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Draft an in-class activity that will help students develop their ability to "explain how language use reinforces or challenges social norms and stereotypes related to gender." Students are upper-level college students.

Activity: "Gender and Language" Group Discussion

Objective: To help students develop their ability to explain how language use reinforces or challenges social norms and stereotypes related to gender.

Instructions:

  1. Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.

  2. Provide each group with a set of examples of language use related to gender, such as gendered pronouns, gendered words and phrases, and gendered stereotypes in media and advertising.

  3. Have each group discuss the examples and how they reinforce or challenge social norms and stereotypes related to gender.

  4. After the group discussion, have each group present their findings to the class.

  5. As a class, discuss the examples presented and the impact of language use on reinforcing or challenging gender norms and stereotypes.

  6. Finally, have students reflect on their own language use and consider ways in which they can challenge harmful gender stereotypes and norms through their language choices.

This activity should be done in a safe and inclusive environment and should not be used to shame or blame individuals for their language use. The goal of the activity is to raise awareness and encourage thoughtfulness in language choices.