Fall 2007

ANS 390 • Masculinity, Contest, and Culture

Course Description

This course examines the role of contest and violence in patrilineal, patriarchal cultures (with an ethnographic focus on East and Southeasat Asia and Mediterranean Europe), paying particular attention to the representations, performances, and practices that define masculinity and manhood in these societies. Contest, violence, feuding, vexed family relations, bortherhoods and gangs, and differences between everyday and ritual behavior are among the topics covered.

Grading Policy

Class participation 20% Three reaction/review papers 30% Final paper 50%

Texts

Boretz, Martial Gods and Magic Swords Gilmore, Aggression and Commnity Herzfeld, The Poetics and Manhood Course packet

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