Approved Faculty Senate
University Studies Course Approval
| Department or Program | Women’s Studies |
| Course Number | 148 |
| Semester Hours | 3 |
| Frequency of Offering | every semester (1 section of 40 students) |
| Course Title | Introduction to Women’s Studies |
| Catalog Description | An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of women and gender in society. The course, which is team-taught by faculty from different disciplines, examines women's social roles and contributions in various social groups, cultures and areas of the globe, and explores gender as a socially constructed category of human experience. It introduces students to feminism, both as a body of theory and as an approach to social change. Offered Every Semester. |
| This is an existing course previously approved by A2C2: | Yes |
| This is a new course proposal: | No |
| (If this is a new course proposal, the WSU Curriculum Approval Form must also be completed as in the process prescribed by WSU Regulation 3-4) | |
| Proposal Category: | Arts and Science Core: Social Science |
| Departmental Contact: | Tamara Berg |
| Email Address: | tberg@winona.edu |
The proposed course is designed to satisfy the requirements in Arts & Sciences
Core:
Social Science.
Catalogue Description
An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of women and gender in society. The
course, which is team-taught by faculty from different disciplines, examines women's
social roles and contributions in various social groups, cultures and areas of the globe,
and explores gender as a socially constructed category of human experience. It introduces
students to feminism, both as a body of theory and as an approach to social change.
General Course Information
This course is a University Studies Course in the Arts and Science Core that satisfies
3 credits
of the Social Science University Studies requirement.
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of women and gender in
society.
The course, which will be team taught by faculty from different disciplines, will examine
women’s social roles and contributions and gender as an organizing category of human
experience in various social groups, cultures and areas of the globe. Throughout the
semester
influence our lives.
Rationale for Arts & Science: Social Science University Studies Course
Designation
Social Science University Studies Course Objective #1.
Students will understandhumans as individuals and as parts of larger social systems.
 | Each module is structured around the theme of gender-shaping institutions. For each module, students read and respond to theoretical and critical essays focussing on social systems. Students are required to reflect critically on the readings and on their own experiences in connection to social systems in a number of formats: in-class discussion, journaling, weekly participation in an electronic forum, and in response papers and exams. |
Social Science University Studies Course Objective #2.
Students willunderstand the historical context of the social sciences.
| Students are assigned readings from a
custom textbook designed specifically for this class that supply a historical context for each module. Students explore the ways in which various economic, political psychological, and sociological perspectives regarding human behavior have been and are socially constructed through directed readings, discussion, journaling, and weekly participation in a electronic forum. |
Social Science University Studies Course Objective #3
. Students willidentify problems and frame research questions relating to humans and their experience.
| Students are required to identify a topic for investigation and research that expands on issues or problems studied in this course. Working collaboratively in groups, students plan and present their research projects to the class. |
Social Science University Studies Course Objective #4.
Students will becomefamiliar with the process of theory-building and theoretical frameworks used by the social sciences.
| Students read a variety of theoretical essays focussed on the social construction of
power and privilege in our society, including but not limited to readings that address gender identity sexuality, race, class, violence, human relationships, norms and ideals of beauty, science and ways of knowing, and the global economy. Students analyze, compare and critique theoretical readings in a variety of formats: discussion, journaling, response papers, exams, and group projects. |
Social Science University Studies Course Objective #5.
Students will understandresearch methods used in the social sciences.
| Students critically examine research methods traditionally used in the social sciences
with an eye to the way such methods have been socially constructed and are tied to such variables as gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc. Students are required to identify a topic for investigation and research that expands on issues or problems studied in this course. Working collaboratively in groups, students plan and present their research projects to the class. |
Social Science University Studies Course Objective #6.
Students will describeand detail discipline-specific knowledge and its applications.
| Students are evaluated on their
ability to analyze, synthesize and respond to course content. Active participation in discussion and group work, reflective journal entries, response papers, exams, and group projects are designed to allow students the opportunity to express what they have understood and learned and to challenge students to "test" various applications of the knowledge they acquire. |
Social Science University Studies Course Objective #7.
Students will understanddifferences among and commonalties across humans and their experience, as tied to such variables
as gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc.
| This course takes as its core focus the critical analysis of systems of power and
privilege based on such variables as gender, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, etc. Through directed readings, discussion, journaling, group projects, and weekly participation in a electronic forum, students explore and analyze the ways in which various economic, political psychological, and sociological perspectives regarding human behavior have been and are socially constructed. |
UNIVERSITY STUDIES COURSE PROPOSAL SAMPLE SYLLABUS
WS148
Introduction to Women’s Studies—3 s.h.
