African Diaspora Feminisms (FGSS Gateway)
FGSS 242
Spring 2010
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
AFAM 242 |
What is feminist theory? This course problematizes the notion of Feminism that stands in for all feminisms. We will explore the development of feminisms in the African Diaspora. This course does not assume a monolithic definition of feminism in the African Diaspora. We will take an interdisciplinary approach with themes that include women's liberation, complicating Black feminism, sexual identitIes, raced Black women in the academy, cultural studies, and queering African Diaspora feminisms. The sources for this course are wide-ranging and include documentary films, and the work of scholars and activists. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Speaking, Writing
Writing:
Some of the class time is devoted to teaching writing concerns such as developing a thesis, structuring an argument, or using quotations effectively, which is particularly helpful for first and second year students. I require drafts of papers, which not only offers an opportunity to intervene in student writing, but also enables them to see critical thinking and writing as a process of engagement and re-engagement.
Speaking:
Students have opportunities to sharpen their analytical and speaking skills everyday as they process the theories on offer in the course during weekly discussions of theory and practice. Their analytical, speaking, and presentation skills will be developed and exercised more intensely as they prepare presentations for the class based on the materials on offer in the course.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS FGSS |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Tentative List of Typical Readings:
Guy-Sheftall, Beverly, ed., WORLDS OF FIRE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMINIST THOUGHT
Reddock Rhoda, "FEMINISM, NATIONALISM AND THE EARLY WOMEN'S MOVEMENT IN THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CARIBBEAN," in CARRIBEAN WOMEN WRITERS: ESSAYS FROM THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Oyewumi, Oyeronke, "VISUALIZING THE BODY," in THE INVENTION OF WOMEN: MAKING SENSE OF WESTERN GENDER DISCOURSES
Anzaldua, Gloria, "HACIDENO CARAS, UNA ENTRADA," an introduction to MAKING FACE, MAKING SOUL
Aarmo, Margrete, "HOW HOMOSEXUALITY BECAME 'UN-AFRICAN': THE CASE OF ZIMBABWE," in FEMALE DESIRES; SAME SEX RELATIONS AND TRANSGENDER PRACTICES ACROSS CULTURES
Ifekwunigwe, Jayne O., "LET BLACKNESS AND WHITENESS WASH THROUGH: COMPETING DISCOURSES ON BI-RACIALIZATION AND THE COMPULSION OF GENEAOLOGICAL ERASURES," in SCATTERED BELONGINGS: CULTURAL PARADOXES OF "RACE," NATION AND GENDER
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Examinations and Assignments:
Participation (20%)
Credit for participation is based on class attendance and contributions to class discussions, as well as in-class presentations on selected readings. We will assign in-class presentations during the first class. All presentations are graded on demonstration of knowledge, class interactIon, creativity, overall presentation contribution of each group, and presentation contribution of individuals in each group.
Quiz (30%)
The quiz is graded on demonstration of knowledge in terms of theories and topics from course materials including texts and films.
Final Paper (50%)
The purpose of the paper is to help students delve more deeply into a topic or aspect of a topic that they find particularly interesting in the context of the class. Students will consult with the professor to make sure a topic is appropriate for the final paper. The paper must incorporate readings, films, and theories on offer in the course, as well as outside materials addressing key issues related to postcoloniality, feminist theory, representations of gender, sexuality, and the politics of difference. The paper should be properly referenced. Students are encouraged to make use of the professor's office hours to get guidance on the 15-20 page, 12-font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced term paper. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Required films in class:
MY FEMINISM, Colbert, Laurie, producer.
THE COLOR PURPLE, a film based on the novel by Alice Walker
ETHNIC NOTIONS, Riggs, Marlon.
Speaking Feminism, TBA
A complete list of readings is available at the FGSS office, Allbritton Center, Rm. 218 (ask for Noreen Baris). |
| Instructor(s): Lewis,Libby Ilene Times: ..T.R.. 10:30AM-11:50AM; Location: JUDDB6; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 35 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 28 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 17 | FR: 18 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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