Women, Culture and Society



Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies 1110

Gender, Sex and Power

MW 10:15-11:20

Jennings Hall 060

Autumn Semester 2012

University Documented Disabilities

Students with a university- documented disability certified by the Office of Disability Services should discuss with me any special accommodations needed for the course. Please make me aware of your needs as soon as possible. The Office for Disability Services, located in 150 Pomerene Hall, offers services for students with documented disabilities. Contact the ODS at 2-3307, 292-3307, TDD 292-0901; .

Professor: Dr. Wendy G. Smooth

Office Location: 286E University Hall

Email: smooth.1@osu.edu

Office Phone: 247-8449

Office Hours: Wednesdays 1-2, or by appointment

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary scholarship in women’s studies. The course is designed to give students with diverse backgrounds and disciplines a basic understanding of the debates and perspectives discussed in the field of women’s studies. We will focus on the ways in which gender shapes our everyday lives in the U.S. Much of the course will focus on the ways in which women-- in all their diversity have worked to improve the lives of women through political activism and social justice work. Our course discussions will not only focus on women’s lives but all of society. We will pay particular attention to the ways gender, race, sexuality, class, physical ability, and age impact our lives, shaping our attitudes and informing the public policies and institutions in the U.S.

This course is a pre-requisite for the major and minor in Women’s Studies. The course fulfills three GE requirements: Cultures and Ideas, Social Science Individuals and Groups and Social Diversity in the United States. Women’s Studies 1110 fulfills the Cultures and Ideas GE by engaging students in critical listening, reading, seeing, thinking, writing and experiencing the arts and reflecting on that experience. It fulfills the Social Science GE requirement by helping students understand human behavior. The course focuses specifically on how gender structures human societies, cultures and institutions. In addition, this course fulfills the Social Diversity GE requirement by fostering an understanding of the varied ways gender, race, class, sexuality, physical ability, and age impact the nature of institutions, society and culture in the United States.

Course Learning Objectives:

1. To understand the ways in which women in all their diversity are affected by U.S. society, culture, and its institutions

2. To understand the ways in which the diversity of women’s experiences impact one’s own attitudes and values

3. To understand the ways in which gender informs theories and methods of inquiry

4. To develop the abilities to recognize the importance of gender in shaping and organizing societal values

5. To understand the role of gender in structuring approaches to address policymaking

6. To understand how ideas influence the character of human beliefs, perceptions of reality, and norms that guide human behavior

7. To appreciate, analyze, and interpret major forms of human thought and expression

Required Text

Reading Women’s Lives. Pearson Custom Publishing.

Be sure to purchase the volume for Autumn 2012 compiled by Professor Wendy Smooth, as this course is taught by numerous instructors who also compile their own volumes. The text is available at the Student Book Exchange and other area book outlets.

Instructional Team: Teaching Assistants

The teaching assistants will assist in instructing this course and will lead recitation sections which will cover discussions of assigned readings, films and lectures. In addition, teaching assistants will grade written work, exams and hold office hours to assist you with the course material. Your TA is the first person you should contact for information and guidance related to the course as this is the person most familiar with your circumstances.

Teaching Assistants:

Krista Benson Han Chen

Julia Elmer Sonnet Gabbard

Katelyn Hancock Erin Tobin

Course Requirements and Grading

Grading

Your grades will be computed as follows:

Written Assignments 20%

Midterm Examination 35%

Final Examination 35%

Class Participation and Attendance 10%

100%

Written Assignments

You will submit five (5) short writing assignments during the semester that address course issues. You will be required to submit both a hard copy and an electronic copy of your paper by the due date. Papers not submitted using both formats will be considered late. You will be allowed to drop your lowest score on the writing assignments, resulting in 4 assignments counting toward 20% of your final grade.

Additional writing exercises may take place during recitation sections and lectures or may be assigned as homework. To be prepared, come to class with pen and paper on time and prepared to work. Only those students present at the beginning of the assignment will be permitted to complete it. Your TA will provide guidance and assistance with these assignments.

Exams

There are two exams, a midterm which will be administered during regular lecture time and a final exam which will be held during the exam period at the end of the semester. The exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. A study guide will be provided prior to each exam. Make up exams will only be given in case of documented emergencies or by prior permission from your TA.

Class Participation and Attendance

The most basic requirement for this course is that you attend class and participate while in class. Students are permitted one (1) recitation absence and two (2) lecture absences without penalty. Each additional absence will result in a penalty of two points from your participation and attendance grade. A roll sheet will be kept by TAs for all class meetings. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure you have signed the roll for each class meeting.

