This section includes all the homework for the course, detailed instructions for both papers, and guidelines for the text analysis presentation.

Homework

Homework assignments are due on the specified lecture day. They should be 1-2 pages in length, or approximately 300-600 words (can be 2-3 pages if you need more).

Papers

First Paper

Draft Deadline: either submit in class during Lec #13 or via email to the professor by the fourth day after Lec #13

Final Draft Deadline: Lec #17

In an essay of 7-8 pages (10-12 for graduate students) , please address the following question:

Explain what distinguishes humanist feminism from gynocentric feminist thought. What are the strengths and pitfalls of each approach? Using several examples from our readings (I suggest using at least two from each camp), I would like you to specifically address the issue of difference as it is employed in these essays. Iris Young points out, for example, that "while gynocentric feminism is deeply radical. . . it also harbors some dangers to radical politics." What are these dangers, and how do some of our humanist feminist thinkers propose to escape them? Situate the concepts of essentialism and intersectionality in relationship to the diverging perspectives of humanism and gynocentrism. You should also feel free (but are not required) to use specific examples from the cases described in the "Contextual Studies" sections of our text to supplement your theoretical analysis, as well as any relevant points raised in our guest lecture presentation by Patricia Melzer and/or A Jury of Her Peers , the short film based on Susan Glaspell's story of the same name that was shown in class.

Your paper should demonstrate your understanding of key concepts developed in the course thus far by framing an argument in response to the essay question and supporting that argument with examples and quotation from relevant articles we have read. Please note that the first essay must be revised and resubmitted, in accordance with the CI-M subject requirements. I will return drafts with comments after one week.

Final Paper

Date Due: 2 days after Lec #26 at noon – send via email to the professor

Length: 7-8 pages (10-12 for graduate students)

This semester, we have considered several very different (and often oppositional) approaches taken in feminist political thought. The implications of these different political strategies play out in particular ways in the practical execution of activist agendas, feminist responses to particular political issues, or even the reading of cultural texts. For this final paper, I would like you to select an issue or topic of concern to women, or a cultural text you think is theoretically provocative, and consider how different readings of your chosen topic has or could be informed by at least two of the theoretical voices we've read this term.

For example, you could address the issue of domestic violence and how approaches and solutions to the problem have been framed in terms of equality, gynocentric, and dominance feminism. Trace the implications of each perspective you are developing, and make an argument about the pros and cons of taking each position.

Other topics that might be interesting include:

• Women in the military
• Rape as a war crime
• Female circumcision/female genital mutilation
• Medical management of intersexed children
• Disability issues and embodiment
• Sweatshops and women in the global economy
• Gay marriage/queer political activism
• Reproductive politics

Alternatively, you may wish to choose a cultural text, such as a film, popular media, or novel, and consider how different theoretical approaches lend themselves to particular readings of that text. Consider Bordo's analysis of Madonna and the Durasoft ads as an example of this option. What are the politics of representation in relationship to female protagonists or figures in the news? How do we read female figures? Consider the implications of arguments about intersectionality and identity politics as they play out in representations of women in popular culture.

Text Analysis Presentation Guidelines

Part 1: Presentation

Each student must present an analysis of a paragraph or short selection from one of our class readings once during the term. Students will work alone or in pairs to research and present an interpretation of the passage and lead discussion of the article in question. This assignment requires close reading of the given selection, presenting your analysis in a coherent way to the rest of the class, along with several follow-up discussion questions.

Please prepare your questions ahead of time and provide them in written format to the class, either by writing them on the board or distributing them in a handout. The goal of this presentation is twofold: you should present your reading of the text, and facilitate discussion of issues and theoretical questions raised by the passage.

Part 2: Write-up

Students are also required to submit a 2-3 page write-up of their text analysis presentation, due one week following the presentation. In the written analysis, you should draw from the discussion you led in your presentation to present a critical analysis of the passage you selected. Make sure that you are working closely with the text by quoting elements directly and following up those quotes with statement of your own analysis.