Sociology 391
Postcolonial Feminism
Fall 2004
Dr.
Jennifer Fish
Course
Meeting Times: Tuesday, Thursday &
Friday 2 11:00-12:20
Office: Jensen 108
Office
Hours: Monday
& Wednesday 2:00-3:30
Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-2:00
Office
Telephone: 771. 3711
Email: jfish@warren-wilson.edu
Description:
This course is grounded in an
examination of the complex dimensions of feminism is a variety of postcolonial
contexts. Throughout a number of societies, women as colonized subjects have
been labeled as ‘other.’ These
historical contexts of colonialism create distinct interpretations of
‘feminism’ in relation to mutually reinforcing forms of political, economic and
racial domination. We will begin with an overview of postcolonial theory to
connect political history, nation and social location to multiple constructions
of feminism. Next, the course
deconstructs a universal notion of feminism through in-depth comparative analyses
of women’s lived experiences and collective organization in several
postcolonial societies. We will devote the final section of the course to
exploring the relationships between local and global women’s solidarity
movements as a means to connect feminist theory with transnational activism.
·
To introduce
students to the central means by which postcolonial contexts shape women’s
lived experiences and diversify the feminist movement
·
To provide students
with tools to analyze complex global feminist theories
·
To engage in critical
thinking, writing, reflection and dialogue through both written and oral
assignments as well as cooperative group work throughout the course
·
To offer students a
variety of in-depth case study analyses of feminist movements in several
postcolonial regions
·
To foster student’s
awareness of their own location within the broad body of global feminist
literature
·
To solidify advanced
research and writing skills through the completion of in-depth projects
relevant to each student’s area of academic interest
·
To develop central
applications of postcolonial feminist theory in ways that contribute to
redressing gender inequality in a variety of world contexts
Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory,
Practicing Solidarity (2003) by
Chandra Talpade Mohanty
Women’s Activism and Globalization: Linking Local Struggles and Transnational
Politics (2002) by Nancy Naples
and Manisha Desai
Mother to Mother (1998) by Sindiwe Magona
(Additional
Readings distributed as class handouts)
In-Class Discussion Leadership 100
Country Report 100
Applied Research Project 200
Major Research Paper 400 total
Proposal 50
Literature Review 50
First Draft Copy 50
Final
Research Paper 250
Final In-Class Presentation 100 Overall
Attendance & Participation 100
TOTAL 1000
*Note: Detailed assignment descriptions will be
distributed in class at least two weeks prior to each due date.
Grades are measured with the following scale:
90% and above= A range (900-1000)
80% and above=B range (800-900)
70% and above=C range (700-800)
60% and above=D range (600-700)
Below 60%=Course Failure (Below 600)
The
following minimal requirements apply
to all students in this course. In
order to facilitate a positive, enriching classroom learning community, all
participants must be willing to commit to the following basic expectations:
1) Attend class, arriving on time and leaving when
class is dismissed (see attendance policy for more specific details)
2) Complete all reading assignments before each
course meeting in a manner that allows you to actively participate in class discussion
3) Submit all written assignments on time and present
an in-class overview of your final paper
4) Commit to an in-depth, upper-level independent
research paper as the major portion of this course
This course is
centered on group dialogue in every class.
Because of the nature of the material in this course, you will likely
confront ideas, theoretical perspectives and political stances with which you
disagree. We will critically question
the reading material and feminist theories as a central component of this
course. At times, you may also question
or disagree with the thoughts and perspectives of other participants in this
course. Diversity of perspectives and
disagreement on critical issues provides a valuable learning space and will
therefore be embraced throughout this class.
In order to foster a learning environment with healthy dissent, however,
I ask that each participant be willing to practice the following group learning
guidelines:
·
Suspend your
disbelief. When others speak from their
own lived experience, it is essential that we understand and empathize with
varying perspectives on “reality” and “truth.”
·
Acknowledge that all
of us have learned misinformation about our group and about members of other
groups, whether we belong to an advantaged or disadvantaged group.
·
Broad
generalizations, stereotypes, assumptions and derogatory statements in relation
to race, sex, gender, ethnic, religious or political affiliation contaminate
the learning environment and will not be allowed. Please inform me if you
feel that any aspect of the course
violates this central expectation of all participants.
Attendance
You
are allowed two free class absences—no questions asked—without any deduction in
your class attendance and participation grade.
You remain responsible for all
course material, schedule changes and assignments for any course absence. After your second absence, each additional
absence will result in a 10-point reduction in your attendance and
participation grade. Ten or more class absences will result in
course failure.
