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WGSS 280: Summer 2019

Women’s Studies: An Introduction
Online
June 10- July 30 2019

Instructor: Ms. Kadari Taylor-Watson, M.S.

Email: ktaylorw@purdue.edu

 Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change and is a working document and is subject to
change throughout the course. As the professor over this class, Ms. Taylor-Watson is
authorized to change this document as she sees fit.

Required Textbook:

Saraswati, Shaw & Rellihan (2018). Introduction to Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies:
Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Approaches

Additional readings may be posted on BLACKBOARD LEARN based on class discussions and/or
contemporary topics and social issues that occur. You can access Blackboard Learn at
https://mycourses.purdue.edu/

RESPECT

Truth: Talking about gender is difficult. Talking about identity is difficult. Talking about race, class,
ability and privilege are also difficult. Talking about these things together is EXTREMELY difficult.
This class is about tackling difficult questions and in that process we may touch on material that is
extremely emotional or difficult for you or your colleagues. Therefore, at all times, every member of
this class is expected to be respectful of the viewpoints, opinions, experiences and questions that are
shared in this classroom. Anyone exhibiting disrespectful behavior will be asked to leave the
classroom and will forfeit any points for in-class activities that day.

Furthermore, Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and

values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding,
and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her
own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and
nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the
institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life. Purdue’s
nondiscrimination policy can be found at: http://www.purdue.edu/purdue/ea_eou_statement.html

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IMPACT COURSE DESCRIPTION

The aim of this course is to expose students to a range of topics, theories, and methods central to the
study of women, gender, and sexuality from both social science and humanities perspectives. While
much of the course material focuses on the U.S. experience, students will also explore transnational
and global meanings attached to gender identity and gender relations. We will investigate the
intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, disability, nationality and other key elements of identity
construction and power relationships operating both at the individual and institutional levels.
A central commitment of the course is to interrogate other nature of social inequalities and to
familiarize students with a history of feminist activism and strategies to advocate for women’s rights
and gender justice. Students will be expected to reflect thoughtfully on their own experiences and to
engage in rigorous critical analysis of social practices and cultural texts. This interdisciplinary course
welcomes students from all academic backgrounds and requires no prerequisite coursework or
prior preparation. It may serve as foundation for the WGSS Major or Minor and contributes to the
LGBT Studies Minor Course of study. This course is included in both the University and college
of Liberal Arts Core Curriculum.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 You will be able to develop or enhance research literacy and critical thinking, reading, and
writing skills allowing you to respectfully and constructively engage in difficult dialogues
particularly around issues related to women, gender, and sexuality.

 You will be able to identity categories as social constructions and formations of power
resonant with political meanings and effects.

 You will be able to perceive and critique operations of power, privilege, and oppression as
manifested in one’s own life, community, and society as well as in past societies and across the
globe.

 You will be able to gain or deepen your understanding of Intersectionality including the ways
in which gender and sexuality operate in concert with al other categories of identity such as
race, ethnicity, age, nation, ability, etc.

 You will be able to further your knowledge of U.S. and global women’s movements and of
women as creators and shapers of culture, policy, political systems, and social change.

 You will be able to cultivate your compassion and understanding for the lived realities and
experiences of others including women and sexual minorities as members of marginalized or
oppressed groups.

 You will be able to utilize feminist strategies and praxis to foster social change and gender
justice in local, national, and global contexts.
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GRADING
Grading scale for your final course grades:

Grade Percentage Total Qualities

Points
A+ 98-100 782-800 Student work exceeds most or all expectations.
A 94-97 746-781 Shows creative thought, synthesis of concepts,
A- 90-93 710-745 reflection, deep understanding of concepts or
processes with the ability to transfer knowledge. The
student communicates well, and thinks concretely
and abstractly at a high level.
B+ 87-89 683-709 The student articulates concepts and communicates
B 84-86 656-682 ideas clearly. The work completed shows evidence of
B- 80-83 620-655 original thought or creativity, reflection or
thoughtful questioning. The quality of work exceeds
the requirements in some ways.
C+ 77-79 593-619 The student meets the objectives but does not exceed
C 74-76 566-592 them. The student can do the basics of the tasks
C- 70-73 530-565 required. Communication must be clear and written
at college level proficiency.
D+ 67-69 503-529 Inadequate work, below minimum requirements.
D 64-66 476-502
D- 60-63 440-475
F 59-0 0-440 Missing or well below minimum requirements.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Your final grade will be calculated using points. Each assignment is described below with the number
of points available for each assignment.