Throughout the course we will engage in small group activities that are related to the course materials and you will be evaluated based on your participation. Given the nature of these activities, there is no way to make-up missed class activities. Likewise, pop quizzes will periodically be given in class. Quizzes will always take place at the beginning of class and only those students present for the quiz at the start of the class will be allowed to complete the quiz. There will be no make-up quizzes; however your lowest quiz score will be dropped. You are strongly encouraged to attend all classes and be on time for class. These in class assignments and quizzes will count towards your participation grade.

Late Work

Assignments are always due at the beginning of the class period. We will not accept late assignments unless you have made arrangements with your TA prior to the beginning of the class in which the assignment is due.

Academic Integrity/Plagiarism

Students are expected to maintain complete academic integrity. Please become familiar with the departmental statement on plagiarism:

As defined by University Rule 3335-31-02, plagiarism is “the representation of another’s works or ideas as one’s own; it includes the unacknowledged word for word use and/or paraphrasing of another person’s work, and/or the inappropriate unacknowledged use of another person’s ideas.” Plagiarism is one of the most serious offenses that can be committed in an academic community; as such, it is the obligation of this department and its instructors to report all cases of suspected plagiarism to the Committee on Academic Misconduct. After the report is filed, a hearing takes place and if the student is found guilty, the possible punishment ranges from failing the class to suspension or expulsion from the university. Although the existence of the Internet makes it relatively easy to plagiarize, it also makes it even easier for instructors to find evidence of plagiarism. It is obvious to most teachers when a student turns in works that is not his or her own and plagiarism search engines make documenting the offense very simple. You should always cite your sources (I can help you with this if you are unfamiliar with proper styles of documentation). Always ask questions before you turn in an assignment if you are uncertain about what constitutes plagiarism. Always see your TA or professor if you are having difficulty with an assignment. To preserve the integrity of OSU as an institution of higher learning, to maintain your own integrity, and to avoid jeopardizing your future, DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!

Writing Center

Your professor and TAs are available to assist you with assignments and help you improve your work. The university also provides an incredible writing resource with the University Writing Center. The Writing Center allows you to make appointments to get assistance from trained writing tutors! To utilize this university sponsored service, contact the Writing Center at (614) 680-4291 or visit their website at .

General Classroom Decorum

Attached to this syllabus, you will find a guide to university etiquette. It offers tips and good practices for university life. In addition to the etiquette guidelines provided, here are a few additional points to observe for this class:

-No taping, filming, or photography in class without my prior permission (whether by camera, cell phone, or other means).These activities are distracting and inhibiting to faculty and other students, may infringe upon privacy or copyright, and have a chilling effect on classroom discussion.

-Cell phones should be turned off. No talking on cell phones, text messaging, or emailing on laptops during class. Wait until after class to return any calls received.

-Any use of iPods, book readers, iPads or other such electronic devices during class should be restricted to matters germane to course materials and discussion.

-When class begins, please stop your conversations with others in the class and elsewhere.

-Wait until class is completely over before putting your materials away in your backpack, standing up, or talking to friends.

Class Schedule

You are expected to complete the readings by the date listed on the syllabus. Course lectures are designed to supplement the readings and provide a context for the readings. In your recitation sections, you will further explore the readings. The best way to be prepared for lecture and recitation is to take notes and summarize the readings in your own words. Resist the urge to simply skim the readings and highlight the text as this will not adequately prepare you for class.

The professor reserves the right to make changes to the class reading schedule. Students will be made aware of such changes in class and they will automatically become part of the course syllabus.

Week I Introduction and Overview

Wed., Aug 22nd Introduction and Course Overview

Recitation sections will meet this Friday

Week II Approaching Feminism and Women’s Studies

Mon., Aug 27th What is Feminism? What is Women’s Studies?

''I'm Not a Feminist, But...'' Popular Myths about Feminism Penny A. Weiss

 Fear of Feminism: Why Young Women Get the Willies  Lisa Maria Hogeland

 What is the Feminist Movement? Jane Mansbridge

Wed., Aug 29th

Week III The Women’s Movements

Mon., Sept. 3rd NO CLASS Labor Day

Wed., Sept 5th The Early Quest for Women’s Equality

Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions (1848) The Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention of 1848

Ain't I a Woman? (1851)  Sojourner Truth

The Right of Married Women to Hold and Control Property (1839)  Thomas Harttell

Week IV The Women’s Movements

Mon., Sept 10th The Many Women’s Movements

Nothing Distant About It: Women's Liberation and Sixties Radicalism  Alice Echols

