Each student will write a paper related to gender theories over the course of the semester. The paper should be approximately 15 pages, double-spaced, and must closely and critically analyze and/or make a significant argument that addresses a question or issue arising from the materials from the course. This is a gender theories course so you should not simply write about an “issue” related to gender but should engage a theory proposed through the texts (for example, the question of gender as a social construct, gender as essential or inherent, or gender as an overlap of both, which was explored throughout several texts).
Throughout the semester we explored various theories related to gender and intersectionality–your paper/project should continue a conversation the texts and we started during the semester. You do not necessarily have to pick up where we left off, but should engage the issues and questions that arose through the texts and discussions in some specific way, using research and outside sources (a minimum of 5, at least 3 course texts referenced) to support your claims, argument(s), and/or assertions. While you are expected to use substantial sources, your voice and writing should still be primary. You are using sources to support your voice and content, not the other way around. This project should work in conjunction with larger projects or goals, whenever possible (i.e. thesis/dissertation, career goals, activist work, research projects). You will have a proposal due mid-semester. I am available for online conferencing to discuss ideas and progress.
Other types of projects involving textual/digital innovations may be substituted for a traditional paper, but these alternatives must be approved in advance to ensure their viability. For example, you may integrate visuals throughout your work to demonstrate examples, employ a digital format, such as a timeline, or a photo story to create an argument or explore an alternative to one of the theoretical approaches we studied. You may also extend an argument or text (think fan fiction, where readers add to stories or provide alternate endings). Because this is an interdisciplinary course, I encourage you to experiment with formats or mediums and approaches that tap into your interests, expertise, talents, majors, areas of study, and/or current or future careers/goals.
