OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HUMANITIES 142 COURSE SYLLABUS

1.            Course                 Course                  Course

                Prefix                    Number               Name                                    Credit                   Lecture Lab

                HUM                      142                         Women & Creativity      3                              3                 0

                                                                                                                        (Women’s and Gender Studies Concentration)

2.            Prerequisites

None

 

3.            Course (Catalog) Description

Course explores selected creative work done by women. Content includes literature, art, music, film, and philosophy; may also explore women’s creativity as manifested through shaping of community and domestic institutions, and through domestic arts. Focus may be either historical or contemporary.  IAI HF 907D

 

4.            Learning Objectives

After completing the course students should be able to:

a.         Develop an understanding of the contributions made by women in at least three areas of creative endeavor.

b.         Analyze the nature and process of creativity, particularly as they relate to women and their experiences.

c.         Develop interpretations of creative work and offer support for their interpretations both orally and in writing.

d.         Explore the ways in which the creativity of women has been limited by their social, political and economic circumstances and the strategies employed by women to overcome these limitations.

e.          Develop their abilities to appreciate and respond to creative work and explore ways to develop their own creativity.

f.          Exhibit an understanding of the creative contributions of women not only within the context of Western civilization but also within the rich traditions of world cultures.

g.         Identify and debate the ideas, values and/or political views advocated in the works assigned.

H.      Exhibit values related to teamwork and collaboration, fostered by the pedagogy of shared-inquiry and critical dialogue appropriate to the humanities and philosophy.

 

5.            Academic Integrity

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

·            cheating,

·            plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),

·            falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),

·            helping others to cheat,

·            unauthorized changes on official documents,

·            pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,

·            making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and

·            any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

 

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years. Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

 

6. Outline of Topics

See attached Tentative Course Schedule

               

7.            Methods of Instruction

a.      Lectures and class discussion

b.      Small group work

c.      Films, online articles and other materials

d.      Attendance at public forums, workshops or presentations

e.       Guest speakers

8.            Course Practices Required

A.      College-level Reading of scholarly articles, literary works, etc.

B.      Writing (minimum 15 pages)

C.      Basic Computer Literacy

D.      Email

E.       Observation and analytical skills

F.       Critical Thinking

G.      Memorization of information

H.      OCC Event: 4/21-Art & Activism Event: Keynote: Strike Anywhere

I.        OCC WHM Keynote Address: 3/22- Amy Richards/Gloria Steinem

J.        OCC WHM Events: Rosa Luxemburg (3/8) or Kita y Fernanda (3/1-3/11)

 

 

Participation/Attendance:

This course resembles the “seminar” more than the “lecture,” and therefore particularly depends on the students arriving on time and prepared, and volunteering their experience, knowledge, and viewpoints in large and small groups, discussions, and exercises

 

Written Work:

All written work must be typed, double spaced, 12 pt font, 1 inch margins, page #’s and written with proper grammar and spelling. If submitted electronically they must be in a .doc or. docx, otherwise papers will not be accepted. I will only accept hard copies of written work on the date the assignments are due. Exceptions are made in emergency situations and must be pre-approved by the instructor.

 

Late Work Policy

A student is responsible for all work missed during an absence.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missed notes, assignments, or information in the event of an absence. I recommend you exchange contact information with someone in class in order to get missed information in the event of an absence. A student who anticipates an absence should notify the instructor or academic department prior to the absence.

Work is due whether or not you are present in class.  Assignments will lose 1 letter grade if submitted late. I do not accept any late assignments that is more than ONE WEEK late. Additionally, I DO NOT allow revisions on papers or exams.

If necessary and with proper documentation students in unforeseen circumstances may make up a missed exam. Make up exams will be held in the Testing Center and will be entirely essay based questions. Students cannot make up quizzes, homework, and other in class assignments.

 Any exceptions to the above late assignment policy will be made solely at the discretion of the instructor and will be considered only in the most serious circumstances. 

 

Extra Credit:

There will be ample extra credit opportunities throughout the semester. I will announce these opportunities in class and via email.  Students can earn points by attending outside events and writing a short response paper on their experience.  Students can earn up to 4 points in extra credit for the semester.

Email: It is extremely important that students check email regularly. After the 1st day of class students must update their preferred email address in Oakton’s Banner. Likewise, email should be checked prior to coming to class for any changes to the course schedule, announcements, and other course related events.

 

Assignment Requirements:

Semester-long Poem Project (50 pts)

Students will participate in a three- part, semester-long project in which they explore various forms of visual and performing art. Further details of the project will be provided in class.

 

The Guerilla Girls Research Assignment (100 pts)

Students will research selected artists from the GG text. Then present their research in small groups to

the class.   This assignment will be discussed in further detail. A detailed handout will be provided.

 

Reaction Papers: Film, Art & Activism/WHM Events (75pts 3 @ 25 pts each)

You will be responsible for writing 3 short (3 pages) papers on various units throughout the semester.

