WMST 2100.003 Women and Society:
An Introduction to Women's Studies
MW 12:00PM - 1:20PM
Wh 312
Women's Studies' vitality as a field comes from its ability to encompass contradiction.
-Elizabeth Lapovsky Kennedy and Agatha Beins
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.
-Alice Walker
Instructor: Kristin Alder, teaching fellow
Email: kristinalder@my.unt.edu
Office: GAB 462
Office Hours: Monday 2-3 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.
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
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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 Vista.
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. 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; 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.
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.
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Grades:
Total points available in the course: 500
A
B
C
D
F
=
=
=
=
=
448 - 500
398 - 447
348 -397
298 - 347
297 and below
Quizzes: 100 points
The quizzes will be unannounced. 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 two lowest quiz grades will be dropped.
Midterm: 125 points
The midterm will cover readings, films, and lectures from the first half of the semester and will consist of
questions primarily in the multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and/or true/false format. It will include one
short essay question which will not be provided before-hand.
Final: 125 points
The final will cover readings, films, and lectures from the second half of the semester and will consist of
questions primarily in the multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and/or true/false format. It will include one
short essay question which will not be provided before-hand.
Response Papers: 150 points
You will write three short essays (2-3 pages, double-spaced) responding to three separate units. Your
papers will critically respond to the arguments or key ideas raised in the readings, lectures, discussions,
and/or films. These papers are not intended to be summaries, journals, or blog-type writings. They are
formal essays which should demonstrate comprehension of the topic as well as an ability to critically
analyze its importance to society and you as an individual. A rubric will be provided with more
information. Refer to the class schedule for deadlines.
Late Work: All late assignments will be docked 25% of their total value for each of the first three days
they are late. On the fourth day, I will no longer accept your work. For example, if your assignment is
due by 12PM on Monday, at 12:01 on Monday your paper is late and therefore loses 25% of its possible
value. On Tuesday at 12:01 PM, your paper loses 50% of its worth. On Wednesday at 12:01 PM, your
paper loses 75% of its worth. After 12:01 PM on Thursday, I will no longer accept the assignment.
NO EMAILS OF YOUR WORK WILL EVER BE ACCEPTED. No makeup exams or quizzes will
be given unless authorized by the university. 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.
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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
dishonesty. 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): If you anticipate the need for accommodations
to meet the requirements of this course, you must register with Office of Disability Accommodation
(University Union, 3rd floor, Suite 321) in order to obtain the required official notification of your needs.
Please plan to meet with me by appointment or during office hours to discuss approved accommodations
and how my course requirements and activities may impact your ability to fully participate. For more
information, contact ODA at 940-565-4323.
University ODA Statement: The University of North Texas is on record as being committed to both the
spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 – The
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of new federal legislation entitled Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on
providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.
Drop Information: All information regarding deadlines for dropping or withdrawing this course can be
found at: http://essc.unt.edu/registrar/schedule/fall/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 Vista.
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/).
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Class Schedule:
This schedule is tentative. The instructor reserves the right to modify the reading or assignments. All
changes will be announced in class.
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
Date/Class Topic
Readings Due
Wednesday, August 29
Introductions, Syllabus Overview,
and Course Objectives
Wednesday, September 5
Women's Studies, Women's
Movements and the links to
Feminism
Monday, September 10
Defining Feminisms
Wednesday, September 12
Intersectionality: Women of Color,
Feminism, and Patriarchy
WVFV Women's Studies: Perspectives and Practices pp. 1-22
WVFV: Claiming and Education pp. 23-25
BB: The Cult of Domesticity & True Womanhood
BB: Sojourner Truth - Ain't I a Woman
BB: The Declaration of Sentiments
BB: Test Your Women's History I.Q.
WVFV: A Day Without Feminism pp. 30-33
WVFV: Feminist Politics pp. 33-36
BB: The Global Women's Movement: Definitions and Origins
BB: 10 Things Feminism Can Do Better
Choose at least three of the following to read:
BB: NOW Statement of Purpose, 1966
BB: SCUM Manifesto, 1967
BB: NY Radical Women, No More Miss America!, 1968
BB: Redstockings Manifesto, 1969
BB: Radicalesbians - The Woman-Identified Woman, 1970
BB: Why OWL? (Older Women's Liberation,) 1970
BB: The Furies- Lesbians in Revolt: Male Supremacy Quakes and
Quivers, 1972
BB: Alice Walker's Womanism, 1983
BB: Excerpt from Black Feminist Thought, 1990
BB: Bikini Kill, Riot Grrrl Philosophy, 1995
BB: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995
BB: Mothers of Our Nations: Indigenous Women Address the
World, 1995
BB: Third Wave Manifesta, 2000
WVFV: There Is No Hierarchy of Oppression p. 70
BB: And When You Leave, Take Your Pictures With You
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
BB: Asian Pacific American Women and Feminism
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Monday, September 17
Privilege, Oppression and
Inequalities
Wednesday, September 19
Privilege, Oppression and
Inequalities, cont.-
Monday, September 24
Learning and Constructing Gender
Wednesday, September 26
Learning and Constructing Gender:
Masculinities and Femininities
Monday, October 1
Sex, Power, Heteronormativity and
Women's Double-Bind
Wednesday, October 3
"Queer-ing" Constructions of
Gender and Sexuality
Film: Middle Sexes
Monday, October 8
The Embodiment of Gender
FIRST RESPONSE ESSAY DUE
Wednesday, October 10
Bodies, Beauty, and Discipline
Monday, October 15
Bodies, Sexuality and Culture
WVFV: Systems of Privilege and Inequality pp. 42-59
WVFV: Toward a New Vision pp.60-67
WVFV: Oppression pp.67-69
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
BB: Media Representations and the Criminalization of Arab
Americans and Muslim Americans
WVFV: Learning Gender pp. 105-120
WVFV: The Five Sexes, Revisited pp. 121-125
WVFV: The Social Construction of Gender pp. 126-128
WVFV: Trans Identities and Contingent Masculinities pp. 135-140
BB: Watch the film Tough Guise (82 minutes)
WVFV: When I Was Growing Up pp. 144-145
WVFV: Through the Lens of Race pp. 145-155
WVFV: Sex, Power and Intimacy pp. 163-180
BB: Is Hooking Up Bad for Young Women?
