ISA 342 FEMINIST ANALYSIS: fEMINIST UTOPIAS Suresht Bald
TTh 1:40-3:10 Walton 140 Spring 1997
Writing from the margins and coming into speech in full knowledge
of the abuses of the power over, feminists have tended to imagine
instead the the power to; they have needed and chosen to take
up the materiality of language, in order to install a self as
subject, knowing that the self has also been subjected. (Bartkowski,
Feminist Utopias)
Course description and objectives:
In this course we will read feminist utopian and dystopian novels
to understand the intricate ways in which the different parts
of a system work to produce and reproduce a state's ideology.
We will study and evaluate the assumptions about "women"
and "men" that form the bases of these novels and explore
the different possibilities they offer for creating a world free
of inequality and oppression. Since this course is supposed to
be Women's Studies equivalent of a "senior year experience"
you will be expected to use the feminist theory you have learned
in other women's studies courses to further your own and the class'
understanding of the novels.
Towards the latter half of the semester the class will be divided
into two groups to collectively construct a feminist utopia.
As a member of the group you will write a section and a short
paper explaining and examining the assumptions and objectives
that structure your group's utopia with special emphasis on your
own section.
This course will rely heavily on class discussion. You will be
responsible for your own and your peers' learning, for I will
expect thoughtful and well-informed interaction among the class
members. My role in the class will not be to "teach"
but to encourage you to learn, to develop your ability to think
for yourself, to question what you read, and to write thoughtful
analyses in a clear and coherent manner. Since the class will
be discussion-based it is imperative that you come to class well
prepared. This means completing the readings prior to the class,
identifying the key issues in the readings, forming reasoned opinions
on those issues, and being ready to explain and defend your opinions.
Assignments:
There will be no exams or quizzes. Instead, you will write three
2-3 page essays on each of the three novels you choose from among
the five assigned for the course; a section of the feminist utopia
for your group which you will also present in class; and a short
essay explaining how the various parts of your group's utopia
fit -assumptions, objectives, structure etc.
Grading:
2-3 page papers.................... 30
Section of the feminist utopia...... 40
Short essay on the group utopia..... 10
Class participation ................ 20
The grade for participation will be based on:
1. the rigor of your analyses;
2. the clarity of your presentations;
3. your willingness to contribute; and
4. written questions on the readings that you will
be asked to bring to facilitate class discussion.
Late papers will not be accepted.
Plagiarism: "Copying or imitating the language, ideas,
or thoughts of another author and passing off the same as one's
own original work." (The American College Dictionary,
New York: Random House, 1955, p.925) Plagiarism can be grounds
for expulsion; it is taken very seriously by the faculty and administration.
Please credit the source from where you obtain your material.
Required readings
See course schedule. Remember to complete assigned readings before
the corresponding class meetings so that you can participate in
class discussions.
Available for purchase at the Bookstore
Gilman, Charlotte Herland
Piercy, Marge Woman on the Edge of Time
Witting, Monique Les Guerilleres
Atwood, Margaret The Handmaids Tale
One of the following:
D. Lessing, Marriages between zones three, four and five Gearhart, Sally The Wanderground
Ursula Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness
Course Schedule
Jan. 21 T. Introduction to the course.
23 Th. Hossain, Rokeya Sultana's Dream (handout)
Gilman, Herland pp. 1-38.
28 T. Herland pp. 39-109.
30 Th. Herland pp. 110-146.
Feb. 4 T. Wittig, Les Guerilleres 1-54.
6 Th. Les Guerilleres pp. 55-91.
11 T. Les Guerilleres pp. 92-144.
FIRST 2-3 PAGE PAPER DUE WEDNESDAY FEB 12.
13 Th. Piercy, Woman on the Edge of Times pp. 9-79.
18 T. Piercy, pp. 80-163.
20 Th. Piercy, pp. 164-237.
25 T. Piercy, pp. 238-338.
27 Th. Piercy, pp. 339-381.
Mar. 4 T. Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale pp. 3-110.
6 Th. Handmaid's Tale pp. 111-172.
SECOND 2-3 PAGE PAPER DUE BEFORE FRIDAY MAR 7
11 T. Handmaid's Tale pp. 173-289.
13 Th. Handmaid's Tale pp. 290-361.
18 T. Handmaid's Tale finish.
Movie: Handmaid's Tale.
SPRING VACATION: Read a feminist utopian/dystopian book
of your choice and bring your analysis of it to the class.
Apr. 1 T. Presentations on the novel you read.
Tuesday and/or wednesday evening you will meet with your
group to design the blueprints for your utopia.
3 Th. We will meet as a class to discuss your ideas about
your "blueprints."
THIRD 2-3 PAGE PAPER DUE BEFORE FRIDAY APRIL 4
I would like to meet with your group on
Friday to discuss your drafts for your utopias.
8 T. Presentation of your blueprints in class.
10 Th. Individual conferences with me (no class).
F.& M. Individual conferences with me.
15 T. Outlines for individual chapters due; you will
present the outlines in class.
W. & Th. Individual conferences.
22 T. First drafts due in class.
Th.& F. Individual conferences.
29 T. Second drafts due for all the students to read.
May 1 Th. Group presentation.
6 T. Group presentation.
FINAL VERSIONS OF THE UTOPIAS DUE MAY 9 BY 2 PM.
OFFICE: Smullin 332
Office hours: Monday 10:30 - 11:30; 1:30 - 3:00;
T.& Th. 11.20 - 12; 4.30 - 5;
Wed. 1:30 - 3:30; and by appointment.