Women's Studies 101 - Assignments

Table of Contents

What is a reflection paper?

A reflection paper is an opportunity for you to critically engage with the reading and viewing assignments. You may choose to focus on one particular passage or to respond to the main premise of the article. You may choose to comment on the content and/or form of a piece of writing or film. The reflection paper is a dialogue in which you have the floor for as long as you need it. Ideally, you should write at least one page on each article, story, film or book that we discuss in class. Your reflection upon your reading and viewing will give you a record of your engagement in this course and is a useful resource for the rest of your life!

What is the form of a reflection paper?

A reflection paper may begin as "free writing" (stream of consciousness), brainstorming, or lists of major terms. Although a reflection paper is not a formal research paper, it should have a coherent and analytical structure. You may choose to write a response that is whimsical, poetic, satirical, and/or witty. The tone of the reflection paper should not interfere with the clarity and cohesiveness of your writing.

How do I write a reflection paper?

1) Before you read a text or view a film, make a note of any discussion questions or ideas that occur to you based on your previous knowledge of the topic at hand.

2) As you read, keep our three areas of inquiry in mind

representation, language and the body,
power structures and the formation of knowledge,
feminist approaches in theory and practice.

Does the article or film at hand provide you with information or perspectives on one or more of these areas? How? Give examples.

3) You may choose to summarize the main points or premises of the article, but this is only one part of the reflection paper. Please try and ask some of the following questions: What insights have you gained from the reading or film for understanding the topic at hand? What are the limitations of the reading or film? How you would expand upon the ideas presented in the reading and/or film?

4) You may choose to concentrate on one or two ideas and develop them from week to week. For example, you may want to explore how each text and/or film constructs gender in relation to race or another category of difference. Or you may want to suggest how the insights gained from the reading or film impact action. Or you may take stock of how the article or film has transformed your thinking on a particular subject.

5) Occasionally, an article or film may touch upon an issue that is currently prevalent in the media. How might you respond to the current event based on your reading of an article or a film?

Please note: If we have multiple assignments you may choose to concentrate on one. It is always better to write one thorough reflection papers instead of three superficial ones!

How do I prepare my reflection paper for submission?

1) Reread your reflection papers. Do you notice a common theme? Are there issues that return again and again? Do you notice a change in your writing over time? Are there gaps?

2) Choose 5- 7 pages of your best writing. You may hand in these 5-7 pages or choose to hand in the entire batch of reflection papers. Have you engaged critically with the texts/films? Is your voice evident? Do you back up your statements with examples? Have your reflections brought you to specific conclusions about one or more of the areas of inquiry?

3) You may choose to rewrite your reflection papers into one coherent essay. You will receive extra credit for doing so!

Please note: Please double-space your reflection papers. I prefer to have typed papers!