Fall 2006 WGS 180

Course Description:

The intersection of gender and fiber art (textiles) stands in the middle of interdisciplinary issues such as: race, religion, domesticity, individualism, industrialization, oppression, value. The class includes some ethnographic history to understand the development of current practices, including the value or devaluation of those art forms at different times in history and in different cultures. Humans, for centuries after centuries have used fiber for survival , as well as to conceal, reveal, and decorate, their homes and bodies to honor religious beliefs, define class and economic status, and display affiliation.

The expressive potential of techniques such as knitting, weaving, spinning, crocheting, etc. have not been privileged with the same grandeur as art forms such as painting or sculpture, which have the singular goal of satisfying aesthetics without the added burden of also being functional, and perhaps even essential for survival. For example, weaving, an ancient technique, used cross culturally, constructs items used for clothing, shelter, ritual ceremonies, and is a form of self-expression.

And here we are now. How is it that the fiber arts have come to be specifically assigned to women, or the infirm? How can we use textile creativity to implement social change? Do spinning, knitting and weaving fit in with going green, food co-ops, turning away from mass production, or focusing on sustainability?

From Fleece to fiber! How does it happen? Who does it? Where? Who benefits? What is the history and importance of fiber in culture?

Our class will explore these questions practically and theoretically. We will card (you will learn what that is), spin, weave and either knit or crochet for the practical experience. If we have time, we will dye some yarn. Theoretically, we will form small groups and chose a region, country, genre, or dye to research. Each group’s work will be presented to the class with a multi-media presentation.

Texts:

Kroll, Carol, The Whole Craft of Spinning
More titles soon
Pdf files from Blackboard

Upon Completion of This Course, Students Will:

Learn practical skills
Describe the process from fleece to garment
Understand that fiber use is an integral part of culture
Explain how fiber intersects with class, race, religion, and gender
If at all possible, students will create a project to go with Dr. Grant and me when we visit orphanages in Moldova.

Class Requirements:

You are part of the text and the learning; it is essential that you come to class and come prepared.

You will be working collaboratively with others on your research and on building a drop spindle (similar to what Gandhi used) and a weaving structure. There will be guidance.

You will keep a journal recording your experiences, the progress of your research, and responses to readings, lectures, etc. I will collect these intermittently and not always with prior warning.

You will take turns leading discussion for the reading of the day. You may chose to work individually or with two at a time. Your turn will probably come around two or three times. Leading discussion means being thoroughly prepared with thoughtful questions and/or activities to encourage class participation. Since everyone should have made entries in their journals, there should be no problem having a lively discussion during each class period.

You will write two essays on a topic of your choice, but related to culture, history, class, race, religion, or gender. The essay must have a clearly developed thesis and be thoroughly documented. Essays are to be 4-5 pages in length, using 12 point font and 1” margins.

Your group presentation is a group project, but each individual in the group is to submit, what will be your third essay and be related to your project, and following the above rules. Please note: I do not accept papers electronically.

You are expected to be logged on to the Mercer e-mail system, our WGS 285Facebook Group, and the Mercer BlackBoard system for out of class communication, grading updates, calendar changes, and syllabus information.

Grading:

                Class Participation:          25%
                Essays: Avg. of 3           30%
                Journals:                         25%
                Group Presentation:        20%

90-100 = A                                    77-79 = C+
87-89 = B+                                    70-76 = C
80-86 = B                                      60-69 = D

It is the responsibility of the student to refer to the Policies and Grading Section of the syllabus. See link above or connect through webct.