1. Section check-ins (50 points x 6 sections, 300 points): Section readings in this course are
extremely important. Because we are unable to meet in person and work through many of the
course topics, you will be responsible for essay reflections at the end of section. All of the
weekly check-ins can be found on BB and will submitted via BB.

2. Media Report (100 points): It is extremely important that you be able to draw connections
between course readings, topics, and discussions with the world around you. For this
assignment, you will be responsible for putting together a 5-slide Ppt on a current media
article. Media reports will be submitted via Bb.

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3. Take Home Midterm (150 points): Students will be given a combination of multiple choice
and fill in the blank questions provided to demonstrate their overall knowledge of the topics
discussed at the mid point of the course. Midterm will be submitted via Bb.

4. Class Family Sound Tree (100 points): The family is an important social system and structure
in our society that can work to eliminate and maintain systems of inequality and privilege.
Students will be responsible for sharing anonymously how their family impacts our society by
upholding societal norms. All sound bytes should be uploaded through our class Sound Cloud
link. Details are discussed under BB Course Assignments Ppt. link.

5. Take Home Final (150 points): Students will have a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the
blank, and essay questions provided to demonstrate their overall knowledge of the topics
discussed throughout the duration of the course.

COURSE POLICIES

Violent Behavior Policy

Purdue University is committed to providing a safe and secure campus environment for members of the
university community. Purdue strives to create an educational environment for students and a work
environment for employees that promote educational and career goals. Violent Behavior impedes such goals.
Therefore, Violent Behavior is prohibited in or on any University Facility or while participating in any
university activity.

See the University’s website for additional information:

http://www.purdue.edu/policies/facilities-safety/iva3.html

Academic Dishonesty
As we continue to promote academic integrity, consider adding this sentence to
your syllabus. “Academic integrity is one of the highest values that Purdue University holds.
Individuals are encouraged to alert university officials to potential breeches of this value by either
emailing integrity@purdue.edu or by calling 765‐494‐8778. While information may be submitted
anonymously, the more information that is submitted provides the greatest opportunity for the
university to investigate the concern.”

http://www.purdue.edu/odos/osrr/academic‐integrity/index.html

Purdue prohibits "dishonesty in connection with any University activity. Cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly
furnishing false information to the University are examples of dishonesty." [Part 5, Section III-B-2-a, Student
Regulations] Furthermore, the University Senate has stipulated that "the commitment of acts of cheating,
lying, and deceit in any of their diverse forms (such as the use of substitutes for taking examinations, the use of
illegal cribs, plagiarism, and copying during examinations) is dishonest and must not be tolerated. Moreover,
knowingly to aid and abet, directly or indirectly, other parties in committing dishonest acts is in itself
dishonest." [University Senate Document 72-18, December 15, 1972]

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Use of Copyrighted Materials

Students are expected, within the context of the Regulations Governing Student Conduct and other applicable
University policies, to act responsibly and ethically by applying the appropriate exception under the Copyright
Act to the use of copyrighted works in their activities and studies. The University does not assume legal
responsibility for violations of copyright law by students who are not employees of the University.

A Copyrightable Work created by any person subject to this policy primarily to express and preserve
scholarship as evidence of academic advancement or academic accomplishment. Such works may include, but
are not limited to, scholarly publications, journal articles, research bulletins, monographs, books, plays, poems,
musical compositions and other works of artistic imagination, and works of students created in the course of
their education, such as exams, projects, theses or dissertations, papers and articles.

Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is your personal responsibility. Purdue University is actively preparing for
natural disasters or human-caused incidents with the ultimate goal of maintaining a safe and secure
campus. Emergency notification procedures are based on a simple concept – if you hear a fire alarm
inside, proceed outside. If you hear a siren outside, proceed inside.
• _Indoor Fire Alarms mean to stop class or research and immediately evacuate the building. o
Proceed to your Emergency Assembly Area away from building doors. Our assembly area for
Recitation is the fountain at John Purdue’s grave on Memorial Mall. Remain outside until police, fire,
or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave.
• _All Hazards Outdoor Emergency Warning Sirens mean to immediately seek shelter (Shelter in
Place) in a safe location within the closest building. o
“Shelter in Place” means seeking immediate shelter inside a building or University residence. This
course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, a civil disturbance including a shooting or
release of hazardous materials in the outside air. Once safely inside, find out more details about the
emergency. Remain in place until police, fire, or other emergency response personnel provide
additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave.

