Time Schedule:
Mae C Henderson
WOMEN 200
Seattle Campus
Feminist analysis of the construction and enforcement of gender differences and gender inequalities in various contexts. Emphasis on the intersection of race, class, sexuality, and nationality in the lives of women. Topics include feminist theory, motherhood, popular culture, sexual autonomy, racism, and activism in the United States, Asia, Latin America. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
Welcome to Introduction to Women Studies. As an interdisciplinary survey course, this introduction to Women Studies is a historical and contemporary exploration of women's lives. With an emphasis on collective understanding, using an interdisciplinary lens and feminist approach we will examine social, cultural, political and economic experiences of women. Focusing on diverse structures of power and inequality patriarchy, capitalism, heterosexism, racism, nationality, culture, and ability we will study dominant ideologies and intersecting systems of power, privilege & inequality and how they function to shape the lives of women in a United States context. Though the primary focus will consider women in the U.S., we will also look at some experiences of women in the global context.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Through lectures, theoretical and experiential readings, literature, films, class discussion, group interactions, outside class activities, etc., representation, diversity of social experiences, and womens personal and/or political responses to institutional processes and structures of oppression will also be analyzed. Finally, reflecting on women's historical and contemporary activism, we will examine the transformative potential of a feminist perspective.
Recommended preparation
Lectures will draw on and complement materials in assigned readings. All students are required to (1) actively participate in discussions, (2) carefully read and critically analyze assigned texts, (3) complete all assignments as directed, (4) Complete exams. It is important to do the readings prior to the day they are listed on the syllabus.
It is important to develop strategies early in the quarter in order to complete the reading and writing assignments. Strategies that you may find successful:
1)Set aside specific time for reading, taking notes on readings and writing reading responses reports. 2)Complete the reading response reports as assigned following the reading response guidelines given. These will be collected and reviewed regularly (See due dates) 3)Identify a study partner: a person you can call if you miss class, to get the assignment; a person you can talk to for a half hour once or twice a week about the readings 4)Develop a study group and meet for an hour once a week, right before or after class to continue our discussions.
Please consider scheduling at least one conference at any of the related writing centers on campus during weeks 2-8. Your paper grades may depend on it.
Class assignments and grading
Participation 20% Mid-Term 25% Final Exam 25%
