WMST 2100.001 Women and Society:
An Introduction to Women's Studies
TR 9:30 - 10:50 AM
ENV 190
The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn.
-Gloria Steinem
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.
-Alice Walker
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead
Instructor: Kristin Alder, MA
Email: alderkristin@gmail.com
Office: GAB 462
Office Hours: Tuesday 11 AM to 12 PM or by appointment
Course Description: This course is an introduction to critical thinking about the construction of gender
and the ways in which sex, gender, race, class, and sexuality merge and manifest themselves in social,
cultural, and political contexts. We will also examine the way these "borders" intersect with systems of
privilege and systems of oppression to create the context of women's experiences. Hence, perspectives of
a diverse group of writers, researchers, and activists will be presented. Topics for study include gender
and socialization, women's health, body image, women and family, violence against women, women and
the workplace, and visions for social change. The broad range and diversity of material covered is intended to strengthen your skills of critical observation, thinking, and analysis.
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Course Goals: This course will focus on the following goals:
1. To describe the broad diversity of women's experiences.
2. To explore the concept of "gender" as a social construction
3. To introduce philosophical frameworks for a variety of feminist scholarship
4. To provide opportunities for students to develop skills in critical thinking, observation, analysis, communication, and self-awareness
Course Requirements:
Text: Women's Voices, Feminist Visions, 5th ed., by Susan Shaw and Janet Lee (New York: McGrawHill, 2012).
Additional items will be assigned and made available to students on Blackboard.
Classroom Policies
Regular and punctual attendance is required for all Women's Studies courses. Five absences will result
in a failing grade (F) for the course. Excused absences will be given for university-authorized activities
only. University policy requires that you provide your instructor with an official notification card issued
by the university to explain your absence and to submit any makeup work while you were involved in
university-authorized activities. All other absences will be considered unexcused. (For example, illness (even with a doctor's note,) is not excused. A death in the family is not excused.) Use your four
"free" absences judiciously.
All students with two or fewer absences at the end of the semester will be given 10 bonus points. In addition, attendance may play a role in decisions about final grades should they be borderline.
If you are absent, please do not contact me to see what you missed. I advise each of you to find within
the first two weeks of class at least one study partner you trust who can gather handouts and/or take notes
for you.
Punctuality is extremely important. Please be on time. Habitual tardiness or leaving class early may result in the accrual of absences. If you do arrive late or leave early, please be respectful of your classmates. Sleeping during class will accrue you an absence for the day.
The use of all electronic devices, including personal computers, is not allowed in this classroom. I know
laptop computers facilitate note-taking, but they also impede discussion and can be distracting as well.
Turn your cell phones off when you come in the classroom and put them away where they cannot be seen
by me or you (this does not mean your lap); people using them in class will be dismissed and counted
absent.
Class meetings will include a mixture of lectures, films, discussions, and other activities. Students are
expected to read assignments prior to the class period, to listen to class presentations, and to participate
meaningfully in discussions. We will be discussing very controversial and personal subjects and it is
highly likely that your own system of beliefs will be challenged from time to time. You are under no obligation to agree with authors, other students, or the instructor. Rather, your obligation is to be respectful
and to demonstrate comprehension and thoughtful consideration of perspectives you may not share. Critical thinking, a willingness to explore ideas, and respect for others are essential.
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Also, expressing one's thoughts, ideas and opinions can be intimidating. As I've mentioned above, the
topics themselves may at times make it hard for all of us to join discussions. One of my goals as your
instructor is to create an environment where we can all not only meet our potential as communicators, but
improve our abilities as well. Because of this, class participation is VERY important for the success of
the class as a whole. Remember that what is important is not the quantity of your participation but the
quality. Please ensure that all remarks thoughtfully engage the material.
Food and beverages are allowed in the classroom as long as they do not become the focus of your attention or distract those around you. Please dispose of your trash properly.
Email: This is my preferred method of communication. I will send all updates and course changes to
you via your chosen email addresses. Class participants will be held accountable for any information
missed by not checking their email.
When sending me an email, please place your course number, name and reason for emailing in the subject
head.
For example:
WMST 2100.001 Taylor Smith. Question about Reading on Intersectionality.
All emails not addressed in this way will be assumed to be junk mail and deleted.
Grades:
Total points available in the course: 400
A
=
400 - 358
B
=
357 - 318
C
=
317 - 278
D
=
277 - 238
F
=
237 and below
All assignments should be typed in 12 point font, double-spaced, with 1" margins, and using MLAstyle bibliographic notation. I will not accept handwritten work.
