Writing Women

DESCRIPTION:
In-depth study of texts by women writers which are integral to the female experience and to representations of gender and identity.

RATIONALE: 
This course examines the evolution of a feminist aesthetic in modern and postmodern writing by women. Through texts which trace representations of the female experience and theoretical discussions about the evolution of feminism, the course engages with discourses informed by patriarchy, empowerment, and exclusion / inclusion.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Utilize feminist theory to discuss a variety of texts, literary and theoretical, within their cultural contexts;
2. Relate feminist theories and tropes to historical and political trends significant to the Anglo-American feminist movement;
3. Analyse concepts of female identity and representations of the female experience across historical periods and movements;
4. Demonstrate ability to collect and select appropriate secondary material on an aspect of the female experience, and use the research material in support of textual analysis.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Lectures, class discussions, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
• Formative exercises and online learning tasks through the Blackboard online tools designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template;
• Timely instructor feedback on assignments;
• Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library;
• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, assignments and examinations;
• Close collaboration with the Library and SASS to encourage students’ effective use of academic support services;
• Discussion of disciplinary research methods and tools to facilitate the completion of assigned research projects.