Language, Gender and Culture Tannen “His Politeness Is Her Powerlessness” & Brooks “Honor Code”

Gender Communication Survey How much do you know about how men and women communicate with one another? The twenty items in this questionnaire are based on research conducted in classrooms, private homes, businesses, offices, hospitals- the places where people commonly work and socialize. If you think a statement is generally an accurate description of female and male communication patterns, mark it true. If you think it’s not an accurate description, mark it false. Then check your score to determine your communications quotient.

Vocabulary Chart Using the vocabulary and synonym table, review the list of key vocabulary words for each author, checking off any words and/ or their synonyms you know (meaning you would recognize and understand these words if you saw them in another context). Then, working individually or in pairs, brainstorm additional synonyms in the far right column. You can find synonyms using a number of resources: ask a classmate, use your cell phone to find definitions, use electronic or print dictionaries, or search on a classroom computer for acceptable synonyms.

Reading & Annotating Brooks Read David Brooks’ article “Honor Code” silently, annotating (3-4 per page) any particular points of interest or noting any places that need clarification; then answer the following questions about it: Looking back at the predictions you made based on the first two paragraphs you analyzed in the pre-reading activities, which of your predictions turned out to be true? What surprised you? If your prediction was inaccurate, what words or phrases in the text misled you? What do you find confusing or interesting about this text? Choose a passage to react to. Write a single sentence in your own words that states Brooks’s argument. 

Mapping the Organizational Structure Create an idea map of Brooks’ article, putting the main ideas into bubbles with supporting ideas, evidence, and examples connected to those bubbles.

Reading and Annotating Tannen Read Deborah Tannen’s article, “His Politeness is Her Powerlessness” silently, annotating (3-4 per page) any particular points of interest or noting any places that need clarification; then answer the following questions about it: Looking back at the predictions you made based on the first two paragraphs you analyzed in the pre-reading activities, which of your predictions turned out to be true? What surprised you? If your prediction was inaccurate, what words or phrases in the text misled you? What do you find confusing or interesting about this text? Choose a passage to react to. Write a single sentence in your own words that states Tannen’s argument. 

Thinking Critically Questions Questions about Logic (Logos) What is Tannen claiming, specifically about male and female behavior? What is Brooks arguing? Is his argument limited to boys? Why does Tannen focus her discussion on women? Why does Brooks focus his discussion on boys?

Questions about the Writer (Ethos) What does Tannen’s style and language tell the reader about her? What does Brooks’s style and language tell the reader about him? Do the authors appear to be treating the issue seriously? Does Brooks or Tannen seem to be more serious? Questions about Emotions (Pathos) Do you think Tannen is trying to manipulate the readers’ emotions? In what ways? At what points? Do you think Brooks is trying to manipulate the readers’ emotions? In what ways? At what points?

What We Wish You Knew About Us… Gather together, in two groups, guys on one side and girls on the other. Brainstorm and develop a list of things that you wish the opposite gender knew about your gender; think about dispelling stereotypes and rumors or giving advice. Your comments can be funny and serious. Choose one person to record your thoughts and one to be your spokesperson.

Observing People Your homework is to watch three different kinds of conversations (male-female, female-female, adult-student, multiple person conversation, etc.) and take notes on what you observe. Don’t be a creeper, but observe a conversation that you are not a part of so you can be objective. Fill in your notes and observations on the handout and turn in next class period.