ISB 245: Feminism, Gender, and Society Spring 1995

TTh 1:40 - 3:10 Suresht Bald

Smullin 314 332 Smullin X6261

Office hrs: M. 10:30 - 11:20: 1:30 - 2:30; TTh. 11.20 - 12.00; 3:20 - 4:00; W. 1:30-2:30; and by appointment.

Course description and objectives:

This course is designed to introduce you to a variety of perspectives on gender and sexuality so that you can understand and appreciate the central issues in contemporary feminism. Since feminism is a liberationary social movement, our focus will be human oppression. We will examine the nature and basis of gender-based oppression in contemporary society with special emphasis on discriminatory practices stemming from dominant representations of women, sexual violence, the institution of the family, employment and education, global economy, health care, reproductive rights, the state and international politics.

Feminist pedagogy will inform the structure and format of this class, that is, collaborative learning and active participation will be emphasized. You will be responsible for your own and your peers' learning: I will expect thoughtful and well-informed interaction among the class members. My role in 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 able to explain and defend your opinions. I encourage you to write down your reactions to the readings and bring them to class either in the form of questions you might want the class to consider or comments that you think might further our understanding of the assignment. Occasionally you will be required to bring typed comments or questions to class; these will be graded.

Assignments and grading:

1 In-class quiz................................................. 20

1 short paper (5-6 typed pages) ................................ 20

1 field-research paper (may be an individual or a group project) 20

1 final exam ................................................... 20

Class participation............................................. 10

Typed questions/comments on readings.............................10

The grade for class participation will be based on:

1. the rigor of your analyses;

2. the clarity of your presentations;

3. your willingness to contribute;

4. your contribution to your peers' learning; and

5. the quality of your attentiveness in class.

Books available for purchase at the Willamette Bookstore:

Alison Jaggar & Paula Rothenberg (Eds.) Feminist Frameworks (third edition) Mcgraw 1993.

Laura Richardson / Vera Taylor (Eds.) Feminist Frontiers III Mcgraw 1993.

Nawal El Saadawi Woman at Point Zero Zed.

Toni Morrison The Bluest Eye Triad.

COURSE SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:

Jan. 17 T Introduction to the course and each other.

Theory:

Alternative explanations of gender inequality

19 Th Start reading Frontiers pp. 1-3; 7-9.

Frameworks pp.75-112.

Video, "A room of one's own."

24 T Complete Frontiers pp. 1-3; 7-9; Frameworks 75-112 and bring a question or a comment (typed) on two of the readings.

26 Th Frameworks pp. 127-150

31 T Frameworks pp. 150-173; 187-202.

Feb. 2 Th Frontiers pp. 10-11; 20-36; 51-68; 158-176. Frameworks pp. 174-186.

7 T Frameworks pp. 203-248.

9 Th Quiz (20pts.) Start reading Woman at Point Zero.

Institutions and gender:

14 T We will discuss Woman at Point Zero in class. Please bring a typed question or comment that expresses your reactions to the novel.

Family

16 Th Frontiers pp. 100-114. Frameworks pp. 367-414.

21 T Frameworks pp. 394-446

23 Th Frontiers pp. 235-278.

Video "After School Special."

FIRST PAPER DUE MONDAY FEBRUARY 27 BY 4.30 PM

Economy

28 T Frontiers pp. 181-197; Frameworks pp. 288-315.

March 2 Th Frameworks pp. 316-322; 328-366; 67-73.

Video, "Inside the Global Factory."

Please bring a question or a comment each (typed) for two of the articles read.

State; Education

7 T Frontiers pp. 443-495.

9 Th Frameworks pp. 252-270; Frontiers pp. 115-126.

Health-care; child-care; reproductive rights

14 T Frontiers pp. 329-368; Frameworks pp. 30-36; 50-59

Practice: Contemporary issues

Sexuality

16 Th Frontiers pp. 140-149; 158-177; 279-300.

SPRING BREAK

27 T Frontiers pp. 301-326; Frameworks pp. 308-318.

30 Th Frameworks pp. 448-468.

April 4 T Frameworks pp. 492-513; 6-16; 27-30.

6 Th Short stories (handouts).

Sexual violence

11 T Frontiers pp. 369-401.

13 Th Video on sexual violence

SECOND PAPER DUE ON FRIDAY 14 APRIL BY 4.30 PM

18 T Frontiers pp. 402-436.

20 T Frameworks pp. 60-67; 468-489. Guest speaker.

Conclusion and review

25 Th The Bluest Eye pp. 1-87.

27 T The Bluest Eye pp. 87-190.

May 2 Th Review