Time Schedule:
Leslie Ashbaugh
BIS 490
Bothell Campus
Study of special topics in interdisciplinary arts and sciences. Prerequisite: BIS 300.
Class description
Throughout history, images of women have been constructed; by the medical community, missionaries, colonialists, anthropologists, development agencies, world leaders, and by women themselves. In this senior seminar we will examine and trace the history of these images, question the motivations behind many of these constructions, and examine how they differ from women's own unfolding realities on the ground. As this course is really focused on each student's individual research project, with the aid of a common set of readings that provide us with the vocabulary of theory, each student will be expected to choose a research project with the course goals in mind. The required research paper must demonstrate that students have mastered college level skills in research, analysis and writing.
Student learning goals
Students will be exposed to a wide variety of texts written by, for and about women from around the globe, and will recognize the importance of contextualizing the production of these texts.
Students will facilitate a class discussion on their chosen topic, including soliciting responses to the reading and student insight, in prepration of their final research paper.
Students will conduct cross-cultural research on a topic of their choice, and write a publishable quality paper as part of their capstone seminar experience.
Students will have a better grasp of scholars' critical thought around the topic of their choosing.
Students will collaborate on a research project in preparation for a group presentation.
Students will understand the interdisciplinary nature of gender studies.
General method of instruction
Lecture, class discussion, student facilitation of readings, student presentations
Recommended preparation
For students who have not taken BIS 369 "Women Across Cultures," I will make additional readings available on reserve in the library prior to the beginning of the course. This group of readings should have been completed prior to the first week of class. If your are concerned about this required reading, please come see me during the first week of classes.
Class assignments and grading
Every student is expected to complete a 15-20 page research paper. This required research paper must demonstrate that students have mastered college level skills in research, analysis and writing. Students will be required to develop a research topic and compile a working bibliography within the first weeks of the quarter. In addition, daily readings, class meetings, in-class discussion and in-class assignments are required. Students will be asked to present their research in a brief oral presentation at the end of the quarter.
Participation, Senior Porfolio, Research Project and Research Presentation