Please
contact me by email, campus phone or in person during my office hours. I am available to assist you with any aspect
of the course and support your particular learning objectives. If for any reason throughout the term you
foresee a challenge in meeting the requirements of this course, please contact me as soon as possible. Professors are much more able to work with you, given advanced notification of
any personal circumstances that impact course performance. Special considerations cannot be arranged
without appropriate prior notification.
Written Assignments
All
course assignments must be turned in as paper copies. I do not accept papers as
email attachments. Recycled paper
is appreciated, however, please maintain a professional presentation standard
with all written assignments. All
papers must be typed, double-spaced, stapled,
with 12-point font and one-inch margins.
Late Papers
This course is
organized with particular assignment deadlines in place so that:
1) Students will synthesize course material through a
series of cumulatively organized assignments.
2) Consistency and fairness are instituted with
standard expectations of all students.
3) Students will acquire time management skills to
balance work and service expectations parallel to the “real world.”
4) I can dedicate appropriate time for individual
feedback on every assignment while
managing a series of other academic priorities and personal goals.
In
order realize these objectives, it is essential
that all assignments are handed in at the beginning of class on the day that
they are due. You are provided
every assignment deadline in this syllabus.
Please plan your semester accordingly in order to balance your studies
with work, service and personal involvements.
All late assignments will result in
a 10-point deduction in the overall grade for each day beyond the due date. Late
papers should be delivered directly to my office.
Academic Honesty
In
accordance with the academic integrity standards instituted at Warren Wilson
College, cheating, fabrication, duplication, plagiarism and facilitation of
academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in any aspect of this course. Any student participating in such behavior
will automatically fail the course and be referred to the Dean of the
College. All enrolled students are
expected to abide by the codes of academic honesty detailed in the Warren
Wilson College Handbook. If you have any question about what
constitutes plagiarism, please do not hesitate to contact me. When in doubt about these critical issues of
academic integrity, please ask your professors to avoid potential violations.
If
you have a learning disability and might require special accommodations at any
time in this course, it is your responsibility to inform me during the first week of classes. Documentation of your learning disability
must be on file with Cathy Clark, Assistant Dean of Student Life. Requirements for disability documentation
can be found on the Warren Wilson College website. To access this information, go to WWC’s homepage, click on
“Resources,” and then “Campus Life,” where you will find these details under
“Accommodations.”
This calendar is subject to alterations throughout
the semester.
*The
reading assignments are listed next to the date they will be covered in
class. (Read each assignment in
advance.)
**N/D=Naples
& Desai collection
T
August 24 Introductions,
Course Overview
R
August 26 Introduction to
Feminist Theory
(Read Class Handout)
T
August 31 Postcolonial Theory
Frantz Fanon reading
Frantz Fanon reading
F2 September 3 Postcolonial
Theory
Edward Said Reading
UNIT
II: FEMINIST POSTCOLONIAL THEORY
T
September 7 Mohanty
Introduction & Chapter 1
R
September 9 Mohanty
Chapter 2
T September 14 Mohanty
Chapters 3 & 4
R
September 16 Mohanty
Chapter 6
F2
September 17 Mohanty
Chapter 7
T
September 21 Mohanty
Chapter 8
R
September 23 Mohanty
Chapter 9
UNIT III: Case Study: The South African Women’s Movement
T
September 28 “The Dawn of a New
Day” Handout
“Brief History of South Africa” Handout
RESEARCH
PROPOSAL DUE
R
September 30 “Maids &
Madams” Handout
F2 October 1 Film: Maids & Madams
T October 5 Magona
Chapters 1-3
R October 7 Magona
Chapters 4-6
T October 12 Magona Chapters 7-9
R October 14 Magona Chapters 10-12
F2
October 15 APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECT DUE
Summary of South Africa
Country Report Discussion
***October 16-24
Autumn Break***
T
October 26 N/D Chapters 1 & 2
R
October 28 N/D Chapter 3
T November 2 LITERATURE REVIEW DUE
N/D Chapter 4
R
November 4 N/D Chapter 5
F2 November 5 N/D Chapter 6
T November 9 COUNTRY REPORT DUE
Discussion of Country Report
R
November 11 N/D Chapter 7
T
November 16 N/D Chapter 8
R November 18 N/D
Chapter 9 & 10
F2 November 19 N/D
Chapter 11
T November 23 Flexible
Day/Research Preparation
November 24-28 Thanksgiving Break
T
November 30 N/D Chapter 12
R
December 2 N/D Chapter 13
F2
December 3 RESEARCH DRAFT PAPERS DUE
N/D Chapter 14
T December 7 N/D
Conclusion
R
December 9 Research
Presentations
T
December 14 Research
Presentations
R
December 16 FINAL RESEARCH PAPERS DUE
Applications of Transnational Feminism
F2
December 17 Summary, Closure
& Course Evaluation