PROMPT: This paper gives you the opportunity to develop an argument about how feminist scholarship
helps us understand and challenge structures of oppression and systems of inequality. For your paper, you
will need to choose one topic we have discussed in class. You can choose to use one of your reflection
papers as a starting point or write on another topic.
Your paper should explain the issue you have chosen and develop an analysis of how feminist scholarship
about this issue provides a framework for theorizing gender, sexual, racial, and class inequity. What
insights does a feminist analysis enable? How does feminist scholarship offer theoretical and political
tools for challenging social injustice around the issue you’ve chosen?
Research: This assignment requires you to do a small amount of outside research to find two outside
scholarly sources to help you develop your argument. You must find your scholarly articles from one or
more of the following databases available through the Sac State library: Academic Search Complete
(EBSCO), JSTOR, and Project Muse. These additional sources must be from peer–reviewed, academic
journals (not newspapers or popular magazines).
Draft and peer–review:
A draft of the paper (at least 3– to 4–pages) is due on Wednesday, May 8 for a peer writing workshop.
Upload your draft to the Canvas submission site. Your draft should include a bibliography of your two
outside scholarly sources and what databases you found them in. I will pair you with another student with
whom you will exchange paper drafts and complete the peer–review workshop form. Your peer–review
workshop form is due back to your partner by Friday, May 10.
*Together, your paper draft with bibliography and your participation in the in–class writing workshop
participation is worth 5% of your overall course grade.
Final draft: Your revised draft of the paper (4– to 5–pages) is due by midnight on Friday, May 17 via
Canvas.
Paper checklist:
Make sure your paper does all of the following:
o begins with a title that reflects your argument.
o starts with a clear introductory paragraph that includes a clear thesis statement that explains your
argument and the examples you are using to develop your points. Your thesis statement can be 2–3
sentences long.
o focuses on one issue related to the course materials to make an argument about how feminist
scholarship provides a framework for theorizing gender, sexual, and racial inequity.
will need to choose one topic we have discussed in class. You can choose to use one of your reflection
papers as a starting point or write on another topic.
Your paper should explain the issue you have chosen and develop an analysis of how feminist scholarship
about this issue provides a framework for theorizing gender, sexual, racial, and class inequity. What
insights does a feminist analysis enable? How does feminist scholarship offer theoretical and political
tools for challenging social injustice around the issue you’ve chosen?
Research: This assignment requires you to do a small amount of outside research to find two outside
scholarly sources to help you develop your argument. You must find your scholarly articles from one or
more of the following databases available through the Sac State library: Academic Search Complete
(EBSCO), JSTOR, and Project Muse. These additional sources must be from peer–reviewed, academic
journals (not newspapers or popular magazines).
Draft and peer–review:
A draft of the paper (at least 3– to 4–pages) is due on Wednesday, May 8 for a peer writing workshop.
Upload your draft to the Canvas submission site. Your draft should include a bibliography of your two
outside scholarly sources and what databases you found them in. I will pair you with another student with
whom you will exchange paper drafts and complete the peer–review workshop form. Your peer–review
workshop form is due back to your partner by Friday, May 10.
*Together, your paper draft with bibliography and your participation in the in–class writing workshop
participation is worth 5% of your overall course grade.
Final draft: Your revised draft of the paper (4– to 5–pages) is due by midnight on Friday, May 17 via
Canvas.
Paper checklist:
Make sure your paper does all of the following:
o begins with a title that reflects your argument.
o starts with a clear introductory paragraph that includes a clear thesis statement that explains your
argument and the examples you are using to develop your points. Your thesis statement can be 2–3
sentences long.
o focuses on one issue related to the course materials to make an argument about how feminist
scholarship provides a framework for theorizing gender, sexual, and racial inequity.
o uses an intersectional approach to think about the connections between gender, sexual, racial, and
class oppression.
o analyzes at least two specific examples from the readings as evidence for your argument
o substantively engages with at least two readings from the syllabus plus two outside scholarly
sources (total of four readings cited). At least one of the course readings must be one that you have
not engaged with in a previous assignment.
o is at least 4 full pages in length (not including works cited), double–spaced in 12–point Times New
Roman font with 1–inch margins.
o uses MLA citation style or another citation style for in–text citations and the works cited page.
