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Political Science 3430Professor Karen Vogel
Spring Semester 2011Hamline University
Class – Tuesday/Thursdays, 12:50-2:20Department of Political Science
e-mail:
GENDER POLITICS
General Course Description
This course examines the role of gender in politics, and the political impact of feminism and gender movements using comparative and international perspectives. We will study gender, identity, and globalization in politics and policy making in various regions of the world, and we will consider the challenges of political leadership for women in American politics and elsewhere. We will also review current theories and research in political science regarding gender issues.
The course is grounded in political science and an upper division class, but in many ways, accessible to students from all majors and backgrounds. The class builds on topics and ideas students may have encountered in Foundations of Women’s Studies, American Government, World Politics, Introduction to Global Studies and other courses in Sociology, Biology, Conflict Studies, or Social Justice.
By the end of the semester, students should be able to consider some of the following questions: 1) What is feminism? What is gender? And what are some of the variations of theories and gender issues? 2) How is gender studied in political science, both in terms of domestic American politics and international relations? 3) What are current areas of research and interesting questions about gender politics? 4) What are common gender concerns that mobilize people in the U.S. and elsewhere? 5) What are some of the challenges of political leadership facing women in particular today? 6) To what extent has patriarchy been a factor in shaping political behavior, political culture, and public policy in different countries? 7) How do views of gender and sexual orientation impact the policy-making processes and issues of equality? 8) What are the connections between what we see and do locally in terms of gender politics and what happens globally? 9) What are the connections between globalization, democratization, and gender? And 10) How might strategies can be pursued for social and political justice at any level?
LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) Requirement:
In order to better understand the connections between politics and gender, political ideology and policy, theory and practice, students will have the opportunity to volunteer with either an on or off campus organization during the semester. A minimum of 20 volunteer hours will be required during the semester; therefore this class will fulfill the LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) requirement of the Hamline Plangraduation requirements. Options for volunteering and requirements for paper projects will be discussed in class.
Learning Goals, Skill Development, and Department Assessment
This course has several learning goals. During the semester you should: 1) gain confidence in your ability to research issues related to gender politics; 2) increase your knowledge of political science and gender politics; 3) enhance your understanding of theory and practice as they relate to gender and political activism; 4) develop confidence in working with groups on and off campus; 5)practice and explore writing skills in and outside of the classroom; and 6) enhance your critical thinking skills.
This course will also be used to assess two key department assessment outcomes this term: 1) the ability of students to understand major theories and concepts in political science and their application to political practice; and 2) the ability of students to identify and analyze differences across cultures, genders, religions, or other related value systems in the study of politics.
Most of all, I hope you will be challenged, learnmore about yourself, and how to study gender politics.
Policy on Incompletes
Incompletes are rare. If, for some reason, you fall behind, you may want to consider withdrawing from the course before the end of the term. Should you have personal difficulties, please talk to the instructor as soon as possible regarding options.
Policy on Academic Integrity
Students are expected to comply with all statements of academic integrity as set forth by the College of Liberal Arts. In particular, for this course, it will be important to use appropriate methods of citation (APSR formats recommended by the American Political Science Association as used in the American Political Science Review) in assignments and research work. Plagiarism (the attempt to pass off as one’s own the work of another) will not be tolerated and will result in failure of this class.
Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you are a student who has disabilities that may affect your academic work in the course, please inform me as soon as possible or within the first week of class. The sooner you let me know the easier it will be for me to provide accommodations or suggest resources that can be put in place to help you succeed. Accommodations are not applied to assignments or grading retroactively. They begin with notification. Be aware that this class does involve writing on computer, research on-line, off campus or on campus volunteering, in class exams, and oral discussion work.
Policies on Late Papers and Assignments
All written assignments are expected on time, and preference is for hard copies. Of course, as we all know, life sometimes can get complicated, or illness can intervene in ways that affect our work. Please contact me directly AHEAD of time (at least 24 hours prior to deadlines) if you foresee a problem. We can talk about whether an extension is feasible. If you do turn in an assignment late without prior notification, you will sacrifice points. Written assignments (such as the LEAD assignment paper or Country Profile) more than two business days late will automatically loose a full letter grade.
Statement on Technology
It is your responsibility to insure that your computer is functioning, you have backed up important papers or projects, and that your printer has appropriate adequate ink or toner. Sometimes problems do happen unexpectedly, but take note of the late paper/assignments policy above. Technology problems do not excuse you from turning a paper in on time.
Statement on Grades
As will be discussed below, students will receive grades and points for various projects and assignments this semester. Each letter grade will be determined in the following way:
Points for an “A”: This grade will be given to assignments that demonstrate
excellence in organization, writing style, creativity, use of citations,
critical thinking, and understanding of subject matter. An “A” means
that students have gone beyond expectations, shown thoroughness and
thoughtful attention to their work.
