This assignment evaluates the Critical Thinking course learning outcome: “Demons

This assignment evaluates the Critical Thinking course learning outcome: “Demonstrate critical knowledge of, evaluate, and analyze multiple perspectives of Women’s Studies and related themes.”
Project #1 Prompt:
Students will compose a 3-4 page short essay using authors from Modules 2 & 3 to analyze and evaluate the social construction and deconstruction of gender norms and expectations in popular media. Using feminist scholars Judith Lorber and Anne Fausto Sterling’s arguments, select a popular media or photo evidence from daily life to answer the following question: How do the underlying gender norms in your example connect to Judith Lorber and Anne Fausto Sterling’s arguments? It may be helpful to act like a researcher from the future examining implicit or unspoken gender norms represented in the media example. Use Lorber and Fausto Sterling’s ideas and claims to offer insight about our society’s gender and sex norms, expectations, and values.
Submission Format:
Option 1: 3-4 page, double-spaced Word document
Option 2: 10-15 minute narrated slides presentation with audio (PowerPoint, GoogleSlides, Canva)
Examples of popular media:
Specific clips from a TV show or movie
Vintage TV or print advertisements
A popular music video from the 2000s
Popular video game
YouTube video of a musical performance or performance art piece
YouTube video of a spoken word artist performance

Required: Please cite the following two sources from Modules 2 & 3 in your essay. Be sure to analyze and evaluate the author’s arguments to receive full points.
Fausto‐Sterling, Anne. “The Five Sexes.” The Sciences (New York), vol. 33, no. 2, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 1993, pp. 20–24.
Lorber, Judith. “‘Night to His Day:’ The Social Construction of Gender.” Race, class, and gender in the United States: An integrated study, 2004, pp. 54-65.
Example: Legally Blonde, 2001 film
image.png

Avoid an overly broad (or not specific enough) thesis statement.
[Broad Noun] + [Weak Verb] + [Vague Adjective]
“Women are expected to be submissive in today’s society.”
Example of a strong thesis:
[Specific Noun] + [Active Verb] + [Assertive Prediction]
“Gender norms related to ideal femininity are evident in the popular 2001 film Legally Blonde but, as feminist scholars would argue, these can be disrupted by complicating gender binaries and expectations of women.”
This is an arguable claim that can be backed up by my insights and interpretation of Module 2 & 3 authors.

Helpful Tips
How do I show “critical analysis” of the authors’ arguments? Critical analysis refers to deconstructing or unpacking something using a theoretical framework or argument. This can look like responding to, “What is the popular media’s context and underlying meanings? Where did this come from? What explanation would the authors argue? How can a quote or paraphrase from the authors back me up? How would I disagree or challenge what the authors argue about gender constructs?”
How do I show “critical evaluation” of the authors’ arguments? Critical evaluation refers to assessing or judging gender norms using a WGSS theoretical framework or argument. This can look like responding to, “What are the consequences of the popular media’s underlying messages about gender? How are these harmful or liberating? How do these meanings impact gendered groups?”
Grading Criteria
Thesis: Well-developed, clear, and specific thesis statement is connected throughout the paper.
Organization: Transitions within and between paragraphs flow smoothly
Substantiated Claims: Use the readings to support your argument.
Analyze: Offers outstanding specific critical analyses relevant to thesis and avoids large generalizations and empty statements
Knowledgeable of terms and paradigms: Use of course terminology and/or theoretical paradigms is explicit, precise, and deliberately chosen
Critical Thinking Essay Rubric.pdf
Additional Writing Support
The UTSA Writing CenterLinks to an external site.
Tomás Rivera Center – Academic Success Coaching AppointmentsLinks to an external site.
One-on-one writing consultation with Prof. Luna in Zoom Personal Meeting Room (send 2-3 days and times to veronica.luna@utsa.edu)
Example:
Example:
image.png
Avoid an overly broad (or not specific enough) thesis statements.
Example of a weak thesis:
[Broad Noun] + [Weak Verb] + [Vague Adjective]
“Women are expected to be submissive in today’s society.”
Example of a strong thesis:
[Specific Noun] + [Active Verb] + [Assertive Prediction]
“Gender norms related to ideal femininity are evident in the popular 2001 film Legally Blonde but, as feminist scholars argue, can be disrupted by complicating gender binaries and representations.”

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