Check out Purdue OWL for citation guides.
o ends with a works cited page that includes all sources used in the paper. Full bibliographic
citations for course readings are in the course schedule on the syllabus.
class oppression.
o analyzes at least two specific examples from the readings as evidence for your argument
o substantively engages with at least two readings from the syllabus plus two outside scholarly
sources (total of four readings cited). At least one of the course readings must be one that you have
not engaged with in a previous assignment.
o is at least 4 full pages in length (not including works cited), double–spaced in 12–point Times New
Roman font with 1–inch margins.
o uses MLA citation style or another citation style for in–text citations and the works cited page.
Check out Purdue OWL for citation guides.
o ends with a works cited page that includes all sources used in the paper. Full bibliographic
citations for course readings are in the course schedule on the syllabus.
RESOURCES :
Shalhoub-Kevorkian, Nadera. “Gendered Violence, Political Struggle, and Feminist Discourse in
Palestine.” Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, vol. 36, no. 3, 2011.
Sharoni, Simona. “Colonial Violence and Gender in the Struggle over Palestinian Identity.”
Feminist Studies, vol. 29, no. 3, 200
COURSE READINGS: ALL COURSE READINGS:Racialized Colonized – DeMello.pdf
Attachment
Gender Binary White Marshall.pdf
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Sex Body – Oudshoorn.pdf
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Women’s Brains – Gould.pdf New Science Sex Difference – Wade.pdf
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Intersex – Wall.pdf
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Creating Intersex Justice interview.pdf Reproductive freedom – Garcia.pdf
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Toward a Trans History of Abortion – Gill-Peterson.pdf
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Repro Justice Palestine – Syed.pdf One of the Family – Jaffe.pdf
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Palestinian Feminists Sexual Violence – Naber.pdf
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Palestinian Feminist Futurities – Alami and Nabil.pdf
Attachment
Gender Binary White Marshall.pdf
Attachment
Sex Body – Oudshoorn.pdf
Attachment
Women’s Brains – Gould.pdf New Science Sex Difference – Wade.pdf
Attachment
Intersex – Wall.pdf
Attachment
Creating Intersex Justice interview.pdf Reproductive freedom – Garcia.pdf
Attachment
Toward a Trans History of Abortion – Gill-Peterson.pdf
Attachment
Repro Justice Palestine – Syed.pdf One of the Family – Jaffe.pdf
Attachment
Palestinian Feminists Sexual Violence – Naber.pdf
Attachment
Palestinian Feminist Futurities – Alami and Nabil.pdf
Suggestions by professor: this paper presents a good overview of Palestinian feminist approaches to understanding sexual and gender violence as integral to Israeli occupation. However, it doesn’t meet the assignment requirements for several reasons. Firstly, while you have found two outside scholarly sources (although one is quite dated (21 years old) as I noted in my comments to your discussion post #4), your paper doesn’t actually engage with these sources in any depth. Your paragraphs provide a surface-level synopsis of the arguments of each source. You have no textual evidence (direct quotations or page numbers or detailed claims) from these two sources, and you don’t provide any specific examples from the readings to illustrate and support your points. For instance, what are the particular forms of sexual violence that Shalhoub-Kevorkian analyzes in her article? You need to mention the specific case studies and testimonies that she discusses in order to support and develop your argument. Which Palestinians? When? Where? (In Gaza? The West Bank? In Israel?) And in what contexts — in Israeli prisons? at checkpoints? Secondly, you don’t engage with any of the course readings. The prompt requires you to reference at least two course readings in your argument. You have no citations at all for your paragraphs on the last two pages. Did you write this paper yourself? If you’d like to revise this paper to meet the prompt requirements, please do so. I will accept it late before Tuesday evening. Review the prompt, the grading rubric, the course readings, and these two outside sources so that you can write a paper that is grounded in all four sources and that advances a detailed and well-supported analysis. Let me know if you have questions
essay written previously: Unveiling Injustice- Feminist Insights on Sexual Violence in Palestinian Struggles
The intersection of Palestinian feminism and resistance against colonization provides a
profound lens through which to examine power dynamics, gender relations, and imperialism
within Palestine. This essay delves into how feminist scholarship illuminates and challenges
structures of oppression and systems of inequality, with a specific focus on sexual violence as a
tool of settler-colonialism. By examining key texts from Week 12 alongside additional scholarly
sources, this paper aims to demonstrate how feminist analysis provides a framework for
comprehending and challenging social injustices perpetuated through sexualized violence in
Palestine.
