class:Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies

Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies 1500 As signment Guide and Course Rubrics Prof. Punam Mehta

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GRADING

# ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE PERCENT

1 Intersectionality Paper Proposal October 2nd , 2020 10%

2 Social Justice Critical Reflection Paper Proposal and

Outline

October 16th, 2020 10%

3 Intersectionality Final Paper November 4th, 2020 20%

4 Midterm Exam (Take home) November 16th, 2020 20%

4 Social Justice Critical Reflection Paper November 27th, 2020 20%

5 Final Exam (Take home) December 11th , 2020 20%

TOTAL 100%

Intersectionality Paper Proposal (See Rubrics A for

evaluation)

Kimberley Williams Crenshaw introduced the term “intersectionality” in 1989 to explain how complex identities based on race, sexuality, class, and age intersect with gender and inform and influence women’s lives, including their economic and social

locations. The “matrix” of domination”, developed a year later by Patricia Hill Collins in 1990, provides a conceptual structure to assist our understanding of the various social locations that result from complex identities in both privileged and oppressed groups.

For this assignment, students will write a short proposal in preparation for the final course paper addressing the complexity of identity and the effects of intersectionality

in their lives. The proposal should be two pages, 500 words. It must articul ate the intersection of identities chosen and why. It must demonstrate clear relevance to course themes and texts and provide an outline/structure of the final paper. At least

five scholarly sources should be explored thoroughly and MLA cited, with annotations (i.e. clear and concise summaries of the articles of 100-150 words in your words) and 1-2 sentences indicating its relevance to your proposed topic.

A handout developed specifically for the Intersectionality paper proposal and Intersectionality final paper has been posted on UM learn. The handout states you

can use any citation style but for this assignment you must use MLA as its what is used in the humanities. POSTED IN CONTENT SECTION.

Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies 1500 As signment Guide and Course Rubrics Prof. Punam Mehta

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Final Intersectionality Paper (See

Rubrics A for evaluation)

Final papers will be based on only approved intersectionality paper proposals and annotated bibliographies. The purpose of this paper is to help students develop a deeper understanding of intersecting identities in their lives. The paper shou ld

demonstrate how course readings and concepts shed light on one’s understanding of intersectionality and its relevance to contemporary Women’s and Gender studies. Final papers are to be 5-6 pages in length (double-spaced, with standard margins and 12 point font) include a clearly stated thesis and demonstrate direct

relevance to and engagement with course concepts and readings as well as other scholarly materials.

Minimum 3 academic sources must be used to support the analysis and arguments made. Final papers must conform to proper MLA citation practices and include an additional works cited page.

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Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies 1500 As signment Guide and Course Rubrics Prof. Punam Mehta

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RUBRICS A

A+ to A B+ to B C+ to C D+ to D F

Critical Analysis

T he thesis presents a clear,

focused and compelling

argument.

Excels in responding to the

assignment and demonstrates

mastery, of course, concepts

and materials.

Responds appropriately to the

assignment, demonstrates a

clear understanding of course concepts

and materials.

Good argument, clearly articulated in

the thesis, though needs refining.

Begins to

acknowledge the complexities of its

argument.

Doesn’t fully respond to the assignment,

demonstrates some misunderstanding of

course concepts and materials.

Paper has a weak

argument; the thesis is too general.

Fails to acknowledge

other views.

Doesn’t responds appropriately to

the assignment, disconnected

from course concepts and

materials

T he argument is unclear, and the

thesis is weak.

T hesis too vague or general to be

nuanced or complicated.

Fails to meet the appropriate

guidelines

Ev idence and

support

Argument is thoroughly

backed by substantial,

specific, and appropriate

evidence

Evidence is clearly introduced,

analyzed, and connected to the

argument

T he argument is thoroughly

supported by strong, specific and

appropriate evidence.

T he evidence is

clearly introduced, analyzed, and

connected to the argument.

Paper’s argument is supported by relevant

evidence, though not always the strongest

or specific quotations.

Analysis of evidence needs further

development.

Paper’s argument is supported by

limited evidence that is only

occasionally relevant.

Connections

between argument and

evidence somewhat

unclear.

T he evidence is insufficient,

misconstrued, or

misrepresented.

Unclear connections

between evidence and

argument.

Structure

Paper flows

logically to craft cohesive

argument

Paragraph clearly guides the reader

through a progression of

ideas

Paper flows

logically to craft a cohesive argument.

Paragraphs clearly

guide the reader through the

progression of ideas.

Uses transitional

sentences to develop strong

relationships between ideas.

Generally well-

constructed flow of ideas.

Paragraphs are

ordered thoughtfully; each paragraph

relates to the central argument.

T ransitional

sentences create a logical progression of

ideas.

Paper jumps from

one idea to the next, lacking a

clear structure.

T he occasional connection of

ideas between paragraphs.

Simple sequential

rather than transitions based

on logic.

Paper wanders

from one idea to the next,

making it difficult to distil

the argument.

T he limited connection of

ideas between paragraphs.

Paragraphs

may lack topic sentences or

connection of ideas.

Style

Displays a unique

critical voice

Demonstrates thorough and

thoughtful editing and revision

Displays a clear

critical voice.

T he style fits the paper’s audience.

Chooses words

carefully for their precise meaning.

Demonstrates

through and thoughtful editing

and revision.

Begins to display a

clear critical voice.

Style is conscious of paper’s audience.

Uses words

effectively, if too generally at times.

Demonstrates

revision and editing.

Displays a critical

voice that is generic or bland.

Style only

occasionally displays an

awareness of paper’s audience.

Sentence

structure and word choice

frequently too unfocused, wordy

or confusing.

Critical voice is

unclear.

T he style isn’t appropriate for

paper’s audience.

Simple,

awkward, or monotonous

sentence structure and

word choices.

Mechanics and

citation

Almost entirely free of spelling,

grammar, and punctuation errors

Almost entirely free of spelling,

grammar (word choice, correct use

of verbs,

May contain a few spelli ng, grammar, or

punctuation errors, but they don’t impede

understanding.

Several spelling, grammar or

punctuation errors that

Contains many spelling,

grammar, or punctuation

errors.

Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies 1500 As signment Guide and Course Rubrics Prof. Punam Mehta

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All sources are cited correctly and

completely

prepositions, subordination,

parallelism, modifiers…) and

punctuation (correct use of commas,

semi -colon, period, apostrophe, dash,

quotation marks) errors.

All sources are

cited correctly and complete, using the

appropriate citation (in text and

references page).

Most sources are

cited correctly and complete. Most use

the appropriate citation (in text and

reference page).

distract the reader.

Minor citation

errors

Incomplete

citations.