Quizzes: 100 points
There will be six unannounced quizzes worth 20 points each. Each ten to fifteen minute quiz will consist
of questions primarily in the multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and/or true/false format. The quizzes will
cover all material from readings, films, and lectures. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
Midterm Essay: 100 points
Thursday, March 20
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You will write a personal reflection essay this semester over one of three topics to be provided. (Topics
to be provided later.) While I expect the essay to be personal, it should also be well written and include
cited examples from class discussion and readings.
Community Action Project: 200 points
In groups of 5 to 8, you will research, plan & implement a Community Action Project. This project is
your opportunity to identify an important feminist-oriented issue on campus and work in a group on activist solutions to this project. Your grade will be made up of the following elements:
25 points -
Situate Yourself Reflection Ex. (Individual)
Due: Thur., February 13
15 points -
Individual Proposal (Individual)
Due: Tues., February 4
25 points -
Group Proposal (Group)
Due: Thur., February 27
10 points -
Group In Class Check-ins (Group)
Due: Tues., Apr. 1 & Thur., Apr. 24
50 points -
Individual Reflection Paper (Individual)
Due: Thur., May 1
60 points -
Group Portfolio and Presentation (Grp & Indiv) Due: Thur., May 8
15 points -
Project Evaluation (Individual)
Due: Thur., May 8
On Tuesday, February 11 we will have a Community Action Project (CAP) workshop. During this
class we will discuss the project in detail, brainstorm ideas, and pick groups and projects. You will spend
the rest of the semester working in groups to complete the project.
Late Work: I do not accept late work. Ever. Never. There are no exceptions. Don't ask. Your assignment is either turned in in class when asked for or you receive a zero for the assignment.
NO EMAILS OF YOUR WORK WILL EVER BE ACCEPTED. Ever. Never. Don't ask.
No makeup quizzes will be given unless authorized by the University.
All that being said, if you run into difficulty during the semester, please contact me ASAP.
Extra Credit: Extra credit points will be offered at my discretion throughout the semester. All extra
credit will be offered to the class as a whole. A list of preliminary opportunities will be provided on
Blackboard by the second week of class.
University Policies:
Academic Dishonesty (http://www.vpaa.unt.edu/academic-integrity.htm): The University takes plagiarism and cheating very seriously. Plagiarized work will earn a zero for the assignment. Students will face
action according to University guidelines for academic dishonesty. I reserve the right to submit any paper
I suspect of plagiarism to Turnitit.com.
Academic Ethics: (http:www.unt.edu/csrr): Acts of academic dishonesty are subject to discipline at
UNT. Cheating, plagiarism, and furnishing false or misleading information are acts of academic dishon-
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esty. The definitions of these terms are clearly described in the Undergraduate Catalog
(www.unt.edu/catalog) and by the Center for Students Rights and Responsibilities.
Authorized Class Absence (http://www.unt.edu/vpaa_fy0708_fhb/III-a.html): All travel by students off
campus for the purpose of participation in UNT sponsored activities must be authorized by the dean of the
school or college of the sponsoring department. Within three days after the absence, students must obtain
authorized absence cards from the dean of students for instructors.
Absence for Religious Holidays (http://www.unt.edu/vpaa_fy0708_fhb/III-a.html): A student absent
due to the observance of a religious holiday may take examinations/ complete assignments scheduled for
the day(s) missed within a reasonable time after the absence. Class participants should notify the instructor via email of planned absences for religious holidays.
Disability Support Services (http://www.unt.edu/oda): ODA Office in Sage Hall, Suite 167
University ODA Statement: “The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation
for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you
with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation.
Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each
faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at http://www.unt.edu/oda. You may also contact them by phone at
940.565.4323.”
Drop Information: All information regarding deadlines for dropping or withdrawing this course can be
found at: http://essc.unt.edu/registrar/schedule/spring/calendar.html
Syllabus Information: This syllabus is tentative and subject to change at any point during the semester.
If there are any policy changes (i.e. grading, attendance) during the semester, a new/ revised syllabus will
be issued and given to all students. A copy of this syllabus will be on file in the department office (GAB
467). However, if you lose your personal copy, please refer to the copy on Blackboard.
Writing Lab: If you have any problems with your writing, please come see me for help or use our University Writing Lab (http://www.unt.edu/writinglab/).
Interested in a Women's Studies Minor?
Come to the Women's Studies office in the General Academic Building, Office 467, for more information
or give us a call at 940-565-2098. For further information, go to www.wmst.unt.edu.
Class Schedule:
This schedule is tentative. As the instructor, I reserve the right to modify the reading or assignments. All
changes will be announced in class and via email.
Students are responsible for reading all assigned material before class and should come prepared to discuss, question, and build on the assigned material.
