The Meaning(s) of "Feminist"

Abstract

As “feminist” and “feminism” continue to be used and sometimes embraced in the public discourse, the question arises of what these terms actually mean and how they are being applied. In this in-class activity, students will begin to grapple with the underlying assumptions and plurality of meanings that are attached to “being a feminist.” Specifically,...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Mass Communication/Public Opinion, Sex and Gender

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 300

Class Size(s):

Small

Usage Notes

This activity consists of three distinct parts. First, drawing upon popular culture knowledge and representations, students will brainstorm short lists of “feminist” individuals before going into a class-wide discussion about the choices and their reasons. Second, the instructor gives a brief summary of the points in the discussion,...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Recognize the plurality of meanings and understandings often attached to the term “feminist.”
2. Connect the in-class discussion to their own assumptions and understanding surrounding feminism.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Small group and class-wide discussions about the labeling of certain individuals in popular culture as “feminist.”
2. Students respond individually to a short writing prompt asking them what “being feminist” means to them and if they take on that identity personally.