ENGL3303 - 01 - Images of Masculinity

(LI) Literary Inquiry

This course explores the construction of masculinities in post-World War II American literature and film, concentrating on whether masculinity is conceived as natural and immutable or is culturally or historically determined. We will examine how versions of masculinity relate to cultural developments such as feminism, the "crisis in masculinity," and drag culture. We will also explore the connections between sex, gender, sexuality, race, and class. Readings have included John Irving, The World According to Garp; Walter Mosley, The Man in My Basement; Arthur Miller, The Death of a Salesman; and Annie Proulx, Brokeback Mountain. Films have included Fight Club (Fincher 1999); The Graduate (Nichols 1967); Training Day (Fuqua 2001); Venus Boyz (Baur 2002); Brokeback Mountain (Lee 2005); and Y Tu Mamá También (Cuaron 2001). Theoretical texts include readings from theorists such as Michel Foucault, Thomas Laqueur, and Judith Halberstam.