Points for a “B”: This grade will be given to assignments that demonstrate
good organization, writing style, and critical thinking as well as use of
resources. A “B” grade means that students have shown good
work but
may still need to push a bit harder to go beyond the norm.
Points for a “C”: This grade means that students have met expectations,
completed the assignment, and shown some understanding of the topic.However, students may still need to work on writing skills, organizationof material, citations, or critical analysis of subject matter.
Points for a “D”: This grade means that student work is just
below expectations and that areas of their assignments
require revision or more attention.
“F” Grade: This grade means that the work is not acceptable and does
not meet the requirements of the assignment. This grade can also be
given if assignments are not turned in at a reasonable time or remain
incomplete. An “F” on an exam may mean that the student has
not fullyunderstood the material or prepared for the test.
Additional or more detailed grading rubrics are provided with each assignment.
Class Attendance and Classroom Courtesy
Class attendance is expected throughout the semester, and although daily attendance is not taken, points are awarded for general participation in all class activities. This means being prepared for class, completing readings, actively listening, and engaging in conversations whether in small group discussions or larger lecture. If you have more than ONE unexcused absence, you will start tolose points (up to 25). An “unexcused absence” is when I do not hear from you before class, or you do not contact me within 24 hours of missing class. The best way to get in touch is via my Hamline email at: .
Please come to class on time. It can be very disruptive for the professor and other students if you come to class late. If students are habitually late (5 minutes or more, and more than twice during the term), points will be deducted.
Also, as a courtesy to your professor and other class members, please shut off cell phones and no text-messaging during lectures. Thank you!
Requirements and Assignments for Class:
1. Class Participation………………………………………………… 25 pts
(Class participation includes attendance and general participation in class discussions and in class activities.)
2. LEAD Contact Information Sheet………………………………… 5 pts
This sheet consists of a brief paragraph outlining potential duties and contact information for organization where you will volunteer.
3. LEAD Assignment Paper on Organization/Volunteer Experience. 70 pts
(This paper is based on your volunteer experience and research of off campus or on campus organizations. Students will be asked to volunteer at least 20 hours during the term. In addition, students will be expected to interview organization leaders, to research the origins of the group, its history, current agenda, and strategies for success. You will be expected to think about your experience and the nature of the organization with a gender lens in mind.)
4. Reflective Journal…………………………………………………..30 pts
(This assignment encourages students to reflect on readings and their experiences in and out of class. The journal entries may cover reactions to newspaper articles, scholarly articles, and class readings related to gender politics.)
5. Country Profile Essay……………………………..………………30 pts
(This assignment asks students to research the political situation of women and gender issues in a country besides the United States. Countries will be assigned early in the semester for this project.)
6. Two Exams……………………………………20 pts. each (40 pts total)
(Two exams will be given during the semester, one about a third or half way through the term and the second towards the end of the semester. Exams will cover class readings, in class discussions, and lectures. Study guides will be provided prior to each test.)
TOTAL……………………………………………………………..200 pts.
NOTE: Occasionally opportunities for extra credit will become available. Announcements about this will be made in class.
Readings
Unless otherwise noted, all the readings below will be required for this course.
- Some selected article readings will be used in class in the second half of the semester. Copies will be available outside of Professor Vogel’s door, through e-mail, the internet, or sometimes in class depending on the selection. Announcements will be made when students should obtain these readings or drop by the office to read selections.
- Nancy McGlen, Karen O’Connor, Laura Van Assendelft, and Wendy
Gunther-Canada, eds. 2011. Women, Politics, and American Society.
5th Edition. Longman.
- Laura J. Shepherd, ed. 2010. Gender Matters in Global Politics: A
Feminist Introduction to International Relations. Routledge.
- Other readings may be determined individually as students prepare journal entriesand research for LEAD project paper. Students should also regularly look at international news sources such as the BBC.
Course Outline
A general schedule of topics and due dates for assignments is presented below. Class activities will include lectures, discussions, independent study days,films, and a possible visit from the Hamline University Social Justice Theatre Troupe. We may also have occasional guest speakers as available. Note that there may be some flexibility or changes in topics, depending on availability of speakers, etc. Announcements will be made at the beginning of class concerning daily activities and weekly readings. Be sure
to also check the class email list and Blackboard site.
Week 1: Feb. 3 - Introduction and Overview of Course
Assignments: Start journal assignment first day of class.
Begin thinking about volunteer/LEAD opportunities.
Week 2: Feb. 8 and Feb. 10: How Gender and Politics Are Studied in Political Science, and Introduction to Variations of Feminism and Theory
Feb. 8: How Gender and Politics Are Studied in Political Science;
Choose countries for Country Profile Assignment.
