Read Jeffrey Eugenides Novel, Middle Sex
Part 1: Biochemistry and Endocrinology behind the narrative:
From the opening paragraph in the first chapter of the novel, it is clear that Cal has 5-alpha-reductase deficiency.
He describes himself as being born twice, first as a baby girl in 1960 and then as a teenage boy
in 1974. Explain the biochemistry and endocrinology behind this story, describing the
consequences of the 5-alpha-reductase deficiency that would lead to the apparent birth of a
baby girl and then to the changes that Cal experiences upon reaching puberty (what are
described in the three assigned chapters). Consider Dr. Luce’s observations in the write-up that
can be found near the end of the chapter, “Looking Myself up in Webster’s.” See how much
of this you can explain in terms of biochemistry and endocrinology. Write your explanation at
a level that would be appropriate when communicating to one of your classmates. Draw upon
your knowledge from lectures you have had during the current year, knowledge you acquired
from reading, other classes you had previously, etc. You may of course research the matter
further, but one of the purposes of this exercise is for you to evaluate the extent of your
knowledge. Are you confident of this information? Do you know the evidence behind it? Your
answer to the latter two questions do not necessarily have to be included in your essay. Their
main purpose is for considering what is asked in 3) below.
Part 2: Interview to determine gender identity:
A major purpose of Dr. Luce’s
extensive interview of Cal is to determine his sense of gender identity. This is a critical part of
Dr. Luce’s decision in determining the treatment for Cal’s condition. Evaluate from your
perspective what Dr. Luce gets right and what he gets wrong in this process and explain why
you think so. Keep in mind that the story takes place in 1974, and you are viewing this from
the perspective of attitudes, experience, and body of knowledge that has accrued over 47 years
since that time. In addition, you have the added advantage of knowing the Cal’s thoughts and
descriptions from his narration of the story. Use these advantages you have to describe how
you would have conducted this evaluation and explain why you think this would have been
effective in evaluating Cal’s gender identity. You can of course use methods for interview that
you may have learned about in other classes, but the important part of your answer is why you
think this procedure would have been effective for Cal specifically, drawing on your
understanding of him from his narrative.
3) Consider carefully what you wrote for 1) and 2) above, especially in terms of the confidence
you have in the information you provided such as the evidence on which it is based and the
appropriateness of the procedure you propose for the interview. Write two or more self-defined
learning objectives of your own for this exercise—reflecting your interests, personal goals as
a medical doctor, and/or learning style—that will help you further explore issues raised by
items 1) and 2) above and helping you to fill gaps in your knowledge.
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Part 1: Biochemistry and Endocrinology appeared first on Homeworkassisters.
