Feminist Activism

A group of women’s studies faculty and graduate students received a small grant award to participate in a Learning Circle: a program funded through the Center for Teaching Excellence that encourages informed discussions about teaching and learning. In particular, participants engaged in discussions about the use of activism in women’s studies classrooms. Scholars attest that teaching activism in women’s studies classrooms helps students to develop a deeper understanding of feminist issues and promotes the development of skills necessary to work toward feminist social change (Naples & Bojar, 2003).

The participants in this Learning Circle met for several months, examining the possibilities for using activism as an instructional strategy in women’s studies classes. One guiding question for our discussion has been: What strategies can women’s studies faculty employ to involve students in community-based action projects? Toward that end, we have identified several community-based agencies as potential partners for women’s studies faculty interested in incorporating activism into their classes.

Reference:

Naples, N.A. & K. Bojar. (Eds.). (2003). Teaching feminist activism: Strategies from the field. New York: Routledge.

Susan Iverson has assigned an activism project in WST101: introduction to women's studies.

WST101 syllabus

activism project guidelines