Course Policy 2010-11
In this course, we will examine stories from a range of societies -- from South Asia to Africa to our own backyards -- in search of answers about how cultures understand and construct gender expectations for men and women. Our study will include cultural strands such as religion, education, health and economics.
The course will include a variety of short readings and films, including excerpts from books such as Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDunn’s Half the Sky, but also memoirs, short stories and other literary texts. A variety of media (podcasts, video, news articles) will be used to examine current events. Assessment will be based on responses to these written and visual texts through blogging, discussion and a project on a topic of the student's choice. We will not only read and learn about these topics in a purely academic way, however, but will also consider what role we might play in responding through action in the 'real world.'
Essential Questions
The course centers on three essential questions. Each question will form the framework for a unit of study. In each unit, we will examine a number of different types of sources.
1. What is true about men's and women's bodies?
2. When is your body not your own?
3. What causes women's bodies to become a battleground?
And a final broader, question:
4. What can we do to resist gender-based discrimination in our community and around the world?
A Quick Note: In order for this course to work well, we must all agree to “lean into discomfort” and accept that some topics may be challenging. It is essential that we engage with the material, not only with our own intellectual curiosity but also with empathy.
Texts
In addition to Half the Sky, and a number of excerpts and shorter works, there are two other full-length texts that are required for this course:
Ruined by Lynn Nottage (winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama)
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Current Events
An additional strand of the course will be focused on current events -- that is, making connections between the topics we're studying in class and what's going on around the world right now. Virtually every day, class will begin with a quick current events presentation by one member of the class, based on a short post on the blog that connects to our current essential question.
Final Project
Ultimately, it will be your job to respond to one of the issues or problems that we read about both creatively and analytically: by creating a literary or artistic representation of a feminist utopia or dystopia, and by analyzing solutions that governments, NGOs and individual activists around the world have produced to address these problem. More details about the final project will be available in early October.
Grading
Grades will be determined on the following basis.
Participation & Current Events
15%
Writing & Projects
55%
Homework & Quizzes
10%
Final Project
20%
Late Paper Policy: Papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date. If for any reason they are late, they will be penalized 10% a day for the first week. After one week, they will receive a 0. Most substantial papers & projects must still be completed as course requirements.
Typed Paper Policy: Papers written out of class must be typed. In cases of technological failure, you are expected to submit an electronic copy before the start of class or a handwritten copy, to be followed by a typed hard copy as soon as possible. Emailed papers must come from a Hawken email account. Any attached paper must include the student’s last name in the file name.
Extensions: Occasionally, extenuating circumstances may warrant an extension; extensions are usually granted, provided that you approach us at least 24 hours before the assignment is due. However, all extensions are at the teachers’ discretion.
Conferencing and Individual Conferences: Please take advantage of opportunities to meet with me outside of class to discuss this course, your work, and in particular any questions you may have about writing and research. Note that the writing center also provides resources addressing the latter issues.
General Rules: Obey all rules as found in the student handbook, particularly those regarding fundamental community standards but also those seemingly minor yet nonetheless important matters such as dress code.
Honesty and Integrity: Students are expected to behave with integrity in all interactions. Dishonesty in all forms is unacceptable. In particular, students must do their utmost to avoid plagiarism and other forms of academic theft. Every assignment you turn in must consist of your own original work: your own original ideas in your own words. Any ideas or materials taken from outside sources be they books, the internet, or any other resource must be cited properly.
I look forward to an outstanding semester with you.
The course will include a variety of short readings and films, including excerpts from books such as Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDunn’s Half the Sky, but also memoirs, short stories and other literary texts. A variety of media (podcasts, video, news articles) will be used to examine current events. Assessment will be based on responses to these written and visual texts through blogging, discussion and a project on a topic of the student's choice. We will not only read and learn about these topics in a purely academic way, however, but will also consider what role we might play in responding through action in the 'real world.'
Essential Questions
The course centers on three essential questions. Each question will form the framework for a unit of study. In each unit, we will examine a number of different types of sources.
1. What is true about men's and women's bodies?
2. When is your body not your own?
3. What causes women's bodies to become a battleground?
And a final broader, question:
4. What can we do to resist gender-based discrimination in our community and around the world?
A Quick Note: In order for this course to work well, we must all agree to “lean into discomfort” and accept that some topics may be challenging. It is essential that we engage with the material, not only with our own intellectual curiosity but also with empathy.
Texts
In addition to Half the Sky, and a number of excerpts and shorter works, there are two other full-length texts that are required for this course:
Ruined by Lynn Nottage (winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama)
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Current Events
An additional strand of the course will be focused on current events -- that is, making connections between the topics we're studying in class and what's going on around the world right now. Virtually every day, class will begin with a quick current events presentation by one member of the class, based on a short post on the blog that connects to our current essential question.
Final Project
Ultimately, it will be your job to respond to one of the issues or problems that we read about both creatively and analytically: by creating a literary or artistic representation of a feminist utopia or dystopia, and by analyzing solutions that governments, NGOs and individual activists around the world have produced to address these problem. More details about the final project will be available in early October.
Grading
Grades will be determined on the following basis.
Participation & Current Events
15%
Writing & Projects
55%
Homework & Quizzes
10%
Final Project
20%
Late Paper Policy: Papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date. If for any reason they are late, they will be penalized 10% a day for the first week. After one week, they will receive a 0. Most substantial papers & projects must still be completed as course requirements.
Typed Paper Policy: Papers written out of class must be typed. In cases of technological failure, you are expected to submit an electronic copy before the start of class or a handwritten copy, to be followed by a typed hard copy as soon as possible. Emailed papers must come from a Hawken email account. Any attached paper must include the student’s last name in the file name.
Extensions: Occasionally, extenuating circumstances may warrant an extension; extensions are usually granted, provided that you approach us at least 24 hours before the assignment is due. However, all extensions are at the teachers’ discretion.
Conferencing and Individual Conferences: Please take advantage of opportunities to meet with me outside of class to discuss this course, your work, and in particular any questions you may have about writing and research. Note that the writing center also provides resources addressing the latter issues.
General Rules: Obey all rules as found in the student handbook, particularly those regarding fundamental community standards but also those seemingly minor yet nonetheless important matters such as dress code.
Honesty and Integrity: Students are expected to behave with integrity in all interactions. Dishonesty in all forms is unacceptable. In particular, students must do their utmost to avoid plagiarism and other forms of academic theft. Every assignment you turn in must consist of your own original work: your own original ideas in your own words. Any ideas or materials taken from outside sources be they books, the internet, or any other resource must be cited properly.
I look forward to an outstanding semester with you.
