Project Assignment

This assignment has two parts:

1. collaborative presentation
2. individual process paper

Both parts of the Group Project map to the following WMST 200 learning outcomes (course objectives):

• describe women's studies, how it developed, and how it relates to other academic areas as an interdisciplinary study in order to recognize the impact of gender in all academic disciplines

• identify and explain definitions of feminism and feminist thought in order to analyze and approach political, economic, social, and cultural issues through a feminist lens

• analyze gender as a social, historical, and cultural construction rather than as a natural biological fact in order to challenge stereotypes and to create alternatives to current constructions of power and inequality

• identify differences among women and women's multiple, intersecting identities in order to understand different women's experiences across geography and history

• apply knowledge of local and global issues and debates in women's studies to effect positive change in women's lives

Part 1: Collaborative Presentation

Topic : Domestic Violence

Creativity, experimentation, collaboration, and transgression are all central to the field of women's studies and to feminist pedagogy. This assignment enables you to move beyond traditional classroom discussion- and essay-writing to integrate art, technology, and bold ideas in a project of personal and social significance. You will have the choice of working in a pair, in a group, or on your own with peer input.

I will provide you with a more detailed explanation and guidelines, as well as a list of project topics. You will present your project in a special discussion during weeks 7 and 8. Your presentation will be evaluated for organization, information, accuracy, comprehensibility, and delivery.

Part 2: Individual Process Paper

In a paper (approximately 1,200 words), 1) explain how your collaborative presentation relates to the course objectives, themes, and issues, and 2) reflect on the process of working in a group (or with feedback from others) on your particular topic. I will provide a more detailed explanation and guidelines.

Your paper will be graded on content, analytical technique, and compositional expertise, with a focus on grammar and appropriate tone and style. Give your paper a descriptive title to highlight your topic and engage the reader. Papers should conform to the traditional three-part essay form, consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Create an introductory paragraph that catches your reader's attention, states the topic/issue, and clearly articulates your thesis. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that relates to and develops your thesis and is supported with facts, details, and examples based on your research. In the concluding paragraph, summarize the points made in the body of your paper and draw a new and original conclusion based on the information contained in your paper.