, the aim is to create a classroom space characterized by respect and willingness to listen/consider others’ perspectives, where it is safe to explore ideas together and individually.

SAFE SPACE

Please note that the class is discussion-based and it is very important we all contribute to creating and maintaining a safe space throughout the semester. You and your peers come from a variety of backgrounds, adding valuable perspectives to our discussions – be open, curious, and respectful during your own and other’s learning processes. Remember to challenge ideas, not people. 

Class Representatives and Comfort Groups

In the beginning of the semester, two class representatives will be elected. The class reps will meet the course instructor during the semester and are responsible for providing feedback and ideas for improvement. Moreover, the class will be divided into portfolio groups. Your portfolio group is meant to help with practical questions and note-taking if you are ill, as well as providing a safe space for discussions and peer reviews. Please make use of these two communication channels throughout the semester.

Evaluation

**To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work**

Assignment	Percent
Participation	15%
Presentation	20%
Field Study Reflection	10%
Midterm	35%
Final Exam	20%
Total	100%

Participation

The course heavily emphasizes your own engagement and active participation. Much of the learning in this course is dependent on how much effort you put into your own explorations and research, not least in connection with the different assignments.

The evaluation of this component will take into consideration the following aspects:

Attendance: attendance in all classes and field studies is mandatory. Note that coming late to class will affect your participation grade.

Preparation: preparation for each lecture is a course requirement. See reading list included in this syllabus. Please be aware that there may be slight changes in the reading assignments during the course. 

Participation: active participation in all class sessions is required and forms an important part of your grade for this component. Participation should preferably reflect your critical capacities and knowledge of the course material. The aim should be to contribute constructively to meaningful, relevant dialogue and discussion among the group. In practice, this means that expression of one's personal views should be backed up by references to pertinent readings, materials, etc. and that other viewpoints should be considered in a respectful manner. Note the rubric for participation grades, which is a tool for you to understand what constitutes "good" participation. 

Academic Regulations 

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

 

Paper Policy

It is crucial for your learning that you stay on task and hand in assignments on or before the due date. All work has to be completed in order to pass the class. Late work will be deducted points for each day it is late.

Class schedule

Schedule is subject to change if necessary with as much notice as possible. You should meet in our classroom for all numbered days, and do all readings prior to class.

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