LA3213 Social Science: Feminist Theory
Spring 2017
Thursdays 3:15-6:00PM
Dr. Shawna Lipton
[email protected]
Course Description
This course will introduce key themes and concepts in contemporary feminist theory. The
goal is to develop the tools to read, critically engage with, write about, and apply feminist
theories. We will begin by examining the diverse ways that feminism has been defined in
different social and historical contexts. Paying specific attention to how recent feminist
work has problematized the coherence of the category of “women”, we will focus on the
ways in which feminist theorists have disturbed gender’s biological foundation in sex and
interrogated the ways that gender is constituted in relation to other categories of
difference (such as race, class, nation, and sexuality).
Required Reading
The following books are required reading for the course:
Carole R. McCann and Seung-Kyung Kim, eds. Feminist Theory Reader: Local and
Global Perspectives, 4th Edition, Routledge, 2016.
Julia Serano, Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive, Seal
Press, 2013.
Course Requirements
Attendance and Participation (25%): Students are expected to attend all class meetings,
be on time, finish all reading assignments prior to class, and be engaged in class
discussions. Participation includes both speaking and listening. Therefore, students
should come to class prepared to both express their own thoughts and questions on course
material and to listen and learn from their classmates. Class discussions are an essential
component of this course, and the success of the course depends upon your participation.
You are allowed to miss two classes without it affecting your grade. For each class you
miss after the two excused absences, your attendance grade will be reduced by the
equivalent of one full letter grade. If you miss more than six classes, you will
automatically fail the course. Exceptions to this policy may be made due to special
circumstances, in which case it is your responsibility to contact me in advance and make
arrangements to make up missed work in a timely manner.
Feminist Theory Dictionary (15%): Throughout the course, we will maintain a
“dictionary” of feminist theory terms on our homepage site. You are expected to
contribute to the dictionary by defining terms that come up in the reading at least five
times over the course of the quarter. You will get more details about the dictionary during
the second week of class.
Discussion Leading (5%): Each student is expected to lead discussion on one of the texts
discussed in the course. Your presentation should highlight important points from the
article, make connections to other texts we have read, and raise questions for group
discussion. Your presentation should not simply be a summary of the texts but rather
should demonstrate your own analysis. Your presentation may take whatever format you
like. The articles for discussion leading are noted with asterisks in the course schedule.
Sign-up will take place during the second week of class.
Media Analysis: 20%
You will do a feminist analysis of a text (artwork, film, tv show, comic book,
performance, etc.) as a presentation in front of the class. You will apply a feminist lens
using readings, theories, or concepts we have discussed in the class. You must be specific
and use specific quotes and thinkers we have read. You will turn in a 500-1200 word
write up of your analysis with a list of works cited in MLA format on the day you
present.
Final Presentation and Written Report: 30%
You will develop a final project of your choosing. This will involve choosing a topic,
writing a project proposal, presenting your work in front of the class, and turning in a
project report (1500 words) and list of works cited in MLA format.
Reflective Essay and Self-Evaluation: 5%
You will write a short reflective essay describing what you learned in the class and how
you will apply it in the future (What? So What? Now What?). You will also evaluate
your work in the course and say what grade you feel you earned based on your overall
effort, participation, growth, and achievement.
Schedule TBA.