The question of virtue lies at the heart of every civilization. So does the question of gender. Historically, some virtues, such as bodily strength, courage in battle, self-control, rational intellect, and leadership, have been considered masculine and superior to other virtues considered feminine, such as modesty, industry, frugality, nurturing, and obedience. Is this correlation of virtues and gender natural, rooted in biological sex; or is it socially constructed? Did it ever have any redeeming aspects, or was it always unjust and oppressive? How does the modern ideal of gender equality affect our understanding of the virtues? These questions will be addressed through a wide range of readings, films, and open-minded class discussion.
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