Women's Studies Units:
Unit 1-Introduction: Students will examine the biological differences between females and males. In addition they will determine what plays a larger role in gender differences, Nature or Nurture. They will also examine sexism in today's society.
Unit 2-Educational Equity: Students will examine the history of women in education and obstacles they have overcome to be granted equal educational opportunities. The students, through classroom observation will attempt to determine whether or not gender inequity still exists today and in what form.
Unit 3-Women in Sports: The class will examine what barriers women have overcome in order to compete in athletics at all levels. They will closely examine the legislation of Title IX and its impact on the sports world and how that translates into society. Students will also study the negative aspects of women and sports, such as body image (eating disorders, steroids, etc) and sexploitation. Guest Speaker: Barb Bostian (former Conant Girls Athletic Coordinator and advocate for Title IX)
Unit 4-Women at Work: Students will examine the transition from females in the domestic sphere moving into salaried positions. They will look at the changing roles of women in society in relation to different historical eras. In addition they will become familiar with the "Glass Ceiling" and its impact on the corporate world. The students will also research pay equity relating to specific positions as well as potential future careers and obstacles they may face. They will also examine the impact of these changing sex roles on society and the family.
Unit 5- Domestic Violence: The class will become familiar with statistics and facts relating to domestic violence, as well as reading personal anecdotes of women who have been in abusive situations. They will also have a guest speaker from the WINGS organization come in at talk to the class about domestic violence and shelters in the suburban area.
Unit 6- Human Rights Violations Around the World: Students will examine the inequalities and suffering of women around the world. They will get an introduction on what is going on in the world and then be asked to research and write a news article on a human rights violation that exists in the world today.
Unit 7-Sexual Assault: The students will be given facts and statistics on sexual assault and how and why it exists in society. They will learn how to recognize the kind of assault exists in the world, and how to prevent and/or defend themselves in a dangerous situation. They will read many personal excerpts relating tot he issue, as well as a guest speaker from Northwest CASA who will share a personal story with the class.
Unit 8- Body Image and Culture: The class will take a look at how societies "acceptable" body image has changed over time and its impact on the health of women, specifically young girls. They will examine how body image in the media has caused anorexia, bulimia and many other devastating and deadly images. In addition they will have a guest speaker: TBA.
Unit 9- Reproduction Rights: The class will examine the historical precedent setting case Row versus Wade and how it has impacted women's rights and society. They will discuss how the issue impacts present day society and what debates in regards to abortion (i.e. partial birth abortion) still plague society.
Unit 10- Suffrage: The class will examine women's rights and how they have evolved over time (i.e. researching suffragists, legislation etc). Guest Speaker: Mary Kay Albomonte