General Course Information
This course is a University Studies Course in the Arts and Science Core that satisfies
3
credits of the Social Science University Studies requirement. The outcomes listed for the
University Studies Social Science Requirement specify that the course include requirements
and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to...
a. understand humans as individuals and as parts of larger social systems;
b. understand the historical context of the social sciences;
c. identify problems and frame research questions relating to humans and their experience;
d. become familiar with the process of theory-building and theoretical frameworks used by
the social sciences;
e. understand research methods used in the social sciences;
f. describe and detail discipline-specific knowledge and its applications; and
g. understand differences among and commonalties across humans and their experience,
as tied to such variables as gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc.
Requirements and learning activities that facilitate these outcomes are
highlighted in bold underline script throughout this syllabus.
WS148 Course Description
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of women and gender in
society.
The course, which will be team taught by faculty from different disciplines, will examine
women’s social roles and contributions and gender as an organizing category of human
experience in various social groups, cultures and areas of the globe. Throughout the
semester
we will explore the gender-shaping institutions that form the basis of our society and
influence
our lives.
This course takes as its core focus the critical analysis of systems of power and
privilege based
on such variables as gender, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, etc.
Through
directed readings, response papers, exams, discussion, journaling, group projects, and
weekly
participation in a electronic forum, students explore and analyze the ways in which
various economic, political psychological, and sociological perspectives regarding
human behavior have been and are socially constructed.
Major focus and objectives
| Increase awareness of the multiplicity of feminist issues by focusing on understanding
and analyzing systems of power and privilege based on such variables as gender, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, etc. (a, g) |
| Further the ability to critically examine feminist issues. (c, d, e) |
| Develop the ability to synthesize and assess feminist arguments and theories. (c, d, e) |
| Understand the historical context of feminist issues. (b) |
| Stimulate the use of diverse forms of written and oral communication as a means to express ideas in an academic discussion. (f) |
| Encourage the envisioning of social changes that might bring about gender equality. (a, f) |
| Increase awareness of how feminist issues relate to our lives. (a, g) |
Required Texts
Reading Women’s Lives, Custom Reader, Pearson Custom Publishing, 2000.
Listen Up: Voices from the Next Feminist Generation, edited by Barbara Findlen,
Seattle, WA: Seal Press, 1995.
Other Requirements
*A bound notebook, no smaller than 5" x 8". This will become your course
log, or journal,
and you will write in it at least one time per week, detailing the reading you have been
doing
and the things you have been thinking about in connection with this class.
Course outline of major topics and subtopics
I. Introduction (week 1)
This section will consist of an introduction to the course content, format, and
requirements.
II. Race, Class and Gender Issues (weeks 2-3)
This section will include an introduction to these and other "isms" that we
will grapple with
throughout the semester (ageism, ableism, heterosexism, etc.).
III. Gender-shaping Institutions (five 2-week modules; weeks 4-14)
This section is made up of five 2-week modules taught by Women’s Studies faculty
across the
disciplines.
| Module 1, "Culture/Media/Body Politics" |
| Module 2, "Women and Economics" |
| Module 3, "Sexuality/Relationships/Violence" |
| Module 4, "Science and Other Ways of Knowing" |
| Module 5, "Global Issues" |
The general theme of "Gender-shaping Institutions" will form a basis for each
module,
allowing us a framework from which to make connections between individual modules,
as well as connections to our own experiences.
IV. Motivating and Working for Change (weeks 15-16)
This section will include student presentations, course summary, and conclusions
Course Policies and Procedures
In this course, you are expected to learn from every possible source—your
readings, your
peers, your life experience, your professors.
Discussion
Participating in discussions is one of the best ways to learn. You are expected to
contribute your insights to the class. The culture of the class will encourage self-
expression and everyone’s contributions will be treated with respect. Doing
excellent written work is not enough to demonstrate adequate performance in this
course. Accordingly, we will encourage (even call on!) people to participate in
discussion. Preparation is obviously a key to succeeding in this course. Come to
class ready to discuss the readings, your opinions, and your experiences.
(University Studies Requirements, a, b, f, g)
List-serve entries
You are required to make at least one post a week to our class list-serve. This will
allow
all of the instructors of this course to participate in a discussion with all of the
students
throughout the semester. More instructions will follow.
(University Studies Requirements, a, b, f, g)
Attendance and Q-Cards
Attendance is a requirement of the course, as is active participation in the
classroom. To
help you organize your participation and preparation, and to allow you to help set
the
agenda for discussion, you are required to turn in a Q-Card at the beginning of each
class.
On a file card (we will provide these), write your name and the date on one side. On the
other side, keep a neatly-written record of key questions or comments about the readings.
Be sure to give specific page references where applicable.
You must have a minimum of 2 questions/comments per Q-Card.
You may ask questions of fact, context, clarification--anything that gives articulate
form to
your curiosity and engagement with the text(s).
We will collect Q-Cards at the beginning of each class. We may distribute the Q-Cards
to
stimulate small-group discussion, or we may use them as the basis for a larger class
discussion. You may be called on to elaborate on the content of your card. This will get
easier as we go along.
