Bryn
Mawr Referendum on the name of the F&GS Program
(December
20, 2003)
To all
Bryn Mawr faculty, staff and students--
The
Bi-Co Steering committee of the Feminist and Gender Studies Program
has for
some time now been deliberating a possible name change for the program. Over
the past month, the Haverford community has been engaged in a referendum on
this matter; we now invite Bryn Mawr to do the same. Before leaving campus on
December 20th, could you let us know your views on this issue on a forum we've established
at
http://serendipstudio.org/local/femgen/survey.html
You can
also access the referendum from our program homepage @
http://www.brynmawr.edu/femgen/
Thank
you for letting us know what you think--
Anne
Dalke,
for the
Bi-College F&GS Steering Committee
(Catherine
Conybeare, Yvette Goslin, Alice Lesnick,
Liz
McCormack, Debra Rubin, Deborah Sherman and Susanna Wing)
Responding:
75
Faculty: 13
Staff: 10
Students: 46
Not identified: 8
Choices
elected:
Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies: 19
Gender
Studies: 32
[Choices
w/ ÒfeministÓ in the title: 33]
[Choices
w/ ÒsexualityÓ in the title: 24]
Comments:
I would
say that I like Gender Studies the best, for its inclusiveness
and
equality to both sexes, but I still feel that feminism is a huge part of the
concentration.
I think as a women's college, it's important to publicly and
specifically
address feminist issues. If the major is called Gender Studies, it
implies
an equal exploration of male AND female sexuality, and I just don't
think
this is an accurate description of the program. This title, ont he other
hand, acknowledges that not all the courses are based on feminist thought, but still recognizes the importance of feminist thought within the concentration. Good luck making the decision -it's a hard one!
We
attend a women's college and a large number of the undersgraduates
here
would classify themselves as "feminists". Why would you change the name of the program most
characteristic of the sentiment held by large percentage of the student
population?
Because
it shows that one is interested in womens studies and Gender,
not
just one or the other, while the word "Sexuality" in the title may turn
people
off to the concentration.
Because
it is the only indication I see that Bryn Mawr and Feminism
coexist!
On top of that, the two topics are different.
The
name is fine as is. Why fix what
isn't broken? The name of the
department
should relfect what kind of courses are offered within it. If the
courses
in this concentration deal with topics of feminism and gender, then both terms
should be included in the title.
Q. How
many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A.
That's not funny!
A grad
student was telling me that back in the early nineties she was a
feminist,
her friends were feminists, women were feminists and men were
feminists-
as a way to meet women. Now "feminist" seems to be a dirty word...but
other than the fact that the country is under a more conservative reign than it
was ten years ago, nothing has changed. The fact is that feminism is still an
important political philosophy and recalls a series of important historical
movements and feminism is still a topic of prominent scholarly work. Women's
rights haven't imporved so significantly in the last ten years that the issue
might now be dropped (by the way, a discipline need neither be current nor
popular to be important). So, basically, I ask what's driving this change. Is the
problem that "feminism" as a political movement has fallen out of
favor and enrollments have dwindled? Is this a marketing maneuver? (and by the
way, please say no. please. Let's not have programs at Bryn Mawr be changed
based on what eighteen year old women think they want to study) What does the
discipline call itself? ("feminist theory" is still called
"feminist theory", right?) Don't get me wrong, I think it's pretty
cool that the program is asking these questions - and I'm definitely looking
forward to hearing all kinds of good answers.
The
specific identification of courses in feminist theory and perspective and
reference to more inclusive focus on gender and sexuality both are relected in
this designation.
It does
have a feminist slant to it, let's face it. Rather than explicitly looking at
issues of men in art, for example, Bryn Mawr's curriculum looks at
representation and women's roles, with men being looked at for a contrast. I
feel that perspective is found throughout all of Bryn Mawr's courses,
specifically its FemGen ones.
I feel
that this is the most recognizable and broad name given to this
area of
study. While sexuality is aptly a
major component of this field , it is
one of
many areas which are examined and not necessarily at the forefront for
all. Using the term gender puts
the study in a broader soceital context.
It aknowledges that any study of one gender must take into account all
definitions of gender. It does not
limit to one specific idea.
However, the term feminist puts some emphasis on the study of
woman.
This
name suits the concentration best because it truly reflects the
area of
study and the history of it. I think it also allows for the possibility
that
studies that are feminist are not solely concerned with the study of
gender.
Courses on the history of the social movement can be covered too.
