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Department of
Women's
Studies

Women's Studies 110

Women, Culture, and Society

Accomodation for Students with Disabilities
Students who have verification from Disability Services are responsible for contacting the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary arrangements. The Office for Disability Services (150 Pomerene Hall; 292-3307; 292-0901) verifies the need for accommodations and assists in the development of accommodation strategies.

Course Description
WS 110 is a prerequisite for the major and minor in Women's Studies, as well as an introductory survey course that fulfills the GEC requirements for Social Sciences and Social Diversity. It fulfills these requirements by helping students understand human behavior through a focus on how gender shapes cultures and the institutions that structure them. Students will explore the study of women and feminism by examining the intersections of race, class, sexuality and disability with gender across cultural and disciplinary contexts. We will develop a framework for thinking at the intersections of identity, politics, culture and knowledge. Topics will include feminism and women's movements; work and politics; gender socialization; the body; women and the environment; global issues affecting women; and women's resistance and activism.

Course Objectives

• To introduce the field of Women's Studies through critical thinking, reading, writing, and completion of exams
• To define several core concepts, theories and methods in the social sciences
• To explain what "gender" means and identify social institutions and forces that shape it
• To understand how gender intersects with other aspects of society (such as race, economics, media), and how different forms of domination may be related
• To identify examples of women's activism toward social justice, including exploring resistance and social change from an intersectional approach.

Required Text
Reading Women's Lives, available at the Student Book Exchange [SBX]. (Purchase the volume for Spring 2008, compiled by Holmes

Requirements
Grading and Assignments:
Grades in this course reflect a combination of evaluation methods in order to best address the needs of a variety of leaning styles.

The distribution is as follows:
Attendance/participation 15%
Reading quizzes/responses 10% (Given randomly)
Paper 1 10% (Thursday, May 1)
Paper 2 15% (Tuesday, May 20)
Group presentation on social change 10% (Tuesday, May 27)
Midterm 20% (Thursday, April 24)
Final 20% (Tuesday, June 3)

Attendance: Students are permitted two unexcused absences. More than two absences will lower the participation grade of the student. Be sure to bring a note for university excused absences that I can retain for my files. If a personal emergency or illness demands an extended absence, please speak with me to make necessary arrangements. Your class participation/ attendance grade will be based on your regular attendance as well as your active and informed participation in class discussions. Come to class prepared to participate with questions, ideas, examples and passages marked in your text to discuss!

Reading quizzes/responses: We will occasionally have pop quizzes that will test your basic understanding of the readings. I will drop the lowest or missing score from among the quizzes/responses.

Papers 1 and 2: There will be two paper assignments. Paper one will be 2-3 pages (double-space) and worth 10% of your grade, and paper two will be 4-5 pages (double-space) and worth 15% of your grade. Topics and guidelines will be distributed in class. Late papers are not accepted without a university-approved excuse.

Group presentation on social change: Students will be sorted into groups and given an opportunity to revisit one component of the class (gender socialization in schools, women and sports, body image, etc. ) in order explore ways to resist oppressive cultural norms. Groups will present their findings and suggestions for activism and social change during class time at the end of the term. Further guidelines will be distributed in class.

Exams: The midterm and final exams each comprise 20% of your grade. They will be given in class, and will be in a multiple choice and short answer format. If you miss an exam, you must have an official university excuse to make it up. If at all possible, please contact me before the examination and schedule a make-up.

Guidelines for Discussion

It is important that all students come prepared to thoughtfully discuss class material. Please remember that your fellow classmates come from diverse backgrounds and experiences and that everyone is entitled to an atmosphere conducive to learning and in which they are respected. In order to facilitate class discussion please turn off cell phones, be on time to class, do not pack up early, do not text message and do not browse the internet or you will lose participation points!

Keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Respectful listening: We may not always agree with one another, but we each deserve to be heard. This includes allowing everyone an opportunity to speak – do not interrupt others or speak while others are speaking (this includes whispering and note passing). It's also a good idea to make room for quieter students if you know that you are a talker.
• Compassion: Be respectful of your classmates and remember that we are all at different levels of growth, awareness and life experience.
• Confidentiality: When we share personal stories in the context of larger concepts, they should stay within the classroom.
• No "Zaps": While sometimes funny, teasing one classmate can function by silencing many others and unfairly put pressure on just one student.

Academic Misconduct
As defined in University Rule #3335-31-02, plagiarism is "the representation of another's works or their 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 work that is not her or his own; plagiarism search engines make documenting the offense very simple.

