Evolution, Sex/Gender, and Communication

Sex—typically, male versus female—is fundamental social category with broad social and biological relevance. It influences our interests, preferences, social strategies, how we communicate with others. It also influences what others expect from us. Within context of this course, term gender refers to one’s location on continua of femininity (female-typical) and masculinity (male-typical), including identifying as neither male- nor female-typical. Like sex, gender affects how we approach social world and how social world responds to us. Exploration of deep evolutionary foundations of sex and gender, and their modern manifestations. Topics covered may include evolutionary mismatches between ancestral past and modern present, sex/gender and mass media, navigating world of shifting gender norms, and how sex/gender influences interpersonal relationships and sexuality.

S/U or letter grading.