 You should discuss main themes, compare and contrast the works, and write about your personal

response to the works.  Further details will be discussed in class.

 

WHM Keynote- Amy Richards/Gloria Steinem Assignment (100 pts)

Students are required to attend OCC’s Women’s History Month event (3/22 @7pm DP) "An Evening with Amy Richards”, one of the founders of the feminist third-wave.  This event will feature a talk by Richards, along with a special screening of the HBO documentary,” Gloria Steinem: In Her Own Words", for which Richards served as a consultant.  We will conclude with a panel discussion on the topic "Feminism--Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?” facilitated by Richards and comprised of students in the WGS Program.  Students will write a 4-5page report on different aspects of the event. A detailed handout will be provided.

 

Exam (50 pts)

Students will have 1 exam that will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay

questions to test your retention of knowledge, in addition to your ability to critically think and engage

with texts, authors, and ideas

 

Half the Sky Project (100pts)

In the spirit of Half the Sky by Kristoff & WuDunn, you will design a art project based on social justice issue of your choice that affects women and children in contemporary society. Additionally, you will write a short artist statement and present your creative project in a 10-15 minute presentation during finals. Students will have a great deal of flexibility in choosing their topics and art forms and must submit a proposal by Week 6. A detailed handout on this assignment will be given at a later date.

 

9.            Instructional Materials (Students are expected to buy/rent the following texts or borrow

them from a library (or a friend) during the times they are needed).

 

        Half the Sky by Kristof & WuDunn ISBN 9780307387097

        The Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti ISBN9781580053143

Guerilla Girls Bedside Companion to Western Art ISBN 014025997X

        Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi ISBN 9780375714672

Online articles, videos, and resources

Films, novels, essays, short stories

 

10.        Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

                Final course grade will be calculated as follows:

                25 pts- Quizzes, Homework, & Participation

                50 pts- Semester long Poem Project

                50 pts- EXAM                                                                                            

                75 pts- Reaction Papers  (3 @25 pts)

                100 pts-WHM Keynote: Amy Richards/Gloria Steinem Paper

                100 pts- Guerilla Girls Research Assignment

                100 pts- Half The Sky Project & Paper

               

SCALE: 500-450 pts= A; 449-400= B; 399-350= C; 349-300= D; 299 or less= F

 

11. Other Course Information:

Instructor Information

Instructor:  Angela Koon                                                                 Office:  A213 (Group Offices)

Semester:  Spring, 2012                                                                  Office Phone: 847.635.1435 (lv.message)            e-mail:  akoon@oakton.edu                                                                         Office Hours:

website: http://www.oakton.edu/user/1/akoon/              T& TH  8:00-9:15 am

Women’s and Gender Studies:                                                    T&TH  1:50-2:50 pm OR by appointment.

http://www.oakton.edu/academics/special_programs/wom_gen_studies/index.php

 

Cell Phones, PDA’s, and Laptops

Silence and put away phones when you come to class.  NO TEXTING IN CLASS!

If you are using a laptop to take notes while in class I expect that you will not be playing

games, surfing the net, or doing other non-class related activities. If I find that you are doing any of

these I will ask you to forego the use of your laptop in class for the duration of the semester.

 

Discrimination

The Oakton Community College Catalog states:

“Oakton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national

origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or marital status in admission to and participation in its

educational programs, activities and service, or employment practices.  The College does not tolerate

sexual harassment or sexual assault by or of its students or employees.”

 

Climate for Learning

In keeping with this policy of tolerance and non-discrimination, in this class all of us (myself included)

should strive to listen and give careful consideration to all ideas expressed in class, especially those

that are different from our own, without attacking or demeaning the people who have those views. 

We should also strive to avoid using insulting terms or remarks when talking to or about individuals or

groups.

 

Disabilities

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability, you may be entitled to

reasonable academic accommodations or services.  To request accommodations or services, contact

the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services, area 2400.  All students are expected to fulfill

essential course requirements.  The College will not waive any essential skills or requirements of a

course or degree program.  Please make your instructor aware of any documented disability you may

have so that she may assist in these accommodations.

 

Spring 2012 Academic Calendar—Key Dates

January 17
Spring 2012 semester classes begin

February 12
Last day to withdraw from 16-week courses and have course dropped

from record.

February 12
Last day to change to audit for 16-week courses

February 19
Incomplete (I) grades from fall 2011 semester for which faculty have

not submitted final grades will become an "F" after this date.

February 20
Presidents' Day holiday, College closed.

March 11
Last day to withdraw with a "W" from 16-week courses; Students will

receive a grade in all courses in which they are enrolled after March 11.

March 12 – 18
Spring recess

May 10, 11
Evaluation Days†

May 11
Last day of student attendance

 

ALL STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COURSE GUIDELINES, AS SET FORTH IN THIS SYLLABUS.  PLEASE REVIEW THE SYLLABUS, ON A REGULAR BASIS.