Women of color (ethnic minority and indigenous women) have always comprised a large percentage of US society, yet they are often misrepresented in cultural productions. These women are generally hidden, silenced, or stereotyped, due to racial and gender hierarchies. In contrast, this course moves women of color "from margin to center," in the words of bell hooks. We will read, view, and discuss their personal, political, and historical experiences. We will develop a vocabulary for analyzing the intersections of race, gender, class, sexuality, and culture. Although the course emphasizes nonfiction texts and topics, students will appreciate the interdisciplinary nuances of fiction, poetry, film, spoken word, performance, photography, protest, and visual art. Students will produce two 3-4 page analytical essays, two oral presentations, short exploratory writings, and occasional memoir. In Writing 1, students engage with diverse perspectives, histories, values, and cultures while evaluating systems of power and privilege. Writing expressively and analytically, they strengthen their skills of drafting, revision, and basic academic research. Students read, see, listen, discuss, and think critically about their own writing, the writing of their peers, and the assigned curriculum.

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