I feel,
particularly given its institutional location (namely, a
WOMEN's
college), that it is EXTREMELY important to maintain, if only through naming,
the historical, political and theoretical significance of the program. (And, I should add, I write this as a
faculty member who has consistently taught courses in the program, advised
students, etc.) As a second
choice, I would pick the fourth option, "feminist, gender and sexuality
studies," though I don't feel a change is necessary. But I feel strongly that feminism
should be present in the naming.
I think
I would have preferred a change to Women's Studies, but since
that is
not one of the options and since reading the pros and cons of all the
other
options convinces me that none of them are better (and some are definitely
worse), my vote is for keeping it what it is now.
Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies
This
name is most applicable to the subjects we examine in the classes relevant to
the concentration. I feel leaving
the "feminist" out would be misleading as the feminist perspective is
a major component of the concentration.
I think
the current type neglects a very important component of many
of the
scholarship we are studying: sexuality.
This is
most inclusive.
It
seems all-inclusive.
Because
this title is more inclusive, rather than exclusive, which is
a major
purpose of the concentration!!!!
The
"feminist" title pays homage to the amount of feminist theory and
women's studies intrinsic to the concentration, while the inclusion of
"sexuality"
highlights the difference between the studies of gender and
sexuality. Incidentally, I think "women's
studies" would be equally appropriate as opposed to "feminist".
Although
this is a big clunky name and doesn't get rid of the F-word,
I feel
that it's the most inclusive term.
I think that feminism, elitist
history
and all, is still an important concept today that more people should be
educated about; we shouldn't abandon it to misunderstood obscurity but rather
continue to make it a living, changing movement. Adding sexuality to the mix should hopefully invite more
people in...removing words would cut people out. One problem might be that it sounds a bit unfocused, but
really feminism, gender, and sexuality are inextricably linked anyway...might
as well put it all out on the table.
:-) Hope that helps.
Well,
from what I understand, the concentration is essentially a formal group of
classes regarding all or some of the above topics. Plus, if we plan to foster a continuing conversation on
gender and diversity, we have to include men.
Because
there is a clear distinction between gender and sexuality (one often overlooked
by the influence of white heterosexual males), the
concentration
should reflect these distinctions and honor the
individuals/cultures
being studied.
Feminism
must be studied as a political and sociological topic
influenced
by Gender, but it is not always influenced by Sexuality--therefore it is a
seperate topic, intertwined with the rest, but deserving of seperate
mention.
It has a seperate history from Gender and Sexuality studies, for
example.
It should not be subsumed into the "Gender" or "Sexuality"
categories. Likewise, one can discuss Gender without involving Sexuality, and
vice versa. I believe that each of these terms is clear enough in its own right
to merit its own mention in the title of the department, but are intertwined
enough with each other that all should be mentioned.
To me,
"feminism" means being conscious of your rights as a woman and
your
place in discourse. I think it is
very important for women, as a repressed group, to have an area of academic
studies devoted to their self-awareness.
Why marginalize women even more by making the issue of female oppression
invisible within academia? Keep
the Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies name!!! Sexuality is also an issue, so this name fits.
It is
inclusive and descriptive of the types of issues addressed
within this concentration.
they
are three separate things- sex is between your legs, gender is in
your
head. a feminist can be male,
female, or anything else. anyone
can be a feminist, it isn't at all influenced by gender or sexuality (unless
society
portays
them as being connected and the individual buys into that portrayal).
a
greater comprehensiveness and a poetic meter
This
name seems the most inclusive. Retaining the word "feminist"
gives a
nod to pioneers who made this field of inquiry possible in the first
place,
and suggests that primary historical texts will be addressed. It
furthermore
distinguishes the program from broader, looser inquiries into gender which
might take place in any discipline, giving the concentration more political and
historical specificity (but leaving it optional whether individual participants
want to label themselves "feminists" -- students can study historical
instances of a movement without necessarily claiming it as part of their
identity). The word
"gender" helpfully indicates that the categories "female"
and "male" will be subject to exploration and inquiry rather than
taken as givens, and also, I think, helps to indicate that male students and
faculty are welcome. Finally, the addition
of the word "sexuality" extends an invitation to students who
identify as or have an interest in issues related to
queer/bisexual/gay/lesbian/transgender studies. It also suggests, rightly in my
opinion, that issues of gender can and should be thought in tandem with issues
of sexual orientation. Ultimately, though, I think that the choice of name
depends upon the types of students the concentration wishes to attract.
