RACE, CLASS, AND SEXUALITY IN WOMEN’S LIVES WMS 310
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:
Social identities constructed on differences of race, class status, and sexual orientation function in a variety of ways in women’s lives, creating both positive and negative experiences. This course explores the impact these identities have on American women; we will analyze both the interconnections and divisions created by race, class, and sexual identities. We also will pay close attention to the social costs of racism, classism, and heterosexism. We conclude with an examination of women’s current efforts to build alliances across these identity lines in an attempt to understand both the difficulties and the rewards such efforts produce.
REQUIRED TEXTS (Available at the Rhode Island Book Company and the URI Bookstore):
Nestle, Joan. A Fragile Union
Rosenblum, Karen and Toni-Michelle C. Travis (eds.) The Meaning of Difference: American Constructions of Race, Sex and Gender, Social Class, and Sexual Orientation, Second Edition.
Leslie Feinberg. Stone Butch Blues
Sapphire, Ramona Lofton. Push: A Novel
ATTENDANCE POLICY: You are expected to attend EVERY class. LIFE HAPPENS: Save absences for genuine emergencies and illnesses. For each unexcused class missed, your final participation grade drops by 5%.
WARNING:
This syllabus is subject to change. It's your responsibility to attend class or when
absent, to contact someone, get the notes, and make sure you know what's going on.
You MUST complete all assignments to pass the course.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Participation and Attendance. Active discussion is crucial to the success of this class. You are required to read all assigned material before each class and come prepared to participate in a thoughtful, analytical, and lively discussion. Attendance is essential: If you do not attend class, you cannot participate.
Interactive Journal. During the first few weeks of the semester, we will develop an electronic list for the class. This list will be devoted to ongoing discussion of course readings, relevant current events, or related topics. The assignment requires that you go to the computer center and sign up for an e-mail address, if you do not yet have one. You also must have access to a terminal or computer that will allow you to link up to the mainframe. This is not difficult; there are public terminals in the library as well as several other buildings; you can also hook up by modem from any remote site. At least once each week, you will be required to post at least one response, question, or topic for further discussion. If you do not know how to use e-mail, the computer center offers a two-hour, free “short course” that will teach you; you need only to register for it (call them for the information). The rules are as follows:
1. Only class members should have access to the list.
2. No “flaming” allowed!! If you disagree with someone, fine; just do so in a respectful manner. This will be enforced absolutely. I don’t expect or want everyone to agree with me or with each other.
3. Your posting must be thoughtful and considered, posts to the effect of “Yeah, I agree” or “no way!” do not count as graded material.
4. I will monitor the list and pose questions or redirect discussion only when necessary.
5. You will not be graded on your opinion (e.g., if I agree or disagree with you), but on how you present/support your ideas and responses. While one post per week is required, more posts each week (of quality!) improves your grade. The weekly post only ensures you won’t fail the assignment, nothing more. If you have technical difficulties with this assignment, see me—we’ll work out a feasible solution.

Attendance at and 1-2 page analysis of one public lecture. Many interesting speakers come to URI; I will post the list of which will be considered for this assignment. The first one is Coretta Scott King, the widow of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. She will speak at the convocation, Tuesday, September 12.
Hate-group analysis. This assignment is due the date shown in your schedule. This paper requires that you visit at least one web site of a hate group and write an analysis of that site. I will hand out addresses of groups from which to choose; if you would rather analyze a site not included on the list, you need to get permission from me first (have the web site address with you when you make your request). Your analysis should scrutinize the ideological constructions used at the site, and should include considerations of the textual, visual, and audible (if any) features. More on this as the semester progresses.
Two Exams, given on the dates shown in your schedule.
Oral Presentation: “Solutions”. During the time scheduled final exam period, you will deliver an oral presentation that is designed to incorporate your class readings in an analysis of and suggestions for change regarding a contemporary problem in issues of race, class, and/or sexuality. The project can shape up in a variety of ways: you might design a corporate program that addresses diversity awareness training in the workplace, analyze the processes and successes of groups that attempt to bridge identity differences, suggest interventions in or solutions to the social struggles over gay/lesbian civil rights, write an in-depth analysis of a contemporary work of art/literature that addresses these issues, and so forth. As you will see in your schedule, I have set aside a few class sessions at the end of the semester devoted to the drafting and refining of your projects. Regularly scheduled assignments designed to encourage progress will be due during this period. More on the project as the semester progresses.
GRADING:
Attendance and Participation: 25%
Interactive E-list Journal: 15%
Hate Group Analysis: 15%
Lecture paper: 10%
First Exam: 10%
Second Exam: 10%
Final Presentation: 15%
SCHEDULE:
Semester begins: Wednesday, September 6, 2000
Class meets every Monday evening, 7-9:45 PM. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED.

9/11 Introduction and Expectations
9/18 Poverty in America
Read: Sapphire
Rosenblum, section 1, p.1-86
9/25 Rosenblum, section 1, p. 87-164
10/2 Rosenblum, section 2, p. 165-242
10/9 HOLIDAY: COLUMBUS DAY/DIA DE LA RAZA
10/16 Rosenblum, section 2, p. 243-278
10/23 1st EXAM
10/30 Rosenblum, section 3, p. 279-380
11/6 HATE-GROUP ANALYSIS DUE
Rosenblum, section 3, 381-466
11/13 NO CLASS; VETERAN’S DAY
11/20 Nestle (Complete)
Oral Presentations Workshops, groups to be assigned.
Topic and outline due.
11/23-26 THANKSGIVING RECESS
11/27 2nd Exam
Feinberg (Complete)
12/4 Wrap up, review. Oral Presentations Workshops, groups to be assigned.
Topic and outline due.
12/11 ORAL PRESENTATIONS, “Solutions”

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