ENGL/WMST
4950 –
Women
in Popular Culture – Maymester 2005
Instructor:
Mary Magoulick
Readings
(there will be handouts
of additional readings such as short stories, song lyrics and poetry)
De
Beauvoir, Simone. The Second Sex. New York: Vintage, 1989 (reissue).
Faludi,
Susan. Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women. New York:
Crown Publishers Inc., 1991.
Farrer,
Claire R. ed. Women and Folklore: Images and Genres. Prospect Heights,
Ill: Waveland Press, Inc., 1975.
Helford,
Elyce Rae ed. Fantasy Girls: Gender in the New Universe of Science Fiction
and Fantasy Television. New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.,
2000.
Inness,
Sherrie. Tough Girls: Women Warriors and Wonder Women in Popular Culture.
Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1999.
Popular
Readings (Fiction)
Romance:
Howard, Linda. Mr. Perfect. New York: Pocket Books, 2001.
Mystery:
Keene, Carolyn. Secret of the Old Clock
(Nancy Drew Series #1). Price Stern Sloan Publ, 1930.
Science
Fiction: Tepper, Sherri S. The Gate to Women’s Country. Spectra
(reissue), 1997/1988.
General
Fiction: Kingsolver, Barbara. Animal Dreams. New York: Perennial, 1990.
Excerpts
from fairy tales
Films
Frida (2002) by Julie Taymor
with Salma Heyak and Alfred Molina
A
Handmaid’s Tale (1990) by Volker Schlöndorff with
Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, & Aidan Quinn
The
Hours (2003) by Stephen Daldry with Meryl Streep,
Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, & Ed Harris
Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon
(2001) by Ang Lee with Michele Yeo and Yun
Chao Fat
The
Vagina Monologues (2002) by Eve Ensler
Woman
of the Year (1942) by Georgia Stevens with Spencer Tracy and
Katherine Hepburn
Episodes/Clips
from TV series, possibly including Xena: Warrior Princess, Buffy the
Vampire Slayer, La Femme Nikita, The X-Files, Alias, Wonder
Woman, Sex and the City
Description
We
will explore themes, genres, issues, and images in popular culture of women and
gender. More and more American television shows feature female characters in the
lead roles and romance novels are the best selling books on the planet. Yet some
people argue that women today are portrayed less positively and with less
independence than in the 1940’s. We
will analyze a variety of genres to determine what are the hidden and overt
messages that women receive from them. Theories of gender, identity and
existentialism will inform our discussions of films, television shows, popular
music, advertisements, genre fiction, folk culture, art, and education (among
others). Students will be required to complete readings on time, attend class to
watch films and engage in discussions, and to write a final exam. The course
will be run seminar style, with emphasis on discussion of texts and films rather
than lecture.
·
One short (3-4 page) essay discussing specific aspects of the
works considered and read in that section. These essays will work directly with
the texts (including film excerpts) in order to answer specific assigned
questions.
·
A Final Examination in which students must demonstrate
an ability to compare and contrast the various texts, films and topics from
class in response to specific questions designed to allow analysis combining
original insights & theories and concepts from class.
·
A Creative Project in which students write a poem (or song),
short story, script, or creative non-fiction piece reflecting on women in
popular culture today.
·
Regular, active attendance and participation.
Be prepared to ask and answer questions, and to raise and discuss issues of
significance to this class. Points lost for absences, lack of attentiveness,
tardiness, etc.
·
Timely completion of all assignments. Readings are to be
completed before the due date.
Grades
Final
Examination: 40%
Critical Response
30%
Creative Work:
20%
Participation:
10%
<
This syllabus is a guide and as such is subject to revision.
It is your responsibility to attend class faithfully, note any changes in the
syllabus, and to complete all work on time. If you miss a class, contact me for
any changes in readings or assignments. Assignments are due at the beginning of
class on the day indicated on the schedule.
<
I encourage you to communicate with me about any concerns,
problems, or questions you may have during the semester. All students are
advised to consult with me regarding final projects.
<
Active, respectful participation is required of all students.
Respectful participation means listening to others’ opinions, presentations,
and ideas even if your initial reaction is to disagree. Active participation
involves listening attentively and respectfully as much as it involves speaking.
Aggressive and rude behavior will not be tolerated.
<
Any student requiring modifications due to a documented
disability should make an appointment to meet with the instructor as soon as
possible. An official letter from GC&SU documenting the disability will be
required in order to receive accommodation.
<
Plagiarism and cheating are unethical and unacceptable. If
you have any doubt as to what constitutes plagiarism and/or cheating, see me or
consult your student handbook.
Wk.1–5/10 Introduction to Concepts/Issues
Watch Century of Women: Image&Popular Culture
5/11
Early 20th c. images
Watch Woman of the Year
5/12
“
Read Keene, The Secret of the Old Clock
5/13
Artistic Freedom/Vision
Watch Frida & Read de Beauvoir, Faludi (handout)
Wk.2–5/16
Hopeful/Dreadful Futures
Read Tepper, Gate to Women’s Country
5/17
“
Watch A Handmaid’s Tale
5/18
Fantasies of Women
Read fairy tales (handout);“Frustrating Heroes” talk
5/19
TV fantasies
Watch Xena, Buffy; Critical Response due
5/20
“
Read from Helford, Innes; Watch Sex & the City Alias
Wk.3–5/23
Fantasy Men – Romance
Watch Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
5/24
“
Read Read Howard, Mr. Perfect & Kay Stone (handout)
5/25
Real Lives
Watch The Hours; Creative Assignment DUE
Day
eal Lives
5/26
“ (Humor)
Watch The Vagina Monologues
5/27
“
Read Kingsolver, Animal Dreams
Wk.4–5/30
Memorial Day Holiday
5/31
Final Discussion & Exam (in class)