Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:
Read the writing prompt below in its entirety. Notice that there are three tasks:
Explain the "different cultures" and the "gender similarities" hypotheses.
Discuss whether or not, based on what you have learned in class and in your experience, women and men are socialized to speak differently and use different types of body language.
Consider the importance of gender in how we use language and how we communicate more generally.
Watch at least the first 15 minutes of Gender & Communication Male Female Differences in Language and Nonverbal Behavior.
You have the option of using one of the supplemental readings, listed below.
Review the grading rubric and remember that 25% of your grade is based on your application of course material (Content/Subject Knowledge) and 25% is based on your ability to demonstrate you are thinking critically and presenting original ideas.
Supplemental Reading Options
Cameron, D. (2007, October 1). Do men and women speak the same language? The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/oct/01/gender.books
Rogers, T. (2011, October 16). Why do men and women talk differently? A new book argues that guys argue and girls overshare for a reason: Evolution. The author explains. Retrieved from http://www.salon.com/2011/10/16/why_do_men_and_women_talk_differently/
Reflect: Take time to reflect on the role of language in communication. Consider whether or not women and men communicate differently and whether language itself is embedded with ideas about gender.
Write: Based on what you have learned this week from our text and the video, answer the following questions:
What are the gender similarities and gender differences hypotheses?
How does gender influence how we communicate verbally and nonverbally?
In your own experience, do men and women communicate differently? If so, how and why?
Why is it important to think about gender when thinking about communication?
Please spend at least two sentences on each of the questions.
Note: While we want you to think through your own experience, this should not be the primary basis of your response. You should use your experience to think through what you have learned in class. Think of your experience as potential evidence you can use to support or refute some claims made in the book or video.
Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt by writing at least two to three sentences on each element. Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately. Your answers should begin with some points about the importance of understanding nonverbal communication generally and then provide examples.