Feminist Theory Groundings

Posted: December 10th, 2013

his first week of the course, your grounding in feminist theory is the topic of conversation and learning. The introduction to this first section, and the text, by McCann and Kim (2010) contains some of the most difficult reading you will do this term.
For this week, define feminist theory and the central tenets of this week’s reading. Also, describe your scholarly reaction to the material, especially as it relates to your definition of feminist theory coming into the course. Use specific readings from McCann and Kim (2010) to support your thesis. This is essentially your task for each week’s forum essay.

Some organizational guidance:
In other words, in your weekly essays, make your organization explicit and make liberal use of I-statements. Your essays are, after all, about your learning. You must tell your reader what you plan to write about—that’s the best way to demonstrate to me that you’ve read the material and can discuss it. Consider these essays, just that, essays. They are not formal research papers that require the use of third person as in your final paper. So, here’s a suggested (admittedly simplistic) outline to use as you write:
Introductory paragraph—Tell your reader what you discuss in your essay as a whole. Take a stand that you will call your thesis. “Based on this first week of reading in McCann and Kim (2010), feminist theory is…….The central tenets of feminist theory are…..My reaction to this material is…..” Refer frequently to the grading criteria below.
Next Paragraph: point one (McCann & Kim, 2010): main points with specific examples from specific readings and your scholarly reaction
Next Paragraph: point two (McCann & Kim, 2010): main points with specific examples from specific readings and your scholarly reaction
Next Paragraph: and so on…
Conclusion: This paragraph summarizes your essay as a whole. It restates your thesis and purpose of the essay. DO NOT SKIMP on your conclusion. This is the last impression you leave your reader, after all.
There is a 500-word minimum for your initial posts. Feel free to use personal examples and draw from current cultural events, including music, art, and other media and social phenomena.

Textbook: McCann, C. R., & Kim, S. K. (2010). Feminist theory reader: Local and Global Perspectives. New York, NY: Routledge.