Feminist scholarship on Palestinian feminism and resistance against colonization
provides vital insights into the historical and contemporary contexts of sexualized violence as a
tool of settler-colonialism. This body of work equips individuals with both theoretical
frameworks and practical tools to confront entrenched structures of oppression and inequality.
Historical and Structural Dimensions of Sexual Violence in Palestine: In her article
“Gendered Violence, Political Struggle, and Feminist Discourse in Palestine” (2011), Nadera
Shalhoub-Kevorkian explores the entrenched nature of gendered violence within the Palestinian
political struggle. Shalhoub-Kevorkian argues that sexual violence is not incidental to the conflict
but rather systematically employed by the Israeli state to maintain dominance and control over
Palestinian communities. Through case studies and testimonies, she reveals how sexual violence
is weaponized as a form of psychological warfare, instilling fear and eroding social cohesion
within Palestinian society. Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s analysis underscores the complicity of broader
colonial structures in perpetuating and normalizing such violence, emphasizing the intersections
of gender, power, and imperialism in the Palestinian context.
Gender Dynamics and Identity Formation under Colonial Violence: Simona Sharoni’s
work “Colonial Violence and Gender in the Struggle over Palestinian Identity” (2003) delves into
the intricate ways in which colonial violence shapes gender dynamics and identity formation
among Palestinians. Sharoni argues that beyond physical harm, colonial violence also inflicts
symbolic violence that undermines Palestinian identity and agency. Through an examination of
narratives of Palestinian women, Sharoni illustrates how gendered experiences of violence
intersect with broader struggles for self-determination and liberation. She emphasizes the
importance of feminist praxis in reclaiming agency and challenging patriarchal and colonial
structures that seek to marginalize and silence Palestinian voices.
Drawing from Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s analysis, the case studies presented in her work
vividly illustrate the systematic use of sexual violence by the Israeli state. For instance, she
highlights the experiences of Palestinian women who have been subjected to sexual violence at
Israeli military checkpoints, demonstrating how such incidents are not isolated but rather part of
a broader strategy of intimidation and control. Additionally, Sharoni’s exploration of gender
dynamics under colonial violence sheds light on the ways in which Palestinian women navigate
their identities amidst ongoing oppression. By examining narratives of resistance and resilience,
Sharoni provides concrete examples of how Palestinian women challenge dominant narratives
and reclaim agency in the face of systemic injustice.
An intersectional approach to feminist analysis acknowledges that individuals’
experiences of oppression and privilege are shaped by multiple intersecting factors, including
gender, race, class, sexuality, nationality, and more. In the case of Palestine, an intersectional lens
reveals the ways in which gendered violence intersects with other forms of oppression, such as
colonialism, occupation, and militarization. Palestinian women, particularly those living in
marginalized communities such as refugee camps, face compounded forms of violence and
discrimination due to their gender, nationality, and socioeconomic status.