WVFV denotes readings in the textbook, Women's Voices and Feminist Visions
BB denotes readings to be found on UNT's Blackboard
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Date/Class Topic
Readings Due
Tuesday, January 14
Introductions, Syllabus Overview,
and Course Objectives
Thursday, January 16
Women's Studies, Women's Movements and the links to Feminism
Tuesday, January 21
WVFV Women's Studies: Perspectives and Practices pp.1-10,19-22
WVFV: Claiming an Education pp. 23-25
BB: The Cult of Domesticity & True Womanhood
BB: Sojourner Truth - Ain't I a Woman
BB: The Declaration of Sentiments
WVFV: Women's Studies: Perspectives and Practices pp. 10-18, 22
WVFV: A Day Without Feminism pp. 30-33
Defining Feminisms
Thursday, January 23
Intersectionality: Women of Color,
Feminisms, and Patriarchy
Tuesday, January 28
The Practice of Feminisms
Thursday, January 30
Privilege, Oppression and Inequalities
WVFV: There Is No Hierarchy of Oppression p. 70
BB: The Bridge Poem
BB: The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House
BB: Women of All Red Nations (WARN)
BB: The Combahee River Collective, A Black Feminist Statement
BB: Chicana Feminism
WVFV: Activism, Change, & Feminist Futures pp. 640-645 & 647
WVFV: Fear of Feminism pp. 655-658
WVFV: Real Men Join the Movement pp.662-666
BB: 10 Things Feminism Can Do Better
BB: Third Wave Manifesta
WVFV: Systems of Privilege and Inequality pp. 42-59
WVFV: Toward a New Vision pp.60-67
WVFV: Oppression pp.67-69
BB: Has 'Caucasian' Lost Its Meaning?
Privilege exercise completed in class
(Part 1 of Situate Yourself ex.)
Tuesday, February 4
Privilege, Oppression and Inequalities, cont.Individual CAP Proposal Due
Post on Blackboard by 11 PM
WVFV: White Privilege, Male Privilege pp. 75-81
WVFV: Homophobia pp.71-74
WVFV: What's Race Gotta Do with It? Pp. 82-86
WVFV: Opening Pandora's Box pp. 86-90
WVFV: Don't Laugh, It's Serious, She Says p. 91
WVFV: The Social Construction of Disability pp. 91-99
Thursday, February 6
No class
Tuesday, February 11
BB: Review all Individual CAP Proposals on Blackboard
BB: Excerpt from Manifesta
BB: Excerpt from Grassroots
Community Action Project Work-
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shop
BB: Recommended: Excerpt from Learning Through Serving
Thursday, February 13
WVFV: Learning Gender pp. 105-120
WVFV: The Five Sexes, Revisited pp. 121-125
WVFV: The Social Construction of Gender pp. 126-128
Learning and Constructing Gender
Situate Yourself exercise due
Tuesday, February 18
Learning and Constructing Gender:
Femininities
Thursday, February 20
WVFV: When I Was Growing Up pp. 144-145
WVFV: Through the Lens of Race pp. 145-155
WVFV: (Rethinking) Gender pp.158-162
BB: Excerpt from Guyland: "The Rites of Almost-Men: Binge
Drinking, Fraternity Hazing, and the Elephant Walk"
Learning and Constructing Gender:
Masculinities
Film: Tough Guise
Tuesday, February 25
Sex, Power, and Women's DoubleBind
WVFV: Sex, Power and Intimacy pp. 163-180
WVFV: The Cult of Virginity pp. 181-185
BB: Sex on Campus: She Can Play That Game, Too
BB: Straight Girls Kissing
WVFV: Trans Identities and Contingent Masculinities pp. 135-140
WVFV: What is Bisexuality? pp. 189-194
Heteronormativity and "Queer-ing" WVFV: A World of Difference pp. 195-200
Constructions of Gender and Sexual- WVFV: Dismantling Hierarchy, Queering Society pp. 205-207
ity
WVFV: Queering Black Female Heterosexuality pp. 207-212
BB: The Heterosexual Questionnaire
Group CAP Proposal Due
Thursday, February 27
Tuesday, March 4
The Embodiment of Gender
Thursday, March 6
Bodies, Beauty, and Discipline
WVFV: Inscribing Gender on the Body pp. 213-229
WVFV: Breast Buds and the "Training" Bra pp. 234-238
WVFV: If Men Could Menstruate pp. 238-23
WVFV: Inscribing Gender on the Body pp. 229-233
WVFV: What We Do For Love pp. 253-261
WVFV: Designer Vaginas pp. 270-276
WVFV: Love Your Fat Self pp. 265-268
Film: Killing Us Softly 4
Tuesday, March 11 &
Thursday, March 13
Spring Break