"Gender Studies" would probably be the name least likely to raise any
red flags with students (and the least likely to cause them to balk at having controversial
words on their permanent transcripts). It may be that this is the safer way to
go, especially if the program wishes to cast its net wider. However, my own
experiences with students suggest that they are less timid than this, and that
they can handle the edgier words in a mature and inquisitive fashion. I also
worry that calling the program "Gender Studies" would seem like a
retreat or watering-down, and that the act of dropping the word
"feminist" from the title would be perceived as a statement that we
no longer need to think about gender equality.
I think
maintaining Feminist in the title is important. While I don't
use the
word to describe myself and often feel isolated from the popular
"feminist
movement," I think of academic feminism in a different light, as more
reflective
on society and not necessarily pushing a specific political agenda.
The
feminist perspective in theory (across academic disciplines) is very
important
to me and I'd like to see it continue to be emphasized.
I also
think that the use of both Gender and Sexuality in the title is
appropriate. Being at Bryn Mawr I've experienced a
lot of discussions on these terms, and I think that the two together accurately
reflect the interests of students here, both inside and outside of the
program. Also, while incoming
students might not understand the reasons for including both, I think that if
anything, it would intrigue and not dissuade them.
Sexuality
needs to be included in the department name, but I also feel
that
"Feminist" is an important part of the program as well. The idea that
women don't like to be called feminists anymore because it is controversial and
outdated is because they are made to feel that feminism is a negative thing,
when really I think most women would agree with the ideas behind feminist
theory. I think it is integral that 'feminist' is kept as part of the title.
The
politics, history art psychology... of privledge. Difference.
Rights. Choice. Confrontation. Some of the words that I free associate
with
my
understanding of women studies.
The word feminist inserts these ideas for me,however I do not identify
with the groups (racial minority, 20 something, transgender) that are alienated
by the word. Is there another word?
I designed a women studies major as an undergraduate and found it very
difficult to find a title for my coursework. For the record I ended with female reality which still makes
me cringe. Apparently I have not
made much progress in my ability to rename women studies which suffers from
ambiguity. This is a bit of a cop
out vote b/c it incorportates all three words so is sort of a non-vote. Also it
has a good chance of being shortened and thus loosing its intended
all-inclusiveness.
This
seems like the most inclusive, least exclusionary choice --
though
it's a mouthful!
I'm
compelled by arguments for including all of the above (Cornell
statement,
etc.). Also, this title seems to
invite attention and that makes
critical
consideration more likely.
Why
GAS? Gender and Sexuality are quite distinct, so both should be in the
title. Feminism would be implied in the
title. "Feminist, Gender,
& Sexuality
Feminist
is an ambiguous term and can have an unpleasant connotation. I
think
this term encompasses everyting in general.
For one
thing, it can't be abbreviated "fags." Feminist, Gender &
Sexuality
studies is too long of a title. And keeping 'feminist' in the title
makes
us look like the man-hating butch dykes the rest of the world things that women
who go to women's colleges are. At least with 'Gender & Sexuality' we can
pretend that we think about boys, too.
The
central concerns of the program require a recognition not only of
"social
construction" (gender) but also of relevant biology, genetics, and
neurobiology. The addition of "sexuality"
represents an acknowledgement of this broader scope. It is, in addition, a less "academic" term, one that
invites
greater
engagement from/with non-academic sources and considerations. "Sex" is on everyone's mind,
gender is not.
I
believe that this name is more inclusive of all aspects pertaining to
gender.
A student might be interested in gender issues, but not necessarily in feminism
per se (or at all), and this name will accomodate a wider range of
interests.
I feel
that this name would allow for the department to offer more
courses
on BOTH genders as well as courses on the issue of gender and sexuality. I have
always felt that fem/gen courses at Bryn Mawr were merely
feminist/womanist
courses, and the gender aspect was minimally explored.
Courses
such as "Vision de la Femme" and "Women, Medicine, and
Biology" were great courses, but they were not Gender courses. They were
womanist courses. I would like to see both genders equally explored in the
coursework. If "Women's Studies" is not an option, this is the option
I best prefer.
It
seems more inclusive, and it doesn't insist that sexuality is an
inherent
part of gender. feminism,
unfortunately has a negative conotation in our society. I feel that having a concentration in
gender studies would lesson that automatic "bitch" assumption.
It
implies more equality of focus.
Because
the title is not gender specific.
Feminism
deals with a way in which the world is viewed. I see the
concentration
more as a study of women (and some men) in the world. But not neccessarily from
a feminist presepective. I also think that sexuality is a given in "gender
studies." Sexuality is important to some people in defining their gender,
and a part of the study of gender RELATIONS, and the formation of gender
identity.
it
seems more inclusive, though i don't think i know enough about the
course
offerings of the department to say for sure. my second choice would be to keep
it as feminist and gender studies
This
seems the simplest and most concise way of stating the
concentration.
