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Course Syllabus
Feminist Literature Quest
Ms. Peifer
Room 403
email: lindsay.peifer@spps.org
Website: http://central2.spps.org/peifer
Blog: feministlitquest.blogspot.com
Wiki: Feministlit.pbwiki.com

Course Description:
Students explore various feminist theories and apply them to feminist literature, art and film,  Students learn to identify the main ideas and philosophies of feminist theory; distinguish fact from opinion; and identify bias, point of view, and author’s intent in order to analyze and evaluate various forms of literature and art.  Students also interpret, analyzed and evaluate feminist theory and apply it to poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of the Minnesota Basic Standards Test and MCA II reading and writing tests.
Course Expectations and Grades:
Students are expected to complete reading and writing assignments outside of class. Students are also expected to participate in large and small group discussions, reading journals, group and individual presentations, formal and informal writing assignments, and peer editing. Students are expected to teach or present to the class specific selections from literary works. Students need to be in class daily and turn in class assignments on time at the beginning of the hour on the due date. Students are responsible for the work that they miss when they are absent. It is up to each student to find out what was missed. Ask Ms. Peifer for any missed handouts.
Students will keep a reader’s response notebook for both formal and informal written responses.  Written analysis of individual stories, essays, and poetry will also be done throughout the semester.  A final project will involve a student selected feminist text to be analyzed through feminist literary criticism.
Papers need to be completed in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style (see figure 1 and 2).  This includes headings, in-text citations, and works cited pages.  Computer processed or typewritten papers are mandatory except for in class assignments. Public libraries have computers and typewriters for public use. All other assignments need to be written legibly or are impossible to grade.
Grades are based on a combination of written work and class participation. This class is considered an advanced level of literature, and students will receive weighted honor points for their grades. Therefore, students will be expected to work at an accelerated level, manage their time independently, complete many assignments outside of class, and take personal responsibility for the quality of their work. Students should be familiar with and use the standard mechanics of formal written English.
 
First Page of a Research Paper

 


Late Assignment Policy:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Anything turned in after that will be considered late. Assignments will be accepted up to one week after the due date for half credit. Assignments will not be accepted after the one-week extension. You will not pass the course if you consistently turn work in late.
Excessive absenteeism and late or missing work will result in lowered grades. There are many assignments that are impossible to make up. Communication with your teacher is strongly encouraged especially when you have been absent.
Additionally, please see handout on the department's policy on truancy and make-up work.
 
Course Overview:
1. The Beginnings
Wollstonecraft and Gilman—the beginnings of the two main philosophical points of view

Readings:     Selections from:
“Vindication of the Rights of Woman” Mary Wollstonecraft
“Women and Economics” Charlotte Perkins Gilman
“Herland” Charlotte Perkins Gilman
“Woman in the 19th Century” Margaret Fuller

The Yellow Wallpaper Charlotte Perkins Gilman
“The Story of an Hour” Kate Chopin
Early poetry and short stories from a variety of authors

2.  “First Wave” Feminist Thought
Psychology—the intensification of the nature/nurture debate
Freud, Marx, de Beauvoir, and Woolf

Readings:         Selections from:
“A Room of One’s Own” Virginia Woolf
“Professions for Women” Virginia Woolf
“The Second Self” Simone de Beauvoir

Trifles—a drama by Susan Glaspell
Selections of short stories and poetry from a variety of authors
Some early 20th Century art

3.    “Second Wave” Feminism—The Woman’s Experience
Feminist interpretations of Freud; a new look at women’s psychology; radical feminism—united and separate

Readings:         Selections from:
“In Search of Our Mothers Gardens” Alice Walker
“The Feminine Mystique” Betty Friedan
“Sexual Politics” Kate Millet

The Bell Jar Sylvia Plath
Stories and poetry and essays from a variety of authors
Visual art, photography, dance
Film and visual media







Any individual who has any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might adversely affect their ability to perform in this class, is encouraged to inform me of this condition. Adaptations of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation.

I look forward to an exciting and productive semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at the following address: lindsay.peifer@spps.org. If you do not have email, feel free to call me at (651) 632-6000 x4030.



Ms. Peifer

Mail 275 North Lexington Parkway - Saint Paul, MN 55104 • Phone (651) 744-4900 • Fax (651) 293-5433
Please eMail questions or comments regarding website management to: brian.reinhardt@spps.org -  any other questions should directed to the main iffice number, (651) 744-4900
St. Paul Public School System, District #625