Tuesday, March 18
WVFV: Body Ethics and Aesthetics Among African American and
Latina Women pp. 243-251
WVFV: China's Cosmetic Surgery Craze pp. 269-270
BB: Beauty Whitewashed: How White Ideals Exclude Women of
Color
Bodies, Race, Sexuality and Culture
Film Excerpts: Dreamworlds 3
7
Thursday, March 20
BB: Reclaiming the Media for a Progressive Feminist Future
Women Confronting and Constructing the Media
Film: Miss Representation
Midterm Paper Due
Tuesday, March 25
WVFV: Women Confronting & Creating Culture pp. 450-472
Women Confronting and Constructing Culture
BB: "Bodies, Babes, and the WNBA" from Built to Win
BB: "Leering, Leching, and Low Down: Demonizing Lesbians in
Bringing It All Together… Gender, Sport" from Strong Women, Deep Closets
Sex, Race, Sexuality, and the Media: BB: "Separating the Men from the Girls: The Gendered Language
Women and Sports
of Televised Sports" from Women and Sports in the United States
Thursday, March 27
Film: Playing Unfair: the Media
Image of the Female Athlete
Tuesday, April 1
Women's Health
WVFV: Health and Reproductive Rights pp.279-290
BB: The Problem with Pink
BB: Pink Ribbon Fatigue
Group Check In #1
Thursday, April 3
Women's Reproductive Health
Tuesday, April 8
Reproductive Justice
WVFV: Health and Reproductive Rights pp.290-309
BB: Fighting the War on Women
BB: Tales from the Bible Belt
WVFV: Women of Color and their Struggle for Reproductive Justice pp. 340-345
BB: Beyond Pro-Choice v. Pro-Life
Film: We Always Resist
Thursday, April 10
Women & Family
Tuesday, April 15
Women & Work
WVFV: Family Systems, Family Lives pp. 354-371
WVFV: Partners as Parents pp. 380-385
BB: In Defense of Single Motherhood
WVFV: Women's Work Inside and Outside the Home pp. 391-398
WVFV: Maid to Order pp. 429-434
WVFV: A Brief History of Working Women pp. 417-429
BB: He Works, She Works
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Violence Against Women
WVFV: Resisting Violence Against Women pp. 503-524
BB: 10 Things Men can Do to Prevent Gender Violence
BB: Queering Approaches to Intimate Partner Violence
Tuesday, April 22
BB: It Takes a Village to Rape a Woman from The Macho Paradox
Thursday, April 17
Violence Against Women: What is
"Rape Culture" and do we live in
one?
WVFV: State, Law, and Social Policy pp. 548-560
WVFV: Constitutional Argument pp. 570-571
Women and the State: Policy and
BB: Why Women Make Better Politicians
Leadership - Where are all the wom- BB: Why We Need More Female Politicians
en?
Thursday, April 24
Group Check In #2
Tuesday, April 29
WVFV: Religion and Spirituality
Religion & Spirituality
Thursday, May 1
WVFV: Activism, Change, and Feminist Futures pp. 646-654
BB: Bringing Feminism a la Casa
Visions of Social Change
CAP Individual Reflection Paper
Due
Thursday, May 8
8:00 to 10:00 AM
Community Action Project Presentations
CAP Portfolio Due
CAP Evaluation Due
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Tracking Your Grade
Please keep track of your own grades and number of absences.
I will not answer any queries regarding either. Ever. Never. Don't Ask.
Quizzes:
Community Action Project:
Quiz 1: _____/20
Situate Yourself:
_____/25
Quiz 2: _____/20
Individual Proposal:
_____/15
Quiz 3: _____/20
Group Proposal:
_____/25
Quiz 4: _____/20
Group Check In #1:
_____/5
Quiz 5: _____/20
Group Check In #2:
_____/5
Quiz 6: _____/20
Individual Reflection Paper: _____/50
[Drop lowest quiz grade]
Grp Portfolio & Presentation: _____/60
Quiz Total: _____/100
Project Evaluation:
CAP Total:
_____/15
_____/200
Midterm:
Midterm: _____/100
Extra Credit:
(If you have two or fewer absences, you will earn 10 extra credit points.)
Extra Credit Total: _____
Your Final Grade:
Total points available in the course: 400
Add the following numbers:
A
=
400 - 358
Quiz Total:
_____
B
=
357 - 318
Midterm Total: _____
C
=
317 - 278
10
CAP Total:
_____
Extra Credit Total: _____
D
=
277 - 238
F
=
237 and below
Total Points Earned: _____
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