Time Schedule:
Sue-Ellen Jacobs
WOMEN 454
Seattle Campus
Comparative analysis of use of myths, tales, music, and other forms of expressive culture to account for, reinforce, and change women's status and roles. Recommended: WOMEN 353. Offered: jointly with ANTH 454.
Class description
Count on reading about 100 pages per week, in preparation for a) seminar discussions, b) viewing of videos/films and c) writing response papers. The overall objective of this course is to gain an understanding, in a cross-cultural comparative context, of how religion, mythology, anguage, music and other forms of expressive culture are used to account for, reflect, reinforce and change women's status and roles, cross-culturally. In order to achieve the overall objective, we first explore some religious, mythological, popular, and folk texts and other media used to prescribe and otherwise support gender differentiation; second, examine theoretical and substantive readings concerned with the ways in which language and linguistic behaviors shape and reflect cultural elements, from interpersonal communication to storytelling and the development of gender identities; and third, consider a range of women's music.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
There are two principal means of instruction: 1) guided seminar discussions; based on readings and videos/films shown in class 2) research and writing of analytical papers for detailed description visit EReserves for this class and read the syllabus for this year or last
Recommended preparation
Recommended previous course work: introduction to anthropology or introduction to women studies
Class assignments and grading
This is W(riting) course and counts toward A & S W requirements. In order to meet the W objectives of this course you are required to turn in three small and one 25-page (double-spaced paginated typewritten analytical essays based on the readings for this course. The final paper consists of revised versions of the first two papers and new material from the "music" readings. Assistance if provided in the form of an OUTLINE attached to the syllabus. Each student is also asked to lead at two or more discussions of the required readings(number of discussion leadings depends on size of class and provide classmates with outlines of their presentation.
Grade are based on: 1. participation in seminar discussions (5%) 2. completion of out of class assignments/Pop quizzes (10%) 3. presentations and leading discussions on required readings and e-mailing outlines to classmates and Professor Jacobs (10%) 4. Paper 1 (20%)
