Suffragists, Sistahs, and Riot Grrrls
The final exam for WS 240 is Thursday, May 10, 11:00 am -1:00 pm in Econ 303 (our regular classroom). The final exam is comprehensive, that is, it covers material from the whole semester. Studying for a comprehensive final gives you the opportunity to review the semester's material, an activity that will make you retain more of what you have studied. This study guide should help make your review productive and effective. Remember that you can view videos we have watched this semester; they are on reserve in the library.

There will be two final exam review sessions:
    Wed 2 May, 1:30-2:30, in Econ 306
    Tue 8 May, noon-1:00, in Soc Sci 136
Each session lasts one hour. You may attend either or both sessions. Do not go to the review expecting to be given answers to possible exam questions. Rather, you should  come to the session ready for a brainstorming session where you can share your insights and ideas with other students.

The exam will be open note: that is, you may use one sheet (2 pages) of notes made especially for the exam, NOT all your class notes. You may also use a dictionary, but you may not consult your textbook, articles, or any xeroxes during the exam. You will write your exam in a blue book (any size) using either pen or pencil (think legible).

For the exam, you will be given a choice of three essay questions that will ask you to address a theme or various themes of the course listed below. You will answer ONE of those questions. The question may ask you to consider particular articles, poems, or videos in your analysis.

Your essay will be graded on sophistication of thesis; strength of argumentation and organization; effectiveness and appropriateness of illustration from the semester's readings; style; and mechanics. You should expect to take most of the two hours to plan, write, and proof your essay. The final counts 25% of your grade.

As you study, think about the following themes:

1. The "cult of true womanhood" and how it defines and affects women differently depending on their social and economic status.
2. The history of women's activism from the nineteenth century to the present; the role and status of women of color in women's movements; the historical links between the women's movement and other civil rights movements.
3. The recent (100-year) history of gendered relationships between women and women, women and men; dominant norms for relationships; public supervision and regulation of relationships and sexuality; the intersection of sexuality and gender.
4. The history of women and work; the importance of a "room of one's own."
5. The importance of media representations of women in defining women's roles, self-image, expectations, opportunities.
6. Women and education; ways in which feminist scholarship has challenged and altered established disciplines and assumptions.