Syllabus

Multicultural Women’s Literature 2007-2008

J. M. MacLeod

Contact Information:  University School Office- 439-4271; email- Macleod@etsu.edu

Course Description: Students will be introduced to feminism, as well as a wide array of multicultural and international writing by women and men.  Students will explore themes and ideas such as “What is feminism and is it important today?”,  gender roles and women’s identity, family traditions, work both inside and outside of the home, violence against women, as well as many others.  Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and control in each of the following areas:

1.        Modes of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative, persuasive, character analysis, argumentative and literary analysis

2.        Analyzing literature from a feminist perspective

3.        Literary terms commonly found in literature-based classes: irony, theme, ode, satire, epic, tone, purpose, audience, style, etc.

4.        Scholarly research

5.        Public Speaking

6.        Standard English grammar

7.        Participation in cooperative learning activities

Course Requirements:  Three ring binder used for this class only, six dividers, notebook paper, blue or black ink pen, pencil, Please label the six dividers in the following order:

1.        Journal

2.        IR (Initial Reactions)

3.        EA (Exploration Activities)

4.        Classwork

5.        Homework

6.        Writing

Course Overview: Students will study the following units below (not necessarily in this order):

1.        What is Feminism and why is it important today?

2.        Herstory: Identity

3.        Gender and Society

4.        Building Bridges: Dueling Family Expectations

5.        Finding Her Voice

6.        Violence Against Women

7.        Women in Global Perspectives

Sample texts for the above units include: The Color Purple, The Joy Luck Club, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Katie.com, Herland, Orlando, A Room of One’s Own, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” “How Far She Went,” and “A Doll’s House.”  Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and this list may be altered at any given time.

Unit Requirements: This course is heavily influenced by current events.  Units of study may be adapted due to current issues.  There are also several long-term projects that will be completed over the course of the school year.  These include:

·         Service learning: 1^st semester students will be required to volunteer 2 hours at the Women’s Resource Center on the campus of ETSU.  More information will be provided at a later date.  2^nd semester students will create and implement a service learning project of their choice in teams.

·         Synthesis Project:  Over the course of the year, students will conduct ongoing research across disciplines and genres exploring a topic of their choice.  This project will be the final exam for the course.  Various components of the project include creating a bibliography with a minimum of ten sources (all must be read and evaluated by the student), presenting one informative speech and one persuasive speech, creating a multi-media component, as well as additional requirements.  Every Friday students will be expected to work on their projects in class unless otherwise noted.

·         Movie/Film Evaluations: All of the course content will be exemplified through movies and film.  Students are expected to view these films with a critical eye and be ready to evaluate and discuss these at any time.

Grading Procedures:

                25% -- Daily Grades (homework, quizzes)

25%-- Participation (this course is heavily focused on class discussion so participation is essential!  This includes in-class activities and exploration activities, as well discussing class content

                *50%--Major tests, projects, journals, reflections, writing assignments

Grade Access:  You will be able to access your child’s grade through www.mygradebook.com .  I will be sending home information regarding this access during the second week of school.

Late Work: In accordance with the University School’s high school English Department policies, late work is accepted only one day after the original due date for the highest grade of a 75%.  Please see the attached English Department Policy Guidelines for the excused absence procedures and more specific details on our policies.

Class Expectations:  All Students will be expected to follow the University School rules and behavior guidelines as well as the following:

1.        Be on time and ready to work.  This means in your seat with materials, homework, and pencils sharpened BEFORE class begins.

2.        Keep your hands, feet, objects, and rude comments to yourself.

3.        Respect yourself, school property, your peers, and the teacher.

Parental Consent:  Students in this course will be exposed to some graphic and explicit material.  Students are encouraged to leave the classroom at any time if he/she feels uncomfortable with the course content.  In this case an alternate assignment will be given.  By signing below, you give your student permission to read and/or view these materials.

*********************Please detach here and return to Ms. MacLeod**************

I have received, reviewed, and understand the procedures and policies regarding Women’s Literature for the 2007-2008 academic year.  I also grant my student permission to read and/or view graphic or explicit course content.  My student’s name is _____________________ .

_________________________________                   ________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature            Date                                             Student Signature                                   Date