Feb. 10: Variations of Feminist Theory and Impact
Readings: McGlen, et. al., Forward, Preface, and Introduction
Shepherd, Section I, Chapters 1-4
Week 3, Feb. 15 and Feb. 17: Sexism, Racism, Class: Intersection and Diversity; Gender Politics Theory/Practice
Feb. 15 - Class discussionon Readings; Bring Books to Class
Assignment: Turn in LEAD/Volunteer Description/Contact
Info Sheet, Feb. 15.
Last day to drop/add a full term course without a “W” on record,
February 15.
Feb. 17 - NO CLASS. Attend Black History Month
Keynote Address by Professor Duchess Harris, Macalester College,
"Black Feminist Politics from Kennedy to Obama"
11:30 a.m.,Kay Fredericks Ballroom.
Week 4, Feb. 22 and Feb 24: Gender Politics in the U.S.
Feb. 22: Class discussion; Gender Politics and the Vote
Selections from the Ken Burns film, “The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: Not for Ourselves Alone”.
Feb. 24: Film continued. (Note: We might have
an in class performance by the Hamline Social Justice Theatre
Troupe, but waiting to confirm.)
Readings:McGlen, Chapter 1, The Struggle for Political Rights
Week 5, March 1 and March 3: Gender Politics in the U.S.:
Contemporary Issuesand Policy Debates
March 1: Women’s Political Participation in the U.S.
Readings: McGlen, Chapter 2
March 3: Issues and Policy Debates in the U.S.
Readings: Finish McGlen, all of Part II and Part III
Week 6, March 8 and March 10: The Study of Gender Politics Worldwide:Gender Issues and Global Governance
March 8: Lecture and Discussion, Gender, the UN, and the Role of
NGOs
Readings: Sheperd, Chapters 14, 16, and 21; also check out website
for UN Women at
Assignment: SPOT CHECK ON JOURNALS, MARCH 8. Bring
Journal to class.
March 10: Class Review/Discussion of Country Profile Assignment
Readings: Sheperd, Chapters 6, 7, and 20
Assignment: COUNTRY PROFILE DUE in class: March 10
Week 7, March 15 and March 17: QUIZ I and Independent Study Day
March 15: No class; independent study day
March 17: Quiz I in Class.
Week 8: Spring Break, March 21 - March 28
Week 9, March 29 and March 31: Gender, Security, and War
March 29: Lecture/Discussion
March 31: Lecture/Discussion
Readings: Sheperd, Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
Week 10, April 5 and April 7: Gender and Politics in Regions of the World: Europe, Central/Eastern Europe, and Russia
April 5: Lecture and Discussion
April 7: Lecture/Discussion
Readings: Article, Joni Lovenduski, "State Feminism and Women’s Movements", West European Politics , January 2008
Week 11, April 12 and April 14:Gender Politics in Regions of the World:
Middle East and Africa
April 12: Lecture and Discussion; Possible Guest Lecture on Feminism in Africa.
Readings: Announced in class and articles below:
Martina Rieker, "Transnational Theory, National Politics, and Gender in the Contemporary Middle East/North Africa", Journal of Middle East Women's Studies,
Winter 2006.
FarhadKazemi, "Gender, Islam, and Politics (Iran)", Social Research, Summer 2000.
Last day to drop a full-term course with “W” on transcript, April 13.
April 14: NO CLASS, Independent Study Day
(Note: I will be preparing to leave with the Hamline Model UN Team for New York. Will return on April 22).
Week 12, April 19 and April 21: NO CLASS. Use this out of class time for volunteering, preparation of LEAD project papers, and independent readings.
Week 13, April 26 and April 28:Gender Politics and Women in Regions of the World: Asia and Latin America
April 26: Lecture/Discussion
April 28: Lecture/Discussion
Readings:
Conference Paper, Linda Stevenson, "Latin American and U.S. Women in Politics: Engendering Policies for Women?" New England Political Science Association Conference, 2007.
Article, JaspalKaur Singh, "Globalization, Transnationalism, and Identity Politics in South Asian Women's Texts", Michigan Academician, 2003.
Week 14, May 3 and May 5: Gender Politics in Theory and Practice
May 3: Discussion of LEAD Experience in Class.
May 5: NO CLASS, HONORS DAY Activities.
Assignment: MAY 3 - LEAD ASSIGNMENT/PAPER DUE IN CLASS.
Week 15, May 10 and May12: Reflections, Gender Politics and the Future
May 10: Final review, discussion of journals, reflections.
May 12: QUIZ II
Assignments: May 10 – FINAL JOURNAL DUE IN CLASS.
May 12– QUIZ II IN CLASS
NO FINAL EXAM.