Description:

This survey course introduces students to a representative sample of texts created by women from the mid-seventeenth century to present. Using the lens of gender, students will explore the social, historical, political, and cultural contexts relevant to the literature. Further, students will identify significant literary devices and genres as employed by these authors. The course will emphasize the dynamic relationship between the literature and its contexts. 3 hr. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Differentiate among major literary genres.
2. Identify and evaluate the rhetorical strategies and devices of women writers surveyed.
3. Identify and analyze the lenses through which women authors confront identity issues.
4. Describe the social construction of gender identity.
5. Explain the evolution of feminist literary theory, including first-, second-, and third-wave feminisms.
6. Compare and contrast the social, historical, political, and cultural contexts of women writers.
7. Analyze the character of women’s identities, including those defined by race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and class.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Major Literary Genres
   A. Distinguish among major literary genres and recognize the
conventions of each.
      1.Non-fiction (e.g., historical/political/social texts, memoir,
criticism, personal narrative) 
      2.Fiction (e.g., novels and short stories)
      3.Poetry (e.g., free verse and structured forms)
      4.Drama (e.g., theater and television)
   B. Recognize and analyze significant instances of figurative language
such as metaphor, simile, imagery, symbolism, irony, analogy.
   C. Explain the influence of the major literary genres in consideration
of social, historical, political, and cultural contexts.
 
II. Rhetorical Strategies and Devices
   A. Identify and define rhetorical strategies and devices such as
themes, imagery, characterization, plot development, narration, symbolism,
and Aristotelian appeals (i.e., ethos, logos, pathos).
   B. Explain the importance of rhetorical strategies and devices as they
apply to the literature.
   C. Explain the impact of the social, historical, political, and
cultural contexts on the use of rhetorical strategies and devices.

III. Identity Issues
   A. Identify and analyze multiple perspectives relating to the identity
of women who are authors.
   B. Identify and analyze multiple perspectives of characters in
literature authored by women.

IV. Gender Identity and Literature
   A. Examine the social construction of female identity found in
literature, including Virgin/Whore dichotomy, Maid/Wife/Widow, Motherhood,
Public/Private person, and Concept of the Other.
   B. Examine the social construction of gender as it is reflected in
literature.

V. Feminist Literary Theory
   A. Explain and apply the arguments of the first wave of feminist
literary theorists (i.e., 19th and early 20th century) to assigned
literature.
   B. Explain and apply the arguments of the second wave of feminist
literary theorists (i.e., mid- to late 20th century) to assigned
literature.
   C. Explain and apply the arguments of the third wave of feminist
literary theorists (i.e., late 20th century to present) to assigned
literature.

VI. Social, Historical, Political, and Cultural Contexts
   A. Explain the importance and significance of contextualizing
literature.
   B. Analyze the significance of influential social, historical,
political, and cultural contexts/events which impacted the author and/or
the reading and/or the reception of the literature. Contexts/Events may
include Puritanism, Salem Witch Trials, Science and Rationalism,
Urbanization, Education Reform, Slavery, Abolition, Women’s Rights,
Industrialization, Civil Rights Movement, Modernism, Postmodernism, and
particular War Eras.

VII. Character of Women’s Identities
   A. Analyze the social locations of women authors, particularly in
consideration of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and class.
   B. Analyze the social locations of literary characters of texts
authored by women, particularly in consideration of race, ethnicity,
religion, sexuality, and class.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Formal Papers                    	20-60% of grade
Portfolio or Exams             		20-60% of grade
Participation                         	0-30% of grade
Daily Assignments (i.e., journals, quizzes, etc.)   0-20% of grade
Total                                  100%
 
Grade Criteria:
  A = 90 – 100%           
  B = 80 –  89%                       
  C = 70 –  79%                       
  D = 60 -  69%                       
  F =  0 –  59%                   

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.