For example, Palestinian feminist scholars highlight how the Israeli occupation
exacerbates existing gender inequalities within Palestinian society. The militarized nature of the
occupation subjects Palestinian women to heightened levels of surveillance, harassment, and
violence, both by Israeli security forces and within their own communities. Additionally, the
fragmentation of Palestinian territory and the imposition of checkpoints and barriers restrict
Palestinian women’s access to essential services, including healthcare and education, further
exacerbating their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
Moreover, an intersectional approach underscores the importance of centering the voices
and experiences of marginalized communities within the Palestinian feminist movement. This
includes recognizing the leadership of Palestinian women from diverse backgrounds, including
refugees, Bedouins, Palestinians living in Israel, and those in the diaspora. By centering the
experiences of marginalized communities, Palestinian feminists challenge dominant narratives
that may prioritize certain aspects of the Palestinian struggle while marginalizing others.
Furthermore, analysis highlights the interconnectedness of struggles for justice and
liberation across various social movements. Palestinian feminists often draw parallels between
their struggle against colonialism and other global movements for social justice, including Black
liberation, Indigenous rights, and anti-imperialist struggles. By forging solidarity with other
marginalized communities, Palestinian feminists amplify their collective power and challenge
systems of oppression on multiple fronts.
Also, it is essential to recognize the role of transnational solidarity and international
feminist movements in supporting Palestinian feminist struggles. Feminist activists and
organizations around the world have mobilized in solidarity with Palestinian women, advocating
for an end to the occupation, the dismantling of settler-colonial structures, and the recognition of
Palestinian rights to self-determination and sovereignty. This transnational solidarity not only
amplifies Palestinian voices on the global stage but also strengthens the broader feminist
movement by linking local struggles with broader systems of oppression.
In conclusion, an intersectional feminist analysis provides a comprehensive framework
for understanding and addressing sexual violence in the Palestinian context. By centering the
experiences of marginalized communities, challenging dominant narratives, forging solidarity
with other social movements, and mobilizing transnational support, Palestinian feminists are
working towards a more just and equitable society free from violence and oppression.
Bibliography:
Shalhoub-Kevorkian, Nadera. “Gendered Violence, Political Struggle, and Feminist Discourse in
Palestine.” Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, vol. 36, no. 3, 2011.
Sharoni, Simona. “Colonial Violence and Gender in the Struggle over Palestinian Identity.”
Feminist Studies, vol. 29, no. 3, 2003
The intersection of Palestinian feminism and resistance against colonization provides a
profound lens through which to examine power dynamics, gender relations, and imperialism
within Palestine. This essay delves into how feminist scholarship illuminates and challenges
structures of oppression and systems of inequality, with a specific focus on sexual violence as a
tool of settler-colonialism. By examining key texts from Week 12 alongside additional scholarly
sources, this paper aims to demonstrate how feminist analysis provides a framework for
comprehending and challenging social injustices perpetuated through sexualized violence in
Palestine.
Feminist scholarship on Palestinian feminism and resistance against colonization
provides vital insights into the historical and contemporary contexts of sexualized violence as a
tool of settler-colonialism. This body of work equips individuals with both theoretical
frameworks and practical tools to confront entrenched structures of oppression and inequality.
Historical and Structural Dimensions of Sexual Violence in Palestine: In her article
“Gendered Violence, Political Struggle, and Feminist Discourse in Palestine” (2011), Nadera
Shalhoub-Kevorkian explores the entrenched nature of gendered violence within the Palestinian
political struggle. Shalhoub-Kevorkian argues that sexual violence is not incidental to the conflict
but rather systematically employed by the Israeli state to maintain dominance and control over
Palestinian communities. Through case studies and testimonies, she reveals how sexual violence
is weaponized as a form of psychological warfare, instilling fear and eroding social cohesion
within Palestinian society. Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s analysis underscores the complicity of broader
colonial structures in perpetuating and normalizing such violence, emphasizing the intersections
of gender, power, and imperialism in the Palestinian context.
