Teaching+gender+through+literature+and+film

During the faculty meeting on 4/1/09 Denis and Nathalie shared how the topic of gender is explored in their upper school language classes. Denis explained that through the study of Voltaire students discuss topics of gender, gender identity, and how gender roles are assigned by society. Students recognize how these issues are relevant to our society and other societies. Perhaps the greatest value of this type of this exploration is that students begin to ask questions about gender and to take notice of the issues. One challenge has been getting boys to share more personal thoughts on gender issues, particularly when outnumbered in class by female students. Nathalie played an excerpt from a film, //Ma vie en rose// (My life in pink), which tells the story of a boy who believes that he is supposed to be a girl. Discussion of gender identity emerges as the students watch teh struggle of this young boy. Denis also discussed his surprise at the gender stereotypes in the AP language test. The question was raised as to why the College Board still portrays women in the stereotypical role of shopping, needing help when their car breaks down, etc.