Pedagogical Issues and Approaches Encountered in a Psychology of Men Course

Abstract

The author examines four areas in teaching men's studies courses: the need to develop a male perspective and male voice amid a preponderance of female students in the courses, the need to move from men-as-historical-objects toward more subjective experiences of men, the need to address the political aspects of men's studies, and, last, the need for a historical and cultural context. The four issues are incorporated into a hands-on accounting of the author's experiences in teaching the courses with emphasis on consciousness raising, changing perspective, confronting stereotypes and sexism, students' emotional reactions to the topics, and development of analytical thinking. Examples are given in dealing with some of these issues.