Sample Q-Card content:
• What does Hogeland mean when she refers to a "click!" moment? (Ms. p. 20)
• I think that Olive Shriner’s argument that woman would "end war when
her
voice is fully, finally, and clearly heard..." has not panned out. Look at the drive
for women to enter the Citadel, receive equal treatment within the military, and
serve our country. (from Women and Labor, MF p. 20.)
• What does Woolf mean when she says "Women have served all these centuries as looking-glasses"? (from A Room of One’s Own, MF p. 23.)
We will take attendance by checking the Q-Cards. Over the course of the semester, you
are
allowed two "passes"—you may withdraw from the question pool by not handing
in a question,
or you may decline to answer if you are called on.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. If you have more than 4 classes for which we have no recorded
questions (either because you "passed" or because you were physically absent),
you will
automatically receive an "F" in the course.
Q-Cards are not due on the days scheduled for student presentations.
(University Studies Requirements, a, b, c, d, g)
Group Projects
Working in small groups, you will have the opportunity to collaboratively identify a
topic
for investigation and research that expands on issues or problems studied in this course.
Group members will work together to research and analyze the chosen topic. Group
members will prepare and present a 20-minute in-class presentation that includes a clear
statement of the problem/issue under investigation, discussion of research methods,
presentation of findings, and an analysis of the implications of those findings in light
of
the issues that are examined in this course.
(University Studies Requirements, c, d, e, f)
Assignments
Journal Entries (30 pts) 15%
Response Papers (40 pts) 20%
Mid-term exam (20 pts) 10%
List-serve Entries (25 pts) 12.5%
Q-cards and Participation (30 pts) 15%
Group Presentation (25 pts) 12.5%
Final Paper (30 pts) 15%
Evaluation
Grades are based on a point system. A total of 200 points are possible. Your final
grade
will be based on the total points you earn out of the possible 200 (=90% is an
"A";
80-89% is a "B"; 70-79% is a "C"; 60-69% is a D; fewer than 60% is an
"F").
8/29 (Tuesday): I. Introduction to CourseWS148
Introduction to Women’s Studies
Fall 2000
T/R 2:00-3:20
(Working Syllabus)Week 1:
8/31 (Thursday) Read: RWL, 1-24; LU, xi-xvi, 1-20
Week 2:
9/5 (Tuesday): II. Race, Class and Gender IssuesRead: RWL, 15-40; LU, xi-xvi, 1-28, 54-61
9/7 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 51-64, 139-152; LU, 29-35, 120-131
Week 3:
9/12 (Tuesday): Read: RWL, 65-76, 153-174; LU, 138-160Discuss "signs" of gender shaping institutions
9/14 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 175-196; LU, 205-211, 221-229
Due: "Signs" of gender shaping institutions
Week 4:
9/19 (Tuesday): IIIa. Culture/Media/Body Politics
Read: RWL, 197-220; LU, 36-44, 75-101
Due: Response paper
Video: Still Killing us Softly
9/21 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 221-238; LU, 102-112, 132-137
View/discuss print/TV adsWeek 5:
9/26 (Tuesday): Read: RWL, 77-108; LU, 160-166, 239-248
Video: Dream Worlds
9/28 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 109138; LU, 167-176, 192-204Week 6:
10/3 (Tuesday): IIIb. Women and Economics
Read: RWL, 239-244; handout, "Executive Turned
Critic Would Revolutionize the Workplace"
10/5 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 263-270
Week 7:
10/10 (Tuesday): Read: 271-28210/12 (Thursday): Read: TBA
Week 8: 10/17 (Tuesday): IIId. Sexuality/Relationships/Violence
Read: RWL, 283-317
10/19 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 319-342
Week 9: 10/24 (Tuesday): Read: RWL, 343-369
10/26 (Thursday): Continue discussion
10/31 (Tuesday): IIIc. Science and Other Ways of KnowingWeek 10:
Read: RWL, 371-386
Midterm Exam distributed
11/2 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 387-408 BRING YOUR WSU catalogues to class!
Due: Midterm Exam
11/7 (Tuesday): Read: 409-416Week 9:
11/9 (Thursday): Read: TBA
Week 12: 11/14 (Tuesday): IIIe. Global Issues
Read: RWL, 417-429
11/16 (Thursday): Read: RWL, 431-453
Due: Response paper
Week 13: 11/21 (Tuesday): Read: RWL, 455-464; 245-250
11/23 (Thursday): Break (no class)
Week 14: 11/28 (Tuesday): IV. Motivating and Working for Change
11/30 (Thursday): Group Presentations
Week 15: 12/5 (Tuesday): Group Presentations
12/7 (Thursday): Group Presentations
Read: RWL, 441-445
***Final paper due on or before the date and time of the final exam
for this class as published in the course schedule.