WMS 2115 - WOMEN IN ASIA PRE-MODERN

credits: 3.0
Crosslisted/Same As: HIS 2115
HIS 2115-WMS 2115. The principal goal of this course is to emphasize the value of comparative study for a meaningful understanding of different social and cultural traditions especially as they relate to the roles and status of women in Asia. The purpose is not merely to catalogue the problems and concerns of women at a particular period of time, but to provide you with an adequate understanding of the social, cultural, and historical factors which have shaped women’s lives and roles in different cultural settings. Will focus on the pre-modern period, a period that covers from the pre-imperial period of Confucius to the closing days of the dynastic system. Will explore what is often called The Tradition, a set of social practices that when looked at uncritically may seem static timeless, but with some investigation and self-introspection will soon be understood to have a truly dynamic and divers history challenging some of the basic assumption that we make about gender, sexuality, and identity. Objectives: A) Outline and explain the changing roles of women in Asia as demonstrated through a series of in-class exercises and short tests; B) Compare these roles within the various cultures of Asia as demonstrated through in-class discussion and written assignments; C) Describe and compare core principles and arguments surrounding the concepts of gender and sex in human history; D) Gain the basic skills for doing research in Asian Studies as demonstrated through a written paper and oral presentation that are developed and edited throughout the term. Method of Instruction: Class time will be divided between short lectures on the topic-readings of the day, small group projects, and in class discussion. Students will be expected to be active participants in the direction and content of the course discussions and projects. In order to do this all assigned readings must be prepared before class and those materials must be brought to class. Method of Evaluation: Participation: 30%, short tests: 30%, and paper: 40%. Meets *WRT and *NWP Distribution Requirements.