For more information on emergency preparedness and specific instructions, visit:

(https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency_preparedness/)

Classroom Environment
This classroom is an intellectual and critical environment. We will cover material in this course that
some students may consider controversial or even offensive in terms of sexuality, violence, profanity,
nudity, etc., but the material will all be relevant to the course of study and will work to make all of us
appreciate diversity and inclusivity. We may also discuss topics that you have strong political or
religious objections too. By remaining enrolled in this course, you are agreeing to complete all
assignments and participate in discussions, regardless of objections you might have on these
grounds. All ethical perspectives and opinions will be respected by the instructor and by all class
members at all times. Religious perspectives can be shared in class, but religious beliefs are not a
replacement for intellectual exchange and scholarly research.

Late Assignments
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Assignments are due by the time and date marked on the syllabus, unless otherwise noted. Late
assignments will only be accepted if there is a University accepted excuse.

Email and Class Links

You are expected to check your purdue.edu email regularly and have regular access to the Internet. I
will frequently give class information, assignments, and links in emails via our listserv and on
Blackboard for which you will be responsible. Please make note when I have asked you to access this
information. Also, please remember to use professional email etiquette when communicating with
me: address me as Ms. Taylor-Watson, use a greeting, a complete body with complete sentences, and
a salutation. No emoticons or other Internet “slang.”

Students with Disabilities

Purdue University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students requesting classroom
accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will
provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the professor
when requesting accommodation. Should you have questions about accommodations, please contact
the DRC at: 494-1247. You may also visit the DRC at drc@purdue.edu .

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment, whether deliberate or not, damages our learning environment, making it difficult
for members of the University community to pursue their goals, educational needs, and working
lives. It also is against the law. Purdue's policy is to preserve a campus free from sexual harassment,
and this includes our classroom. I will do my best to keep our classroom proceedings pleasant and
educational, but I cannot be aware of everything that happens. If any student feels uncomfortable
because of inappropriate classroom behavior please let me know. Do not keep these feelings to
yourself.

Diversity & Inclusion

Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the
inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and
mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her
own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and
nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the
institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus
life. Purdue’s nondiscrimination policy can be found at:
http://www.purdue.edu/purdue/ea_eou_statement.html.

Nondiscrimination
Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth
and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its
members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal of
academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The University believes that
diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of
ideas, and enriches campus life.
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Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of
race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status,
sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran. The University will
conduct its programs, services and activities consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations
and orders and in conformance with the procedures and limitations as set forth in Executive Memorandum No.
D-1, which provides specific contractual rights and remedies. Any student who believes they have been
discriminated against may visit University’s website (www.purdue.edu/report-hate) to submit a complaint to
the Office of Institutional Equity. Information may be reported anonymously.

You may want to refer students to Purdue’s nondiscrimination statement:

http://www.purdue.edu/purdue/ea_eou_statement.html

CAPS Information
Purdue University is committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of its students. If you or
someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of support, services are available. For
help, such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (765) 494-6995 and
http://www.purdue.edu/caps/ during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or through its counselors
physically located in the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours.
·
Purdue Pledge
“As a boilermaker pursuing academic excellence, I pledge to be honest and true in all that I do. Accountable
together - we are Purdue.”
https://www.purdue.edu/provost/teachinglearning/honor-pledge.html

Additional Information

 Technical Issues: Double check that you completed all assignments when using Blackboard
Learn. There are often technical difficulties with the system and it is your job to identity any
mishaps that can affect your grade. All technical issues should be brought to my attention
immediately. However, if you have computer/internet or course site-related problems or
questions, please contact iTAP, since I am unable to assist in these matters.

 Grievance Policy: I strongly encourage students to check their grades regularly and to keep
copies of all graded work. It is your responsibility to bring to my attention any grade missing
from the grade book or a grade that appears differently that what was returned to you within
two week of when the assignment was handed back. Final grades are based on a point system
(no a percentage system), so there is no “rounding up”.

 In general, grades are changed only due to miscalculation. I will not discuss grades until 4 hours
after you have received them. Before contacting me, you should review the assignment and
any comments you received. After you have received a graded assignment, you have two

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weeks to discuss it wit me during a scheduled, in-person meeting. However just because you
have me with regarding your grades do not guarantee your grade will be changed.

 Hardships: If something happens during the semester that makes it difficult or impossible for
you to attend class from an extended period of time, please inform me. I do not need to know
all the details of your personal concerns, but if you need me to take into consideration your
extenuating circumstances, you should let me know as soon as possible rather than waiting
until the end of the semester. If I have knowledge of your hardship, I may be able to
accommodate you, or I may ask you to go to the Dean of Students Office for further assistance.
If you wait until the end of the semester, I may not be able to provide any accommodations