So far we discussed several topics related to gender as a social construct as it functions in the world around us. This assignment asks you take those topics out into the world outside the classroom and begin applying them. This assignment asks you to cover one or more of these topics: Feminist Movement, Socially Constructed Gender, Intersectionality, and/or Privilege & Hierarchy.

Remember, the goal of any assignment for any class is to demonstrate your learning. With that in mind, please have multiple pages from the course open as you work on this assignment, and use those to review the content and guide your response. Please avoid searching for answers online, which will likely impede your learning.

Assignment

Choose one of the options below, and develop a response of at least 500 words. Please double space your document. Use MLA or APA formatting if you know how. If you don't know these formatting styles, just make sure that each time you quote from a reading, video, or lecture, that you make it clear which one you're referring to; also, include page numbers if the document has page numbers (like the book by hooks). This is not an , so it doesn't need a formal structure. However, it should be well-organized and well-edited–just to make sure your ideas are clearly presented.

Option 1

Find a recent news article and read it through the lens of Women's & Gender Studies. In other words, discuss how one or more of the concepts we've covered so far are present in the article or can be used to analyze the article. Refer to specific readings, videos, and/or lectures from the class, and make sure to include the title and author of the article along with a link. 

OR

Option 2

Consider bell hook's definition of feminism: "Simply put, feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression (1)." Then, consider the more mainstream definition of feminism: "Feminism is a movement to promote the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes." In your discussion, compare the two definitions. Answer these questions in your analysis:

1. Unpack what each definition means and discuss how they are different.
2. Which one resembles hook's definition of "reformist feminism" and which one resembles hooks's definition of "revolutionary feminism"? Explain.
3. Which definition of feminism is more aligned with an intersectional perspective? Explain. (Illustrate that you understand what "intersectionality" means when you explain how it applies.)
4. How do these definitions align with your own understanding of what feminism is? (There's obviously no right answer to this question, so I'm just looking for thoughtful reflection.)

Use at least one quote from hooks to illustrate your discussion (not including the quote I've provided in the question.)

Suggestion for organization: You may want to provide a separate paragraph for each question to make sure you're answering each question thoroughly. It's ok to number them (1, 2, 3, and 4) if you find this helpful for organizing your ideas.

What to Submit

A document of at least 500 words that answers one of the prompt options above. The document should be double-spaced and should cite course materials, always making it clear which source you're referring to.

Time Frame

One hour, maybe up to two. (I think you'll be on the lower end of the time frame if you've already spent a lot of time with the course materials and taken a lot of notes!)

How to Submit

Upload a PDF or Word document to the turnitin.com tool, linked below.

Submission Help

• How to convert your Google Document to a PDFLinks to an external site. (video)
• Submitting your document to turnitinLinks to an external site. (article)