Redstockings Manifesto   Redstockings

Wed., Sept 12th The Many Women’s Movements continued…

The Class Roots of Feminism  Karen Sacks

In Pursuit of Latina Liberation  Elizabeth Martínez

A Black Feminist Statement Combahee River Collective

Week V The Politics of Difference

Mon., Sept 17th Understanding Difference, Inequality and Intersectionality

Feminist Class Struggles bell hooks

Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference  Audre Lorde

Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism  Suzanne Pharr

On Being Country: One Affrilacian Woman Returns Home Wilkison

Wed., Sept 19th     Understanding Privilege

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack  Peggy McIntosh

The Other Body: Reflections on Difference, Disability, and Identity Politics Ynestra King

Oppression Marilyn Frye

Week VI Gender Roles and Socialization Part I Learning Gender Roles

Mon., Sept 24th   Learning Gender Roles

Why Boys Don't Play with Dolls?  Katha Pollitt

X: A Fabulous Child Story Lois Gould   

Additional Reading on Carmen

Wed Sept 26th Film Tough Guise

Week VII Gender Roles and Socialization Part II Performing Gender Roles

Wed., Oct 1st     Performing Gender Roles

The Female World of Cards and Holidays: Women, Families, and the Work of Kinship Micaela di Leonardo

I Want a Wife   Judy (Syfers) Brad

Wed., Oct 3rd

Week VIII The Body

Mon, Oct.,8th The Body Politics

The Body- Power and Politics Valerie Lee

The Body Politic Abra Fortune Chernik

Out of Body Image Heldman

Film: Miss Representation

*****Wednesday, OCTOBER 10th MIDTERM EXAM*****

RECITATION SECTIONS WILL NOT MEET FRIDAY (10/14)

Week IX Gender Equity in Education

Mon. Oct 15th Gender at Play: The History of Title IX 

Title IX: The Little Law That Could  Denise Kiernan

Too Many Women in College? Phyllis Rosser

Wed., Oct 17th Title IX in Practice

Pump it Up: Sports, Athleticism, and the New Cheerleader Natalie Adams

A Sporting Chance for Women  Marci McNaghten

Week X Gendered Violence

Mon., Oct 22nd Violence Against Women  

Domestic Violence: What's Love Got to Do With It?  D.G.

The Reality of Acquaintance Rape Warshaw

The Not- Rape Epidemic Latoya Peterson

Wed., Oct 24th Violence Against Women and Policy Responses

The Scope of the Problem  Carol Bohmer and Andrea Parrot

Cyber-Rape: How Virtual Is It?  Debra Michals

The Violence Against Women Act  U.S. Congress

Special Guest Speaker: Sarah Ozello, The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Week XI Gender, Work and Family

Mon., Oct 29th Women and the Paid Labor Force

Bringing the Men Back In Reskin

Pink Collar Medicine: Women & the Future of Medicine Heru

Wed, Oct 31st Gender and Economics of the Recession

Additional Readings on Carmen

Week XII Balancing Work and Family

Mon., Nov 5th Women, Work and Family

The Mommy Wars: How the Media Turned Motherhood Into a Catfight

Susan Douglas and Meredith Michaels

Wed., Nov 7th Policy Responses to the Gendered Workplace & Work/Life Balance

We Are Family  National Council for Research on Women

In Sweden, Men Can Have it All Katrin Bennhold

Week XIII Women Making Change -- Global Environmental Politics

Mon., Nov 12th No Class Veteran’s Day

Wed., Nov. 14th Women and Environmental Justice Activism

The Green Belt Movement

Readings Available on Carmen

“Engaging Women in Environmental Activism: Recommendations for Rachel’s Network” Amy Caiazza Institute for Women’s Policy Research

Film Taking Root

Week XIV Women Making Change- Transnational Organizing

Mon., Nov 19th Transnational Women’s Activism

Bringing the Global Home Charlotte Bunch

Wed., Nov 21st No Class Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Week XV Women Making Change- Electoral Politics

Mon., Nov. 26th Women and U.S. Electoral Politics

Does Women's Representation in Elected Office Lead to Women-Friendly Policy?  Amy Caiazza

Additional Readings on Carmen

Wed., Nov. 28th

Week XVI Looking Ahead: Future of Feminism

Mon., Dec. 3rd Looking Ahead & Course Wrap Up

A Day without Feminism & Third Wave Manifesta: A Thirteen-Point Agenda  Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards

***** FINAL EXAM: THURSDAY DEC. 6th 10:00-11:45*****

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