class:Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies

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Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies 1500/1600 in the Humanities & Social Sciences – Punam Mehta

Intersectionality assignment for both intersectionality paper

proposal and intersectionality final paper

Intersectionality is a complex and emerging topic in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Don’t be discouraged if you cannot comprehend the complexity of intersectional theory. Please come and see me during my office hours or send me an email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about comprehension of this complex topic. Kimberley Williams Crenshaw introduced the term “intersectionality” in 1989 to explain how complex identities based on race, sexuality, class, 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. People use intersectionality as an analytic tool to solve problems that they or others around them face. Most Colleges and Universities, for example, face the challenge of building more inclusive and fair campus communities. The social divisions of class, race, gender, ethnicity, citizenship, sexuality and ability are especially evident within higher education. Colleges and Universities now include more college students who historically faced discrimination barriers to enrollment (race, gender, ethnicity or citizenship status, religion) or students who face distinctive barriers and discriminations (sexuality and ability) on college campuses. Students want fairness yet want to bring very different experiences and needs to campus. Ordinary people can draw on intersectionality as an analytic tool when they recognize that they need better frameworks to grapple with the complex discriminations they face (Collins, 2016). Intersectional Paper Proposal: 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, 500-750 words. It must

 Articulate the intersection of identities chosen and why.  Demonstrate clear relevance to course themes and texts.  Provide an outline/structure of the final paper.  Provide an annotated bibliography, on a separate page of paper, attached to the end of your paper proposal.

You will not need a reference page. At least five scholarly sources should be explored and Chicago Style, MLA or APA 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. The annotated bibliography should be alphabetized.

 Each annotation must indicate 1-3 KEYWORDS searched and which library database was used. If Google or another search engine was used, indicate the key words searched.

Final Intersectionality Paper: 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 should 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 Chicago, MLA or APA citation practices and include an additional works cited page. Please check the review the rubrics listed in this course syllabus.

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Intersectionality Paper Proposal and Final Paper Outline Template

Paper Proposal Sections

Final Paper Proposal Sections

Section Description

Introduction (Generally 1 paragraph)

Introduction (Generally 1- 2 paragraph)

The introduction must include, a clear and concise thesis statement which includes one or more key term(s) related to the discipline of Women’s and Gender Studies. For example, if your thesis statement reads, “The purpose of my paper will explore the impact of body image on my mental health and wellbeing.” You will have to provide a definition of body image (I prefer you paraphrase)

Part A: Your Story (1-2 paragraphs)

Part A: Your Story (1-3 paragraphs)

Write the story about you and your identity. Pick an event or experience related to your intersectionality. It’s often easier to choose a specific example or examples to help me understand your lived experience. If you are stuck, ask yourself where do I face oppression and where do I have privilege? THINKING QUESTION: Which of your identities intersect? (E.g. negative body image). Be explicit in your explanation of identity?

Part B: Academic Sources (2-3 paragraphs):

Part B: Academic Sources (3- 4 paragraphs):

This section is a summary of the key arguments and perspectives on your key concept identified through your readings. THINKING QUESTION: What do feminists have to say about body image?

Part C: Blended Section: Your Story & Academic Sources (2-3 paragraphs)

Part C: Blended Section: Your Story & Academic Sources (3- 4 paragraphs)

The purpose of the blended section is to demonstrate your critical thinking skills, a vital component to Women’s and Gender Studies. Find your critical voice relating your experience to your key concepts (e.g. body image). YOU WILL DECIDE HOW TO WRITE ON THIS SECTION. THINKING QUESTIONS: How does your key concept (e.g. body image) impact mental health? Wellbeing? Your healing journey?

Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs)

The conclusion is meant to be a summary of some of the key points of the paper. You should be able to demonstrate remaining or outstanding questions regarding your topic. THINKING QUESTIONS: What is left for feminists to explore regarding this topic? What critical questions remain significant to understanding why body image remains important issues for feminism?

Some important requirements in completing the Intersectional Paper Proposal and Final Intersectionality Paper:

1. Always start with making an outline for either your intersectionality paper proposal or final paper. 2. An annotated bibliography is only needed for your intersectionality paper proposal NOT for the final

intersectionality paper but NO annotated bibliography in the final paper. 3. You may use the first person throughout but be consistent. 4. Be sure to include a title page with your name, student number, and date. Print and staple it. Attach a

rubrics at the front of the paper. Rubrics can be found and printed from the end of the course syllabus.

This course fulfils the University’s Written English Requirement. Therefore all assignments will be evaluated by form (grammar, meets assignment requirements, error-free) and content. Content includes written descriptions or arguments that are clear, concise, logically structured, provide course-related and relevant evidence, and demonstrate an

appropriate awareness of the audience or readership being addressed