WS/AC240: Winter 2000Tuesday, April 18: 1:30-3:30pm
We are asking you to prepare responses to the following four questions. One of the questions will be selected (randomly from a hat) on the day of the final exam. You will then be asked to provide an answer to that one question by writing an essay for two hours in a blue book. Your essay should include a main point with supporting arguments, not just answers to a list of suggested questions. Each question (except for number 3) asks you to compare and contrast two topics in order to think about how each topic understands the subordination of women differently. Topics include: gender and sexuality, work, violence, religion, and international feminism. Make sure you provide specific examples from at least 4 readings since the midterm for each answer (again, with the exception of number 3).
in Angell Hall Aud B and Aud C
You are encouraged to talk to classmates or form study groups. You are not allowed to bring notes or an outline of any kind to the exam room. Bluebooks will be collected and redistributed.
The answer you provide on the day of the exam should include references to the readings by author or title, but do not need to include exact quotations or page numbers.
Questions:
- Sheila Ruth states: "Early enthusiasm for 'sisterhood,' for cohesion among women as women, blinded many of us to the importance of understanding the differences among us as well as the similarities . . ." Examining two of the topics covered in the second half of the course, discuss ways in which sameness or 'sisterhood' have been important in feminist projects or analyses, and ways in which claims to or enthusiasm for sisterhood have neglected considerations of the differences among women. What do you conclude about the advantages or disadvantages of treating women as a homogenous group? Your answer should discuss at least 4 readings.
- In this course, we have seen that many social systems, such as religion, the family, work, the military, heterosexuality, are highly problematic for women. Choose two systems, and discuss briefly some of the ways in which they can be viewed as sexist institutions. Given these problems, consider the question: why is it that many women choose to participate? How do the institutions define and constrain women's roles? How do women benefit from their involvement? How do differences among women help to explain the choices women make? You must refer to at least 4 readings.
- Pick the 5 readings that have had the greatest impact on you since the midterm. Which essays have you chosen and why? How are they connected? Do not simply summarize the readings, but explain how they are related to an overarching concept or theme introduced by the class. How have they been important to your understanding of Women's Studies?
- All of the topics covered in class since the midterm have implications that range from the personal to the political to the global. Choose two topics and for each topic trace the interconnections among the three levels. Why is it important for feminists to think on all three levels? Make sure you discuss at least 4 readings.
If you have individual needs that require special arrangements, please notify your GSI.