This course offers an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of gender studies.  Through readings, class presentations, discussions, and analytical papers, you will develop your own understanding of key methodologies and terms employed by gender scholars and activists.  You will apply what you have learned to contemporary issues that particularly interest you.  Throughout the course, you will push yourself to respectfully challenge your own and others’ preconceived notions about gender/sex/sexuality.  While transnational issues will be explored, and can be the focus of your written work, the bulk of the readings and films assigned for the course focus on the United States.  You will leave this course prepared to further develop your understanding of gender in your ongoing work at UVA and beyond.

Your grade in this course will be calculated as follows:

30%     Participation in lecture and discussion sections; demonstration of an active engagement with the reading

5%       Group Presentation

5%       Reading reflections

15%     Paper 1

20%     Paper 2

25%     Paper 3