The general purpose of this course is to examine the relationship between feminist theories and the field of communication. This course will use as a basic tenet the feminist principle of challenging traditionally accepted paradigmatic assumptions. As a basis for understanding, students will first raise questions about how we come to know, how what we study is defined and by whom. We will then look at feminist theories that guide our thinking about the self as well as the contradictions and controversies among them. Students will apply theoretical constructs to communication theories and practices and determine their value for social change. Not only will the course reassess traditional approaches to scholarship, but it will introduce alternative means for critical analysis of the study of communication.

The burgeoning area of feminist scholarship offers a valuable perspective for Speech Communication students. The volume of literature in the field of Speech Communication which employs feminist frameworks is increasing as scholars seek new theories to traditional approaches. Numerous articles and books have been published recently which demonstrate current thinking about feminism and communication. The course will require an understanding of the communication field and the ability to apply theoretical constructs within the broad parameters of the discipline.

The goals of the course include the following:

1. to analyze and challenge assumptions underlying communication research;
2. to understand major feminist theories;
3. to identify the relationships among gender, race, and class as they operate in theory and practice;
4. to evaluate research findings concerning gender and communication behavior;
5. to apply feminist theory to areas of the field of communication.

In pursuing these goals, we will raise a number of questions. For example: what are the assumptions we use when we study and teach speech communication? How do critiques of basic philosophical questions relate to the field of communication? How can feminist scholarship take us beyond ways in which the discipline of communication has conceptualized its own field of study?

Each week the class will be assigned readings for reflection and discussion. During the semester, individuals will be assigned to serve as facilitators, posing questions, and providing "expert" insight about the topic/readings. As a graduate seminar in feminist theory and communication, this class will function as a collaborative effort which means everyone will be expected to contribute productively in a cooperative manner. You are expected to complete readings and assignments before class. . Your final project will be presented to the class and should be of such quality as to qualify for the Communication Studies Department symposium or other public forum. Final grades will be based on the following:

• Paper 1 --Paper envisioning a woman-centered university -- 15% Due: February 22md
• Paper 2 -- Paper explaining and reacting to a particular feminist perspective; facilitation of class discussion -- 20% Paper Due: March 15th; Presentations begin March 1st
• Prospectus for final Project and partial bibliography --5% Due: April 5th
• Paper 3 -- Paper on feminism, postmodernism, and communication --15% Due: April 19th
• Final Project - Paper synthesizing and applying a feminist perspective to an area of communication study; oral presentation --30% Due: May 10th
• Contributions to and facilitation of seminar discussions and newsgroup; short writing assignments, e.g. definitions, study questions, article summaries Throughout the semester -- 15%

• Specific guidelines for each paper will be distributed

Each graded assignment will received a letter grade; plus minus grading will be used. The letter grades will count as a percentage of the final grade and will be computed as follows: A=11; A-=10;B+=9; B=8;B-=7;C+=6;C=5;C-=4;D+=3;D=2;D-=1

Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to university policies regarding academic honesty, as specified in the current CSUN Catalog and Schedule of Classes. The Communication Studies Department policy is as follows: Academic honesty is expected and required. Academic honesty defrauds all those who depend on the integrity of University courses and is a serious offense covered by Section 41301, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. This section of the Code is published in the University Catalog, Schedule of Classes and Student Handbook. Academic dishonesty is grounds for dismissal from the graduate program and disciplinary action by the University.