WGSS 300: Feminist Theory Syllabus Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms, course policies, assignments, and key foundational concepts from the WGSS 300 syllabus taught by Dr. Azza Basarudin at CSULB.

Feminist Theory

A vibrant field of thought emerging from the interplay between feminist activism and academic inquiry, grounded in experiences of embodiment, marginalization, and identity formation.

Reflexivity

The process of critical self-reflection concerning intersectional factors (such as gender, race, class, sexuality, dis/ability, nationality) that shape one's worldview and guide thinking processes and day-to-day practices.

California Education Code Section 51512

A state law prohibiting the use of recording devices in classrooms without the instructor's prior consent, protecting both in-person and remote/virtual instruction.

Incomplete Grade Policy

Per CSULB Policy 22-02, an 'I' grade assigned at the instructor's discretion only when a student has successfully completed a substantial majority (approximately two-thirds or more) of course requirements.

Grade of "WU"

An unauthorized withdrawal grade assigned to a student who stops attending or fails to officially apply for withdrawal with Enrollment Services.

Term: "Colored"

A term identified in the course policy as a racial slur in the United States associated with anti-blackness and Jim Crow discrimination, which should be replaced by "people of color".

Term: "Undocumented"

A suitable replacement term recommended in the course policy to avoid dehumanizing language such as "illegal" when referring to human beings.

Syllabus Quiz

An in-class, closed-book quiz designed to ensure students understand course expectations, policies, workload, and assignments using their own words.

Concept Illustrations (CIs)

Assignments encouraging creative expression and integration of course concepts, ideas, and themes with personal experiences and lived realities.

Critical Reflection Papers (CRPs)

Assignments designed for students to think critically about textual materials, connect them to class discussions and the course framework, formulate arguments, and hone academic writing skills.

In-Class Assignments (ICAs)

Six individual or group assignments based on assigned course materials, worth 5 points each, requiring physical paper and a pen/pencil.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Federal legislation prohibiting sex discrimination in university education programs, including protection against sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, gender-based dating/domestic violence, and stalking.

Chicago Manual of Style

The default citation system required for WGSS 300 assignments unless a student is trained in another specific citation style.

Slow and Measured Scholarship

An intensive learning model focused on spending significant time deeply exploring concepts through repeated reading, listening, discussions, and collaborative work.