Time Schedule:
Mae C Henderson
SOC WF 495
Seattle Campus
Readings, lectures, and discussions pertaining to significant topics of special and current interest to social workers.
Class description
This is a reading intensive, upper-level, lecture/discussion seminar. The focus of the course is motherhood as experience, as a socially constructed institution, and as a defining concept in women’s lives whether or not she is a mother. Throughout the course we will raise questions about how motherhood and women’s agency may be shaped by social, cultural and legal contexts; how women experience the particularities of motherhood within and outside their community, including how different women experience very differing versions of motherhood and practiced mothering; and how all these might inform our own theoretical perspectives about motherhood and mothering. While paying particular attention to the diversity of women’s experiences, we will examine ways in which motherhood and mothering might be influenced by race, class, culture, sexuality, ability, and nationhood. Our task will not be to arrive at definitive answers or a universal view of motherhood and mothering but, to explore ways in which we as social actors, service providers, policy makers, family advocates, legal interveners, etc. might contribute positively to a richer and fuller consideration of women’s lives and experiences as mothers.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture, discussion, film,
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
This is a graded course; C/NC or S/NS option is not available.
Grades will be based on: In-class participation & group work, written assignments,class presentation, exams.
