WGS 120: Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies and Feminist Theory
Instructions and Format for Final Exam
Instructions:
Submit an exam envelope to Professor Mayock no later than Monday, December 6. Make sure your name is on the envelope.
You will receive your exam in class on Wednesday, December 8. You may read over the exam and discuss it with classmates (from our class only), but make sure not to take notes when discussing the exam with classmates. You are welcome to use your notes and our textbook as you write responses to the exam. I expect a high degree of polish, given the time and resources available to you.
Type all of your answers and proofread carefully. Your exam will be assessed according to the clarity, thoroughness, and accuracy of your responses. Make sure to observe the parameters for length of response set out in each section.
Throughout the exam, “course texts” refers broadly to written materials, videos, lectures, and content from guest speakers’ visits. Be sure to provide a precise parenthetical citation, including author and textbook page number, whenever you quote a textual source directly.
Once you have completed the exam, print it out and place it, with the original test paper, in your exam envelope. Seal the envelope, sign the pledge on the front, and place the entire envelope in the brown shelves next to Professor Mayock’s office (DuPont 204), no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, December 14.
Format:
- Key Terms and Concepts: Choose any5 of the following key terms and concepts. For each, write 2-3 sentences in which you carefully define the term or phrase as used in this course and explain its importance within one or more feminist analyses we have studied. (20 pts)
- Textual Explication: Choose any 4 of the following quotations. For each, write a short paragraph in which you explicate the passage (i.e., restate its primary points, explain its logic, define key terms) and discuss how it fits into the author’s broader argument. You may quote other sections of the article as you explain the passage, but be sure the bulk of your response is in your own words. (40 pts)
- Synthesis: Choose 1 of the following statements. For the statement, write a short essay (2-3 well-developed paragraphs) which develops a feminist argument in support of the statement. You should integrate explicit citations of at least three course texts (i.e. at least three different authors). You should make the strongest argument that you can, whether you agree with it or not. Keep in mind that a strong argument clearly defines its terms, states its assumptions or premises, includes several points, makes coherent connections between points, uses specific examples, and takes potential disagreement into account. (20 pts)
- Final Essay: Read the question below and write a well-developed essay of 5-7 paragraphs in response to it. (20 points)
Review:
- Class handouts
- Your notes from class, readings, films, and guest lectures
- Introductory readings by Sheila Ruth and selected anthologized readings from the textbook