I feel that it is best not to be too PC too often, and by
sticking
a lot of labels onto the concentration, one falls into this trap. Sure,
it is
important to be inclusive, but "Gender Studies" is as broad as it
gets.
Those
who were interested would know that it was what they were looking for, those
who weren't it wouldn't concern, etc. The only question I have is, if you tell
someone you have a concentration in Gender Studies from BMC, will this be
translatable for people from other institutions? (Due to the paucity of
concentrations of this type calling themself "gender studies", would
this result in confusion and.or misunderstanding?) I would like to think
not. However, after saying all
this, I would like to present the idea that it is not really my place to name
the concentration-- how do the women who are planning in concentrating in these
ideas feel? They are certainly the most informed and involved. Take my comments
into consideration if you'd like, but listen closely to them.
Because
it's the happenin' name today. Onwards to the future!
Because
while "feminist" is a descriptive adjective it is most commonly
heard/read
as if conveying the prsence of specific ideological investments. I
think
we best serve our students by giving them access to interpretive tools and
strategies; over coffee and beer we can do politics. My second choice would be
Gender & Sexuality.
I
believe that Gender Studies allows for a very broad range of topics to
be
covered. Feminist issues can be
covered as well as issues of sexuality,
sexual
orientation. I understand the cons
of calling gender studies. As
someone
whose dissertation was feminist in its theory, I feel like gender
studies
would have covered that theory among others. I think it primarily
depends
on what members of the department feel the focus should beÑbroadly defined or
more narrowly defined.
...because it is the most inclusive of
all the names here. Feminisms
are
approaches to gender analyses and sexuality is mediated by gender. Gender also a stronger, broader axis
for analysis.
I think
dropping the word "Feminist" makes it more inclusive and will
make
the concentation more appealing to young men and women.
it's more
inclusive. Sadly the word "feminist" has taken on a bad
connotation.
I believe that the best feminists are interested in how gender
roles
and gender equity inform and change the world for all of us.
I think
Gender Studies is the most encompassing in terms of what will be offered, the
focus, and the direction of the curriculum. I think when, in academia, you are
discussing and contemplating 'gender studies', it's more than feminism and more
than sexuality, it's the psychology, the sociology, biology, etc. of all of
those things and how they contribute to our understanding of gender and gender
relations.
It is a
more general term, and invites fewer stereotypes than a title
with
"feminist" or "sexuality" lurking within--- also, I feel it
would be more
inclusive
and make the field of study appeal to a wider range of people.
I'm not
sure what the concentration entails but the idea of feminist and
gender
studies really turns me off, because feminists turn me off. The study of both genders is
interesting, however. If the
concentration is feminist and
gender
studies, it might as well just be feminist studies because then by
default
you are studying about gender.
I
believe that this name more accurately embraces the many aspects of
gender
that the program explores. Terms
like Feminist and Sexuality narrow the field in a way that seems inappropriate
at Bryn Mawr. Gender Studies is a
larger way to think about the discipline that is also more inclusive.
I think
that "feminist" suggests bias to a lot of students, and I don't
really
want those students to opt out of these courses. Other colleges avoid "feminist" for that reason,
and it makes sense to me.
Gender
is broad enough for me. Derrida says that to supplement is to
replace
not add as in Asian-American meaning Asian not really American or in
women
historian meaning women. Supplementing Gender (main object of inquiry) with all
the other stuff just makes the program about all that other stuff and not
gender. That would be a mistake.
I
prefer for the concentration to be named Gender studies because it leaves open
a wide range of topics to be discussed. To just call it anything else would be
to narrow down what could be explored in this concentration.
Not so
bad to study guys and their whole in the whole gender relations
issue
too.
I like
this name because it is more inclusive to the study of both
genders.
One gender defines and influences the other anyway.
I like
the name Gender & Sexuality, because I think that sexuality is a
construction
worth designating, but I think some people would shy away from having this
named on their resume.