BB: Straight Girls Kissing
BB: The Heterosexual Questionnaire
WVFV: (Rethinking) Gender pp.158-162
WVFV: What is Bisexuality? pp. 189-194
WVFV: A World of Difference pp. 195-200
WVFV: Dismantling Hierarchy, Queering Society pp. 205-207
WVFV: Queering Black Female Heterosexuality pp. 207-212
WVFV: Inscribing Gender on the Body pp. 213-219
WVFV: Breast Buds and the "Training" Bra pp. 234-238
WVFV: If Men Could Menstruate pp. 238-239
BB: The Butt: Its Politics, Its Profanity, Its Power
WVFV: Inscribing Gender on the Body pp. 220-233
WVFV: What We Do For Love pp. 253-261
WVFV: Love Your Fat Self pp. 265-268
WVFV: Designer Vaginas pp. 270-276
BB: Watch the film: Killing Us Softly 4
BB: Beauty Whitewashed: How White Ideals Exclude Women of
Color
WVFV: China's Cosmetic Surgery Craze pp. 269-270
Film Excerpts: Dreamworlds 3
Wednesday, October 17
MIDTERM
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Monday, October 22
Women and the Media: the Female
Athlete
Film: Playing Unfair: The Media
Image of the Female Athlete
Wednesday, October 24
Women Confronting and
Constructing the Media
Film: Miss Representation
Monday, October 29
Violence Against Women: What is
"Rape Culture" and do we live in
one?
Wednesday, October 31
Violence Against Women: The
Spectrum of Violence and Systems
of Injustice
Monday, November 5
Women, Militarism, and Security
SECOND RESPONSE ESSAY
DUE
Wednesday, November 7
Women and the State: Policy and
Leadership - Where are all the
women?
Monday, November 12
Women's Health
Wednesday, November 14
Women's Reproductive Choice and
Social Justice
Monday, November 19
Women & Family
BB: Excerpts from the book, Women and Sports in the US
BB: Castor Semenya and the IOC's Olympics Gender Bender
BB: What if every Olympic sport was photographed like beach
volleyball?
BB: Sex Sells Sex, Not Women's Sports
BB: Western Media on Muslim Women in Sports
BB: Women in the Media Fact Sheet
BB: Reclaiming the Media for a Progressive Feminist Future
BB: view WomensMediaCenter.com video: Sexism Sells- But
We're Not Buying It (6 minutes)
BB: view WomensMediaCenter.com video: Media is our Campfire
(2.5 minutes)
BB: view WomensMediaCenter.com video: Rape Joke Super-cut:
I Can't Believe You Laughed at That (2 minutes)
WVFV: Resisting Violence Against Women pp. 503-514
BB: A Needed Revolution: Testing Rape Kits and US Justice
BB: Watch Video: What Isn't Rape? (6 minutes)
WVFV: Resisting Violence Against Women pp. 515-524
WVFV: Beyond the Politics of Inclusion pp. 525-527
WVFV: Confronting Violence pp. 537-540
BB: Prostitution as "Choice"
BB: Sneak Attack: The Militarization of U.S. Culture
BB: Excerpt from Contesting Militarization
BB: Whose Security?
BB: Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?
BB: Living and Fighting Alongside Men, and Fitting In
BB: Court-Martialing the Military
WVFV: State, Law, and Social Policy pp. 548-565
WVFV: Constitutional Argument pp. 570-571
BB: Why Women Make Better Politicians
BB: Why We Need More Female Politicians
WVFV: Health and Reproductive Rights pp.279-290
WVFV: Global Health Imperative pp. 326-331
WVFV: HIV Risk Among College Students in the United States
pp. 319-323
BB: Fighting the War on Women
WVFV: Health and Reproductive Rights pp.290-309
WVFV: Women of Color and their Struggle for Reproductive
Justice pp. 340-345
BB: Beyond Pro-Choice v. Pro-Life
WVFV: Family Systems, Family Lives pp. 354-371
WVFV: Partners as Parents pp. 380-385
BB: In Defense of Single Motherhood
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Wednesday, November 21
WVFV: Women's Work Inside and Outside the Home pp. 391-413
BB: He Works, She Works
Women & Work
Monday, November 26
Women, Work, and Family: Can
Women Have It All?
Wednesday, November 28
Women, Religion and Spirituality
Monday, December 3
BB: Excerpts from Why Women Still Can't Have It All
BB: Men Can't Have It All Either
BB: The Rhetoric and Reality of "Opting Out"
WVFV: Fundamentalism and the Control of Women pp.610-614
WVFV: Decolonizing Religious Beliefs pp. 614-619
WVFV: The Prophet's Daughters pp. 621-624
WVFV: Standing Again at Sinai pp. 624-627
WVFV: Feminist Questions of Christianity pp.628-636
WVFV: Catholic and Feminist pp.636-638
BB: Women and the Environment
Environmental Justice and
Ecofeminism
Guest Instructor
Wednesday, December 5
Visions of Social Change
WVFV: Activism, Change, and Feminist Futures pp. 640-654
BB: Feminists Occupy
Additional Readings TBA based on class interests
THIRD RESPONSE ESSAY DUE
Wednesday, December 10
FINAL:
10:30 to 12:30
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