CTCS 411: Women + Media
Course Requirements
Spring
2001
Professor Tara McPherson
REQUIRED TEXTS: (available at the University Bookstore)
P. Erens, ed.,
Issues in Feminist Film Criticism
D. Carson, et al, ed., Multiple Voices in Feminist Film Criticism
C. Brunsdon, et al, ed., Feminist Television Criticism: A Reader
A COURSE READER. REQUIRED. It’s available at Magic Machines in University Village, which is located inside the mall, just behind the Burger King on Jefferson.
EVALUATION:
This course is designed as a discussion-based seminar and to work effectively it will require faithful preparation and active participation from all class members. You should do all assigned readings before class and also actively watch television and film, looking for examples from the contemporary media to supplement course materials. Class time will be divided between brief lectures, longer discussions, group work, and screenings. Your grade will be determined as follows:
1. Participation and attendance are required. Missing more than two classes will significantly lower your grade. In addition to being physically present, you'll be expected to contribute to discussions each week. I will call on you at random, so be prepared to contribute. (10%)
2. Throughout the term, you'll be required to turn in 1-2 page responses to the readings and other class materials. These responses should engage critically with the course readings, screenings and discussions and should demonstrate both a grasp of the material and your own considered response to the same. Simply saying you liked or didn't like something is not sufficient; you should demonstrate careful, analytical thinking. Feel free to draw on materials outside of the course as well, integrating them into our discussions and analyses. During the semester you'll be expected to turn in EIGHT of these responses. Only one response will be accepted each week, addressing that week's material, and late responses will not be accepted. These responses will not always be returned, though I will often include selections from them during class. For those of you would like help getting started, I'll post 'possible' topics for each week's response online on the course web page (see above). These are strictly offered as guidelines; feel free to write your response on other topics. (25%)
3. A take-home mid-term exam/essay. We'll discuss it in more detail later. (30%)
4. A final paper of 7-10 pages which applies the issues raised in the class to a topic which you will choose in consultation with me. Alternatively, you may choose to do a "creative" project after clearing your idea with me. (35%)
All assignments must be handed in on time; exceptions will be made only for extraordinary cases (such as sickness) and official documentation is needed. If you miss an exam or quiz, it cannot be made up without official documentation for your absence. Attendance in sections, lecture and screenings is essential and will affect your grade. All assignments must be completed in order to receive a final grade in this course. Failure to do so will result in an F for the course.
Plagiarism in any form will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct, can result in the failure of the course, and may lead to dismissal from the University. Please consult your SCAMPUS for an outline of the rules and regulations regarding academic integrity.