Gender
Studies is straight-forward, inclusive, and unalarming. I see no
reason
why department names need mark their history, proclaim activist
positions,
or emphasize particular theoretical trajectories. Gender may be a
"mainstreaming"
term but the mainstream is in part the consequence of success. Partly because
my own interests are comparative politics, "sexuality" and
"feminist" are awkward framing terms. The first, in a comparative
politics context, is invasive and produces alarming Orientalist effects; the
second elides my research agenda with my politics. While "feminist" in the American context can be
read as white and middle-class, outside of the United States it is often seen
as a project of Western privilege and Western cultural imperialism.I graduate
in 1992 with an independent major in Feminist and Gender Studies. My primary area of interest was
masculinity, specifically in Female-to-Male Transsexuals and Transgenders. I didn't have a particular interest in
what the name was, so I went with the name of the minor. I've had over ten
years to consider it, and I wish it had just been Gender Studies. It is the most inclusive and least
controversial name. I don't include the feminist on my resume -- too many
assumptions can be made by potential employers! And I would never include Sexuality on my resume. Please!
General
Comments
There should be more information and general noise from the femgen concentration and it should be a major!
I
really don't consider this a valid field of study, particularly as a
major. I
have no
idea why we have this, but most people I know do not take it at all
seriously--and
they're feminists.
You
should have an intro course. Tons
of people would take it!
One of
the concerns that I have with listing my "Feminist and Gender
Studies" concentration on my resume is the negative sterotypes people
associate with "feminist".
As Mawrtyers we're above these types of stereotypes, but it's not always
so in "the real world". I just caution you to be careful with
whatever title you give the concentration for what the label says once we're
outside of Bryn Mawr.
While
not specifically affiliated with the Fem/Gen study concentration, I do not quite
understand how a name change would affect the courses offered. I would need to hear reasons for
changing the name of the concentration before I could vote well.
This
year, Harvard tried to change the name of its Women's Studies concentation
(Harvard-speak for major) to 'Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies'. This was met with considerable
opposition from concentrators. My
(male) best friend, currently a Women's Studies and History of Art/Architecture
concentrator, articulates, "I don't want 'sexuality' on my diploma. I just don't. It sounds cheap and its a misinterpretation of what I am
doing. It belittles the field and
begs misinterpretation."
Harvard decided to allow students who entered under the title of Women's
Studies choose what their concentration will be called. From here on out, though, the program
is officially Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Interesting and wonderful that Bry Mawr allows student
reflection and contribution on the issue.
To be
honest, I don't think the name matters quite as much as the content, which I
think should include some solid background in feminist theory as well as
current scholarship in the fields of feminism, gender, AND sexuality. If you
must
remove the F-word, go ahead...but keep feminism alive in the classroom! Thanks
for your efforts.
My
major grief with the program is that most the classes focus on WOMEN. I would
consider the title "Women's Studies" (like Swat) more appropriate
than any of the ones listed above.
We have no classes on men, but several on women. How can we consider it
GENDER studies when we only study women? This naming implies that gender=women,
and the rest of the world is male, or maybe just unimportant. I would be very
interested in a true Gender Studies program (that would be my prefered
independent major)- one which admits that male is a gender and that males have
issues and need/deserve to be studied.
Using a
more efficient means (the name) to the end (stronger students make for a
stronger program)!
Thanks
for asking!
I've
never seen the purpose in having this concentration.
I
really feel it would be useful to develop the concentration into at least a
minor,
if not a major... at a college such as Bryn Mawr, I find it appalling
that we
do not have a fem/gen (or whatever it shall come to be called) major
track.
None of
the above. 17 year olds find what
they are interested in by looking
under W
in the catalog for Women's Studies.
Feminism was fine for us in the
70's
but is an unwelcome category for the current applicants. The concentration is not about gender.
Sexuality
studies are important but there are aspects of gender that are
different
than sexuality. In fact that is why we talk about gender differences
these
days not just sex differences
First,
what is your goal for the program?
Who are you trying to attract as
students,
as sponsors, as your "community at large"? The best name is going to be the one that enhances your
goals.
Though
male and a biologist, I have been a feminist fellow traveler most of my
conscious
life. I believe in and deeply
respect the historically necessary
efforts
to assure that women are not discriminated against in our culture in any
way. But, for me, the overriding
issue is not "fairness" or "equality" but
rather
the needed infusion into our culture of the distinctive understandings
and
perspecties that woman (like non-attended to population) are in a position to
provide. I do not, in general,
think that academic programs should be structured to promote the particular
interests of any subset of humanity but rather to encourage the exploration of
areas of broad human concern. At
this point, I think the interests of feminism are best served by taking a
leading position in the creation of new ways of thinking about such problems,
and gender and sexuality is an excellent example of one way of doing so. I
would be very interested in participating in a new concentration on gender and
sexuality and would hope to feel welcomed in it , whereas I earlier felt that
"Feminist and Gender Studies" had a narrow purpose serving a narrower
population less likely to feel contributions from me would be useful.