Time Schedule:
Nina Young Kim
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
This course will provide you with a survey of the interdisciplinary field of women studies, central theoretical perspectives, and activism. Central to this course is an examination of and discussions of issues that arise from the intersections of race, class, gender, religion, and various social categories in the United States (and in relationship to the transnational context). We will discuss these issues from both historical and contemporary perspectives. We will examine the impact that social issues have on us, our society, and in what ways that we can address and engage them. This is a reading-intensive course – you will be expected to closely engage with readings on diverse issues. You will be expected to come prepared with thoughts and comments about readings and themes of the course that demonstrate critical engagement with the material. The goal of this class is to engage with issues that touch our lives in sometimes extremely personal ways and to find ways of thinking about them in a responsible and nuanced manner. A look at the reading list will tell you the range of the issues that we will explore. Topics that this class will explore include popular culture, feminist theory, racism, and activism in the United States, Asia, and Latin America.
Student learning goals
To help you learn how to analytically read and debate issues raised by scholars we read from.
To understand feminist theories and its influence in the field of Women Studies.
To understand your location in a global context in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, class, religion, ability, sexuality, nationality, etc.
To be able to articulate verbally and in analytical writing the knowledge and understanding gained in the course
To translate your increased comprehension of the issues into attitudes and actions which promote positive social change.
General method of instruction
Lecture Group Activities Writing Assignments Midterm and Final Exam
Recommended preparation
Please pick up your course reader and course book from UW bookstore and the Ave Copy Center on University Ave.
Class assignments and grading
In addition to exams, students will write critical analysis papers and participate in in-class activities and presentations.
Classroom Participation (20%) Critical Analysis Papers (30%) Midterm Exam (25%) Final Exam (25%)