Gender Dynamics and Identity Formation under Colonial Violence: Simona Sharoni’s
work “Colonial Violence and Gender in the Struggle over Palestinian Identity” (2003) delves into
the intricate ways in which colonial violence shapes gender dynamics and identity formation
among Palestinians. Sharoni argues that beyond physical harm, colonial violence also inflicts
symbolic violence that undermines Palestinian identity and agency. Through an examination of
narratives of Palestinian women, Sharoni illustrates how gendered experiences of violence
intersect with broader struggles for self-determination and liberation. She emphasizes the
importance of feminist praxis in reclaiming agency and challenging patriarchal and colonial
structures that seek to marginalize and silence Palestinian voices.
Drawing from Shalhoub-Kevorkian’s analysis, the case studies presented in her work
vividly illustrate the systematic use of sexual violence by the Israeli state. For instance, she
highlights the experiences of Palestinian women who have been subjected to sexual violence at
Israeli military checkpoints, demonstrating how such incidents are not isolated but rather part of
a broader strategy of intimidation and control. Additionally, Sharoni’s exploration of gender
dynamics under colonial violence sheds light on the ways in which Palestinian women navigate
their identities amidst ongoing oppression. By examining narratives of resistance and resilience,
Sharoni provides concrete examples of how Palestinian women challenge dominant narratives
and reclaim agency in the face of systemic injustice.
An intersectional approach to feminist analysis acknowledges that individuals’
experiences of oppression and privilege are shaped by multiple intersecting factors, including
gender, race, class, sexuality, nationality, and more. In the case of Palestine, an intersectional lens
reveals the ways in which gendered violence intersects with other forms of oppression, such as
colonialism, occupation, and militarization. Palestinian women, particularly those living in
marginalized communities such as refugee camps, face compounded forms of violence and
discrimination due to their gender, nationality, and socioeconomic status.
For example, Palestinian feminist scholars highlight how the Israeli occupation
exacerbates existing gender inequalities within Palestinian society. The militarized nature of the
occupation subjects Palestinian women to heightened levels of surveillance, harassment, and
violence, both by Israeli security forces and within their own communities. Additionally, the
fragmentation of Palestinian territory and the imposition of checkpoints and barriers restrict
Palestinian women’s access to essential services, including healthcare and education, further
exacerbating their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
Moreover, an intersectional approach underscores the importance of centering the voices
and experiences of marginalized communities within the Palestinian feminist movement. This
includes recognizing the leadership of Palestinian women from diverse backgrounds, including
refugees, Bedouins, Palestinians living in Israel, and those in the diaspora. By centering the
experiences of marginalized communities, Palestinian feminists challenge dominant narratives
that may prioritize certain aspects of the Palestinian struggle while marginalizing others.
Furthermore, analysis highlights the interconnectedness of struggles for justice and
liberation across various social movements. Palestinian feminists often draw parallels between
their struggle against colonialism and other global movements for social justice, including Black
liberation, Indigenous rights, and anti-imperialist struggles. By forging solidarity with other
marginalized communities, Palestinian feminists amplify their collective power and challenge
systems of oppression on multiple fronts.
Also, it is essential to recognize the role of transnational solidarity and international
feminist movements in supporting Palestinian feminist struggles. Feminist activists and
organizations around the world have mobilized in solidarity with Palestinian women, advocating
for an end to the occupation, the dismantling of settler-colonial structures, and the recognition of
Palestinian rights to self-determination and sovereignty. This transnational solidarity not only
amplifies Palestinian voices on the global stage but also strengthens the broader feminist
movement by linking local struggles with broader systems of oppression.
In conclusion, an intersectional feminist analysis provides a comprehensive framework
for understanding and addressing sexual violence in the Palestinian context. By centering the
experiences of marginalized communities, challenging dominant narratives, forging solidarity
with other social movements, and mobilizing transnational support, Palestinian feminists are
working towards a more just and equitable society free from violence and oppression.
Bibliography:
Shalhoub-Kevorkian, Nadera. “Gendered Violence, Political Struggle, and Feminist Discourse in
Palestine.” Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, vol. 36, no. 3, 2011.
Sharoni, Simona. “Colonial Violence and Gender in the Struggle over Palestinian Identity.”
Feminist Studies, vol. 29, no. 3, 2003