• Always cite your sources (your TA or professor can help with this)
• 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 plaigiarize!

Schedule
All readings for the week must be completed by the meeting day and time of class. The instructor reserves the right to change this schedule. If changes become necessary, they will be announced in class and will automatically become part of the course syllabus.

Introduction and Overview
Tuesday, March 25 - Introduction and Course Overview
In class film The F-Word and popular myths about feminism

Thursday, March 27 - The Diversity of Feminist Thinking 
What is the Feminist Movement? (8 pages) Jane Mansbridge
Introduction: The Diversity of Feminist Thinking Rosemarie Tong (posted to Carmen)
Consensus is Not Unanimity: Making Decisions Cooperatively (posted to Carmen)

The Women's Movements
Tuesday, April 1 - Early Quest for Women's Equality
The Right of Married Women to Hold and Control Property (1839) (4 pages) Thomas Harttell
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions (1848) (5 pages) The Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention of 1848
Ain't I a Woman? (1851)(2 pages) Sojourner Truth

Thursday, April 3 - The Many Women's Movements
Nothing Distant About It: Women's Liberation and Sixties Radicalism (20 pages) Alice Echols
A Black Feminist Statement (10 pages) Combahee River Collective

The Politics of Difference
Tuesday, April 8
In Class Movie: Race: The Power of Illusion

Thursday, April 10 - Difference, Inequality, Intersectionality
Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference (10 pages) Audre Lorde
Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism (19 pages) Suzanne Pharr
The Other Body: Reflections on Difference, Disability, and Identity Politics (6 pages) Ynestra King

Tuesday, April 15 - Understanding Privilege
Oppression (14 pages) Marilyn Frye
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack (8 pages) Peggy McIntosh

Gender Socialization
Thursday, April 17 - Learning Gender Roles
Theme Introduction: Gender Socialization Cindy Burack
Why Boys Don't Play with Dolls?(4 pages) Katha Pollitt
Your Life as a Girl(7 pages) Curtis Sittenfeld
I Want a Wife (3 pages) Judy Syfers

Tuesday, April 22 - Seeing Gender as Performance
Burning Dinners: Feminist Subversions of Domesticity (17 pages) Susan S. Lanser
In class movie: Tough Guise

Thursday, April 24 - Midterm Exam

Gendered Social Concerns and Responses
Tuesday, April 29 - Women and the Media
Women, Representation and Culture, Judith Mayne (Carmen)
Image-Based Culture, Sut Jhally (Carmen)

Thursday, May 1 - Violence Against Women 
Introduction: Myths and Realities Regarding Battered Women(12 pgs)Albert R. Roberts
Domestic Violence: What's Love Got to Do With It? (6 pgs) D.G
Socialization Paper due in class today.

Tuesday, May 6 - Violence Continued
The Scope of the Problem (19) Carol Bohmer and Andrea Parrot
Cyber-Rape: How Virtual Is It?(10) Debra Michaels

Thursday, May 8 - Women, Work, and Poverty
Thematic Introduction to Work, Poverty and Economic Policy (6 pgs) Mary Margaret Fonow
We are Family (4 pgs) National Council for Research on Women
Few Welfare Moms Fit the Stereotype (6 pgs) Institute for Women's Policy
Excerpt from Zero Balance (8 pgs) Meg Cox

Tuesday, May 13 - Work: A Transnational Perspective
The Globetrotting Sneaker (12 pgs) Cynthia Enloe
In Class Movie: The Corporation

Thursday, May 15 - Women and the Environment Intro.  
"Women and Nature," Judith Plant at http://www.thegreenfuse.org/plant.htm
"Ecofeminism within Gender and Development," H.K. Manion (Carmen)

Tuesday, May 20 - Feminism, Science, and Development
Thematic Introduction to Science, Gender and Technology (8 pgs) Nancy Cambell and Ron Eglash "Monocultures of the Mind," Vandana Shiva at http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Vandana_Shiva/Monocultures_Mind.html
Interview Paper due in class today

Thursday, May 22 - Feminism and Development continued
"A World without Boundaries: The Body Shop's Trans/National Geographics" (22 pgs) Caren Kaplan (Carmen)
In class movie: Life and Debt

Tuesday, May 27 - The Future of Feminism?
A Day without Feminism & Third Wave Manifesta: A Thirteen-Point Agenda (10 pgs) Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards
A Day with Feminism (7 pgs) Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards
Begin Presentations

Thursday, May 29
Finish Presentations
** FINAL EXAM: Tuesday, June 3, 3:30-5:18 **

Etiquette for University Students
Office Hours: Office hours are times set aside by professors for visits by students. Specific information about office hours, including days and times, is generally available on course syllabi and in the main office of the academic department. You should not visit a professor's office at times other than those designated as office hours unless an appointment has been made in advance with the professor. The fact that a professor is in her office or that her door is open should not be construed as an invitation to drop in. When visiting a professor's office, always knock on the door and wait to be invited to enter.

