Womens Gender Studies
Read these instructions carefully.
Make sure that you number your answers so that they coordinate with the question you are answering; if you do not number them correctly you will not receive credit because I won’t know which question you are answering.
Answer all of the questions using complete sentences and proper grammar and spelling. Each answer should reference the materials you’ve been assigned so far this semester in a specific manner; you can quote, summarize, or paraphrase the material. Make sure you cite it. (You can just use the author’s last name or the article title—that’s fine!) Answers without reference to the course material will receive zero credit. Answers without citation of the material can earn no more than half credit.
You can (and should!) open and utilize the materials you’ve read and viewed this semester in the course shell and/or on your computer. You may not use additional resources other than those provided in the questions.
Answer each question as fully as you can and make sure that you answer each part of the question. Answers should be at least 500 words and should not exceed 800 words (and 800 words is a lot—you won’t really need this much). Focus on quality, not quantity! Evaluation is not based on the fact that you wrote 800 words. Evaluation is based on your ability to do the following:
• Meet the minimum requirements outlined in the question and in the exam instructions.
• Answer each part of the question.
• Accurately utilize the readings/viewings from WGST 340 to support your answer.
• Demonstrate independent thinking and insight based on what you’ve learned.
• Present your opinion in a professional, polished way without relying on anecdote or rant.
• Give credit to the words and opinions of others using citations and reference.
• Write clearly and organize your thoughts.
1. 4 points: Select one of the popular culture texts below for analysis. Once you’ve made your selection, analyze the text using the material we’ve read this semester; reference at least two readings/viewings specifically. Do not use the preview of The Hunting Ground as one of those readings/viewings, though you can talk about it in addition to the two readings/viewings.
Use details from the popular culture text in your answer. (In other words, if you are saying that the text is an example of globalization, reference specific scenes and/or images that demonstrate that this is the case. Show your reader that you’re right!) Demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts we’ve discussed in your answer.
Here are some questions to get you thinking (you should not answer these in your exam answer—they are just meant to get you thinking analytically): How does this text relate to WGST 340? What authors that we’ve read might have something to say about this? Does this treat women as objects? What scenes are portrayed in this text? What significance do the words have in relation to the images? Does this popular culture text have violence? If so, who is subject to that violence and who perpetrates it?
Select one of these texts:
• Maroon 5, “Animals”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpgTC9MDx1o (I know it is hard to catch all of the lyrics when they’re sung and part of a video; you can access the lyrics here: https://play.google.com/music/preview/Tx2xlccf2q26kkkj6shmbgazv7a?lyrics=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=lyrics&pcampaignid=kp-lyrics&u=0#)
• Lady Gaga, “Till It Happens To You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmWBrN7QV6Y (I know it is hard to catch all of the lyrics when they’re sung and part of a video; you can access the lyrics here: https://www.metrolyrics.com/till-it-happens-to-you-lyrics-lady-gaga.html)
2. 4 points: Write a letter to President Gee. In your letter, define “rape culture,” explain how rape culture impacts college campuses, discuss the individuals most impacted by rape culture, and argue for changes to our own campus. Be specific about the changes you’d like to see and do not be afraid to articulate action-plans for these changes. Reference at least three readings and/or viewings in your letter.
You still need to cite your sources in your letter. I know this is not how you’d actually write a letter to Gee, but you need to give credit to your sources so forgive this alteration in genre convention.
3. 2 points: Explain globalization. Explain privilege. Provide a specific example of how globalization and privilege intersect. Reference at least one reading in your answer.
Bonus opportunity (1 point): Articulate how your own privileges may impact you. Be specific and provide examples from both real life and the readings.
For this question you may find it useful to use examples from your personal experience. This is fine, just do not lose your focus. Use those examples to illustrate your point and do not get lost in the story.