Welcome the Women of Color in the U.S.A. course! This course is a reflective and informative look at the plight of women in the
United States. Students will be asked to engage in reflective journey in the historical and present issues facing women in a race
conscious society. This course is designed to challenge and educate both men and women. The course will consist of in depth on-
line discussions, film clips, text readings, interview essay, and exams. You will need to have access to the internet specifically
youtube.com, and the required textbook. Students may also be asked to rent or view the film such as Bordertown with Jennifer
Lopez you can find the video at Blockbusters, Hollywood video or Netflex etc.
Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions and/or concerns. Thank you!
Class Participation
Students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course. For example, students must communicate with other
students by actively participating in threaded online discussions. Students must also check the course board frequently for
announcements.
E-mailing
Always include a subject line and use only basic fonts. Do not send large attachments (>200 KB) without permission.
Online Discussions
Introduce yourself to the other learners. Be polite and choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory language. Be
concise in responding to others. Be constructive in your comments. Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering
your remarks. Try to maintain threads by using the �reply� button rather than starting a new topic.
Course Description:
The course will explore the historical and present day issues from women in the U.S. inclusive of but not limited to key topics such
as family, work, health, body image, and violence. We will examine the impact of racism, sexism, and classism on African
American, Asian American, Latina/Hispanic, Native and White American women in the U.S. Using an interdisciplinary approach we
will also investigate their shared experiences as well as their differences.
Course Objectives - Students will be able to:
- Knowledge: Key historical event shaping the present situation of women of color in the U.S., role of power and privilege; key
theoretical concepts of gender, race, and class are conditions of experience that affect every person as well as the relationships
among one another;
- Communication: Articulate the difference between understanding and agreement; demonstrate awareness of assumptions,
beliefs, values, and behaviors with regard to race, class, gender, and ethnicity;
- Social functioning: Understand and respect different viewpoints and behaviors; recognize how we alternately behave as
oppressors and as targets; how to be an ally to individuals that experience oppression; learn strategies to heal from various
oppressions;
- Attitudes and Values: Understand and take pride in the multiple identities within ourselves and in the larger society recognize
the socializing forces of culture and oppression in shaping our frames of reference; recognize how our frames of reference impact
our perceptions; recognize that our perceptions have real consequences for self and others.
Required Text: Women�s Voices, Feminist Visions, Susan Shaw & Janet Lee, 2004, Second edition
(ISBN: 0-07-282242-2)
Be prepared to spend a minimum of 10-12 hours per week using and studying the course materials.