Interpersonal Interactions: Civility is essential to the education project. Accordingly, the following guidelines should be applied to interactions among students and between students and professors: Never employ sarcasm or personal attacks when addressing or responding to a fellow student or a professor. Do not use belligerence or intimidation, either verbal or physical, to get your way or to silence others. Address others respectfully; this includes addressing professors as "Dr." or "Professor" unless they invite you to do otherwise. Meetings between professors and students should be characterized by mature and professional demeanor at all times.

Assignments and Policies: Most professors give extensive information about the requirements and policies of their courses in syllabi, on the web, or by verbal instruction. These instructions and policies are foundational to the academic work that will be done in the class. Do not assume that professors' requirements and policies should be taken as starting points for negotiation or that professors will make exceptions as the course progresses. All assignments should be turned in on time and in a professional manner.

Classroom Standards: Professors have the right and the obligation to define appropriate standards for classroom behavior. Unless professors indicate otherwise, students should not carry on conversations during class time or engage in other forms of distracting behavior, including reading materials not related to the class, eating, sleeping, and passing notes. All beepers and cell phones should be left at home or turned off before the beginning of class. Students should request and receive permission from professors before using electronic devices, including laptop computers and recording devices, in classrooms. Students should be seated and ready to work when class begins and should remain engaged in coursework until the professor dismisses the class. Contributions to class discussion should be preceded by recognition from the professor, and should not take up so much time as to preclude the participation of other students. Students should never pack backpacks or engage in other visible and audible actions that effectively end a class meeting.

Grades and Evaluations: Students should not attempt to negotiate a desirable grade or offer to do extra credit work to achieve a higher grade. Because it is impossible to spontaneously evaluate the fairness of an evaluation at the moment when it is received, students should not contest a grade or evaluation until they have taken at least one day to examine both the graded work and the nature of the evaluation. In cases of conflict between a student and a professor over a grade, the student should discuss the problem with the professor in a professional way. If the conflict cannot be resolved with the professor, the student should follow departmental guidelines for the resolution of disputes.

E-Mail: E-mail is a tool and a medium of communication, not a right. The use of e-mail by students communicating with professors and other students is subject to the same requirements of civility and self-restraint as prevail in face-to-face discussions. In addition, professors may designate the uses to which e-mail may be put by students who wish to communicate with them.

Attendance: Attendance is expected for all class meetings unless professors indicate otherwise. Follow all course policies regarding attendance. If you must be absent from a course for an extended period because of a personal emergency, keep your professors and advisor apprised of your absence and establish a way to acquire class notes and assignments. Do not assume that you can be absent for an extended period without contact with a professor and that the professor will make a special effort to make sure you are caught up and able successfully to complete the course.

Exams:  The examination process in a course is established for intellectual, pedagogical, and logistical reasons. Accordingly, it is not appropriate to attempt to negotiate with professors over the timing, structure, or evaluative standards of exams. If you have special needs that must be accommodated in the examination process, you should work with the office at the university that is appropriate to your needs. Unless you are working with such an office, do not expect professors to alter exams to accommodate special needs. It is generally unacceptable to suggest changes that you believe should be made to exams or assignments in a class unless such suggestions are solicited by the professor.

Letters of Recommendation: Students often find that they need letters of recommendation from professors to apply for graduate school, professional school, jobs, or fellowships. Students who need a letter of recommendation should select professors who will be able to comment on their academic abilities and record, personal character, and social skills. When you approach a professor to request a letter of recommendation, remember that you are asking someone for a professional favor. Never expect a professor to generate an immediate letter to meet a deadline, and never give a professor's name to a prospective employer unless you have verified that the professor is willing to provide a reference. If possible, have all necessary information when you make the request for a reference, including a résumé, copies of reference forms, deadlines, and the name of the person to whom the reference is to be addressed. There may be many reasons for a professor to refuse a request for a letter of recommendation; if this happens, make your request to another faculty member.

Academic Dishonesty: It is your responsibility as a student to acquaint yourself with the university's codes of academic conduct, including its policy on academic dishonesty. Remember that the standards applied to your academic work in the past, such as those common in many high schools, do not apply in institutions of higher education.