COMM 4335 MINI-PROJECT/READING RESPONSE #10 RELATIONAL COMMUNICATION ASSIGNMENT FALL 2010 NOTE: THIS ACTIVITY WILL SUBSTITUTE

FOR OUR CLASS ON 11/17. YOU MAY DO THIS IN GROUPS; HOWEVER, ALL NAMES MUST BE ON THE TYPED REPORT AND THE SAME GRADE WILL BE ASSIGNED TO ALL GROUP MEMBERS. READINGS: Wood, Gendered Lives, Chapter 8 & Chapter 12; also review Chapter 5 and other readings on relationships, plus various handouts on relationships. DUE: ___Dec. 1_________ 20 PTS.

1. Locate and watch ONE (1) of the following films (films may be found in the Kirkpatrick Library, Trails Library, Family Video, Hastings, Netflix, etc.). The Break-up (M/F romance; dissolution of a relationship) When Harry Met Sally (M/F friendship; M/F romance) Stand By Me (M/M friendship) Sideways (M/M friendship; M/F romance) In & Out (M/M romance) Fried Green Tomatoes (F/F friendship) The Color Purple (F/F friendship; implied F/F romance; dysfunctional M/F relationships) Thelma & Louise (F/F friendship; dysfunctional M/F relationships) The War of the Roses (M/F relationship, both positive & negative) After watching this film in its entirety, prepare an analysis based on how the communication in the film illustrates principles of male-female communication . Be sure in your answer that you apply at least three (3) but not more than five (5) of the following concepts to the film, depending on what we are able to cover in class and/or through the readings (concepts you choose should be those that are appropriate to the film you watched; appropriateness is one of the grading criteria). This analysis should be written as a coherent typed essay and should range from a minimum of two full typed pages to a maximum of four typed pages, drawing examples from the film itself for each concept. Better papers also will reference the readings or other materials as needed (e.g. to define concepts, etc.). Content vs. relationship patterns of communication Knapps stages of relational development & decay Women's vs. men's speech styles Noverbal differences between the sexes Same-sex friendship differences (and rules) Opposite-sex friendship differences (and rules) Self-disclosure differences Dimensions of rapport vs. report talk Love styles (e.g. eros, ludus, etc.) Patterns of family communication Types of love/family relationships (e.g. Traditionals, Independents, Separates) Intimacy & power dynamics

COMM 4335 READING RESPONSE #11 FALL 2010 DUE: _______________ READINGS: Wood Gendered Lives, chapters 10 & Epilogue Prepare a short 1-2 page (preferably typed) response to any TWO (2) of the following questions. Aim for a at least one paragraph per question. Bring the response to class on the due date for possible discussion. After the discussion, I=ll collect the response. Grading will be based on the usual stuff (see other responses). 1. What are some of the problems which still exist related to sex/gender roles, expectations, and stereotypes in the workplace? For example, what are the male standards and structures which permeate organizational life, according to Wood? How do these standards and structures create problems for both men and women in the workplace? What is the "glass ceiling"? Why is it problematic? What are some ways that this glass ceiling can be "broken through"? Any other solutions? Explain. 2. If you are a man, would you respond well to a female mentor or boss? Why or why not? If you are a woman, would you prefer a female or male mentor or boss? Why? Do men and women differ in their leadership styles? What are the benefits of a Afeminine@ style? A Amasculine@ style? Should the styles be blended? Why or why not? 3. How can sexual harassment be defined? What are some problems in defining this issue? Who determines when sexual harassment occurs? Is it enough that a "reasonable woman" would find something offensive, or must there be "severe psychological damage"? What are the consequences or negative effects of sexual harassment (whether it occurs at work or in school)? What might be the fallout of these negative effects on our relationships? 4. Decide on a course of action which produces anxiety in you, such as returning an item of clothing to a store, or turning down someone for a date, or saying no to a request from a friend, etc. Do this action as best you can, then describe and analyze your behavior. Were you successful in being assertive? Why or why not? How did this experiment make you feel? Would you continue with similar behaviors in the future? Why/why not?