Women’s Studies 3050
Feminist Theories Spring 2009

Dr. Thom Kuehls Office: SS 296, ext. 6696 , E-mail: tkuehls@weber.edu
Office Hours: MWF 9-10, T 11:15-12, or by appt.

Dr. Kathryn L. MacKay Office: SS 244, ext. 6782, E-mail: kmackay@weber.edu
Office Hours: M-Th 7 AM, or by appt.

Class Calendar

Syllabus

Course Description: A survey of some of the most significant works in feminist theory from the 19^th century to the present.

Course Goals: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to

• demonstrate a critical understanding of each of the theoretical texts studied
• set out and explain the importance of the historical context for each of these texts
• apply the theories studied to issues, events, and artifacts

Rights and Responsibilities:

This syllabus and the Student Code for WSU (found in the Policy and Procedures Manual: http://documents.weber.edu/ppm/ 6-22) are the governing documents for this course. Your decision to take this course constitutes your consent to the conditions of this syllabus and the student code. Students may access the student code through the Weber State University homepage: www.weber.edu

Weber State University is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of discrimination based upon race, color, ethnic background, national origin, religion, creed, age, lack of American citizenship, disability, status of veteran of the Viet Nam era, sexual orientation or preference, or gender, including sexual/gender harassment. Such an environment is a necessary part of a healthy learning and working atmosphere because such discrimination undermines the sense of human dignity and sense of belonging of all people.

Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also arrange to provide course materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.

• Mill and Mill Essays on Sex Equality
• Gilman Women and Economics
• hooks Feminist Theory
• Trinh Woman Native Other
• Butler Undoing Gender

You might find helpful: Resources for Readers

Group Presentations (worth a total of 60 points)--Students will be placed into groups to do oral presentations on two of our five texts. Each group will be responsible for doing an introductory presentation on the author and text, as well as a concluding presentation on the theoretical implications.

• Group presentations on authors and their times should include:
  • a handout to be distributed to class members (summary statements, citations of sources)
  • a 10 minute oral presentation
  • responses to questions
• Group presentations on the text should:
  • be based on analysis of the news, fairy tales, literature, advertisements, YouTube, or film.
  • include a handout to be distributed to class members (summary statements, citations of sources)
  • be a 20 minute oral presentation
  • include responses to questions

Three 5-page papers (worth a total of 90 points) --Papers will be assigned for each of the texts we are reading this semester. You must complete three of these papers, specifically the papers on the 3 texts for which you are not doing the group presentations. Further details will accompany the first assignment to be distributed in class on January 27. Writing Rubric

  An “A” paper will contain at least the following elements:

• - demonstration of clear understanding of the course material covered in the paper
• - a clearly articulated thesis statement that directly addresses the specific question you are answering
• - convincing supporting arguments, including textual support
• - demonstration of independent/original thought
• - effective organization
• - near-perfect mechanics, including spelling and punctuation
  
  Sources may be cited using the in-text, or parenthetical citation style, e.g. (Rossi, p.112). A bibliography is not necessary unless you utilize material not assigned in the syllabus.

Academic Journal/Reading Responses (worth a total of 20 points)--2 entries per author, in response to suggested topics, 1-2 pages (not a formal paper)

Class participation (worth a total of 10 points) --Please note that class participation requires not only attending class, but attending class prepared to participate in discussions on the material assigned for each day and then actually participating in those discussions. Feminist theory, as we shall see throughout the semester, is participatory. Students will assess their participation this semester in short written statement--which includes description of their work in class and outside of class about feminist theories.

Grading scale:

93 - 100% = A; 90 - 92% = A-
87 - 89% = B+; 83 - 86% = B; 80 - 82% = B-
77 - 79% = C+; 73 - 76% = C; 70 - 72% = C-
67 - 69% = D+; 63 - 66% = D; 60 - 62% = D-
0 - 59% = E