Embedded Files
The Grade
This class will be conducted as a seminar. That requires feminist citizenship: a willingness to be an active part of a learning community and a commitment to value both your own education and the learning experiences of your classmates. Assume good faith with each speaker, but feel free to ask questions about people’s positions and express contrary points of view. Attendance and participation (10%) are expected. Bring your questions to class, share your ideas, and interact with one another and me!
Writing requirement (90% of the grade)—pick one of two options:
A. Rewrite a problematic opinion and include a short commentary explaining the effects of the new analysis, including whether your approach would change the outcomes in the other areas we examined, and if so, how. The opinion and commentary must be a minimum of 20 pages (exclusive of footnotes), and there will be interim steps with feedback along the way. If you’re curious about the form, you can check out the Feminist Judgments series or Critical Race Judgments. Copies of at least some of these books are available in the library.
B. Select a recently enacted law or a currently pending case to write an opinion for. Include a short commentary explaining the effects of the analysis on other cases in the future, including whether your approach would change the outcomes in other areas we examined, and if so, how. The opinion and commentary must be a minimum of 20 pages (exclusive of footnotes), and there will be interim steps with feedback along the way.
For more on the pedagogical goals of this project, you might look at this article about what students might learn from reading and writing feminist judgments. And there's another article you can download here.
During the semester, what if I have a question about class?
During the semester, what if I have a question about class?
You are always welcome to raise questions during class.
Go to ICON to see if there is a podcast or video that might help, slides or other helpful documents, a post in the discussion, or instructions on the home page or modules pages.
Post them on the discussion page, entitled "Class- related questions." Everyone can see the question and answer--everybody wins!
Email me: marcia-mccormick@uiowa.edu. I try to respond to emails within 24-hours, although on weekends, it might be 48. I post the question and answer on the ICON discussion page. Again, everybody wins!
Ask during office hours, Thursdays between the ending of class and 12:30. I'm in room 418.
Also, my administrative assistant is Nilza Molina in room 433.
or have a personal question?
or have a personal question?
Email me: marcia-mccormick@uiowa.edu. I try to respond to emails within 24-hours, although on weekends, it might be 48.
Ask during office hours, Thursdays between the ending of class and 12:30. I'm in room 418.
Set up an appointment.
What if I have a conflict on the date an assignment is due?
What if I have a conflict on the date an assignment is due?
Late assignments will not get credit. At the same time, I am very generous with granting extensions when necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask for an extension if you know that you may have a conflict that will interfere or if something comes up even the day that the assignment is due. Just do it in advance of the time that the assignment is due. And if you have technical difficulties uploading an assignment, just email me to explain and keep trying. My goal is not to create extra stress, but instead to create a clear expectation and parameters to allow us to work together effectively.
Attendance
Attendance
If you are feeling ill or have tested positive for COVID or other communicable illness, you should not come to class. Additionally, the University is prepared to make reasonable accommodations for students whose religious holy days coincide with their classroom assignments, test schedules, and classroom attendance expectations. Students must notify their instructors in writing of any such Religious Holy Day conflicts or absences within the first few days of the semester or session, and no later than the third week of the semester. If the conflict or absence will occur within the first three weeks of the semester, the student should notify the instructor as soon as possible. See Operations Manual 8.2 Absences for Religious Holy Days for additional information.
Other than that, you should come to class, be on time, participate, and ask questions that you have. Doing so is worth 10% of your grade, but more importantly, it’s what helps you learn. At the same time, everybody has the occasional conflict and must miss class or be late. Any time you do (and I don’t need to know why), let me know if you have any questions about the material you missed.
Because this is a discussion based class, it doesn't lend itself to recording, and so I don't plan to record it. If you miss a class, meet with me to talk about the materials and the discussion. You should also feel free to get notes and impressions from your classmates.
Free Speech and Expression
Free Speech and Expression
The University of Iowa supports and upholds the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and the principles of academic and artistic freedom. We are committed to open inquiry, vigorous debate, and creative expression inside and outside of the classroom. Visit the Free Speech at Iowa website for more information on the university’s policies on free speech and academic freedom.
Accessibility
Accessibility
The University is committed to providing an educational experience that is accessible to all students. If a student has a diagnosed disability or other disabling condition that may impact the student’s ability to complete the course requirements as stated in the syllabus, the student may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS). SDS is responsible for making Letters of Accommodation (LOA) available to the student. The student must provide a LOA to the instructor as early in the semester as possible, but requests not made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled activity for which an accommodation is sought may not be accommodated. The LOA will specify what reasonable course accommodations the student is eligible for and those the instructor should provide. Additional information can be found on the SDS website.
More on equal educational opportunity
More on equal educational opportunity
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Director, Office of Institutional Equity, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319-335-0705, oie-ui@uiowa.edu. Students may share their pronouns and chosen/preferred names in MyUI, which is accessible to instructors and advisors.
The University of Iowa prohibits all forms of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation. The Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct governs actions by students, faculty, staff and visitors. Incidents of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct can be reported to the Title IX and Gender Equity Office or to the Department of Public Safety. Students impacted by sexual harassment or sexual misconduct may be eligible for academic supportive measures and can learn more by contacting the Title IX and Gender Equity Office. Information about confidential resources can be found here. Watch the video for an explanation of these resources.
Basic Needs Security
Basic Needs Security
Student Care & Assistance provides assistance to University of Iowa students experiencing a variety of crisis and emergency situations, including but not limited to medical issues, family emergencies, unexpected challenges, and sourcing basic needs such as food and shelter. More information on the resources related to basic needs can be found at: basicneeds.uiowa.edu/resources/. Students are encouraged to contact Student Care & Assistance in the Office of the Dean of Students (Room 135 IMU, dos-assistance@uiowa.edu, or 319-335-1162) for support and assistance with resources.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Students are encouraged to be mindful of their mental health and seek help as a preventive measure or if feeling overwhelmed and/or struggling to meet course expectations. Students are encouraged to talk to their instructor for assistance with specific class-related concerns. For additional support and counseling, students are encouraged to contact University Counseling Service (UCS). Information about UCS, including resources and how to schedule an appointment, can be found at counseling.uiowa.edu. Find out more about UI mental health services at: mentalhealth.uiowa.edu.
Additional resources:
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ young people) 1-866-488-7386, or text: 678-678
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (TALK)
Crisis Text Line text “HOME” to 741741
Page updated
Report abuse