Feminist Theories Research Paper

Description

Research Paper (Two-Part Assignment) Assignment Instructions Overview of Assignment Objectives:   The purpose of the research paper is to conduct a literature review in an area of feminist theory that interests you in order to develop a focused argument regarding the strengths, limitations, theoretical and/or applied implications, or untapped possibilities of the existing theory on the subject.   NOTE: The focus of the research paper is feminist theory (e.g fat feminisms, decolonization, feminist futurities), rather than a feminist issue (e.g. the wage gap). The objective is to critically evaluate feminist theories that provide concepts or lenses for thinking about feminist issues. In total, each student will review five articles and/or book chapters: three will be chosen from the course texts (required or supplemental) and two additional texts will be selected by conducting independent research on your topic via Leddy Library. Before beginning Part 1 of the assignment (the proposal and outline of your paper), reflect on which aspects of feminist theory you would like to read further on. Scan recent issues of feminist theory journals, including special issues that highlight particular topics. I have also provided a list of possible research areas at the end of this document.   PART 1: Research Paper Proposal and Outline Length: 1000 words minimum (not including title page and bibliography); no maximum Format: 12-point font, double-spaced, APA or MLA formatting, citations and bibliography The outline of what you propose to accomplish in your literature review will include: 1. Provisional (working) title 2. Draft of your Introduction paragraph, which must include: – a statement about what area of feminist theory you have chosen and why – a provisional thesis statement (see this excellent resource on how to develop a thesis statement) 3. Three draft paragraphs; each paragraph will do the following: – identify one course text you have chosen to review – explain why the text is relevant to your argument (e.g. it provides historical background on a contemporary issue; each article may cover different aspects of the topic or offer three distinct theories on a topic) 4. Bibliography of the texts cited and discussed in the outline   PART 2: Completed Research Paper Length: 1600 words minimum (not including title page and bibliography); no maximum Format: 12-point font, double-spaced, APA or MLA formatting, citations and bibliography The Completed Research Paper will include a review of five texts in total – three from the course and two texts that students have independently found and evaluated according to their topic for the Literature Review. The Completed Research Paper will contain: 1. Final title that accurately reflects the focus or argument of the research paper 2. An introductory paragraph that includes: – a fully-developed context or rationale for your topic of inquiry – a fully-developed thesis statement 3. At least five body paragraphs that – evaluate the five articles and/or book chapters; and – relate clearly to your thesis argument 4. Conclusion: this paragraph summarizes your main argument and might also propose questions for further research or highlight the broader, practical/applied significance of your thesis. Key Concepts & Possible topics* for Research Paper assignment (*possible, but not required – follow your interests!) The Urgency (and/or Limits? Challenges?) of Theorizing Intersectionality – Crenshaw, Utt, McGregor, Clark, Piepzna-Samarasinha, Garland-Thompson, Collins, Davis The relationship between Theory and Practice; Resisting Theory – hooks, Namaste, McGregor, Davis Positioning Self / Theorizer in the Theorizing – hooks, Ahmed, Absolon, Namaste, Clark, Anzuldua Decolonizing Feminisms – Koleszar-Green; Arvin, Tuck, & Morrill; Simpson Theorizing Feminist Cultural Interventions – Shraya, Rich, West, Elliott, Gadsby