This course is an intensive seminar designed to give students a familiarity with some major trends in contemporary feminist theories.   We first explore the question of "theory" itself, then the bulk of the course is devoted to critical reading, thinking, analyzing, and writing about current directions in feminist theory.   Throughout the course we will investigate the connections between gender, race, class, sexuality, and nation in feminist theories. We will also examine what "counts" as theory and how theory and practice work together.   The goal of this course is to provide students with the theoretical background, critical thinking skills, and analytic tools to tackle the problems, challenges, and pleasures of feminist theory today.

            This course is demanding: the reading can be difficult and you may be exposed to concepts and ideas that challenge your previous ways of thinking about the world.   You will be a successful student if you read the material carefully; participate in class discussions thoughtfully with openness, care and courage; and strive to connect course material and ideas to the world around you.   This is a course about thinking and about power, culture, and change.   It is neither a conduit for dogma nor a site of passive entertainment.   I believe that a seminar is only as good as its all its participants -- you will get what you put into this course, and that can be a great deal.   I look forward to an exciting, challenging and pleasurable semester learning with you.

• Syllabus 2008 .pdf file

• Seminar Notes Guide .pdf file
• Extra Credit Assignment .pdf file
• More forthcoming

• Class Presentation Assignment .pdf file
• Class Facilitation Tips handout .pdf file

Links

The following are links to non-sfsu web sites that relate to course topics

• Women of Color Resource Center -- community organization
• Critical Theory Trading Cards - fun, yet informative
• "Which Western Feminist Icon Are You?" - a fun, irreverent, quiz
• More to come...at your suggestion!