Third Paper Topics
Assignment:
Please choose ONE of the following paper topics. Papers should be 3-5
pages in length, due in class Sunday, Dec. 4.
Rough drafts are
strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. I will be accepting
rough
drafts no later than either 11:59
pm on Thursday, November 30 if you are
taking option (1) OR 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 5 if you are taking option (2).
[See here for options.] Please keep in mind
that drafts are
first come, first serve. So get those drafts in asap. Final copies
should be sent electronically to me at megw@email.unc.edu, saved in
the following format "[first name]_[last name]_3". So, for example, Rod
Flanders would send me his first paper saved as "Rod_Flanders_3".
Please put only your PID on the actual paper, since they will be graded
blind. Email me or talk to me if you have
any questions.
1. Discuss MacKinnon's article "Sexuality." What does she think is
fundamental to making "a feminist theory
of sexuality" (my emphasis)--i.e., what does she think makes a theory
of sexuality particularly femisnist? Why
does she think this? Do you agree with her? Why or why not?
Explain. At one point (p. 162), MacKinnon discusses the view that
sexulaity is partly an appetite or a hunger. If so, what conclusions
can we draw? How does this relate to the comparison of a repressive
attitude towards sex vs. a derepressive attutude toward sex? MacKinnon
claims, "what is sexual is what gives man an erection." (p. 165) Why
does she say this? Do you agree? Why or why not? Discuss.
2. In MacKinnon's article "Sexuality", she considers an argument
claiming that if women would be more assertive about their sexuality,
then there would be a reduction of the 'need' for rape and less
conflation between sex and agression. (p. 163). Summarize this
argument, and then discuss her criticism of it. What, if anything, is
problematic with her response to this argument? Can you think of a
better response? Critically discuss.
3. Discuss Longino's overall argument for the immorality of
pornography. In particular, discuss her reasons for premise 2 (on
handout). Incorporating our discussions in class, the article iself,
and some of the points covered in the handout, assess Longino's
argument. Do you think it is a good one or not? Do you agree with her
or not? Explain.
4. We discussed three arguments concerning pornography: two agianst and
one for. Disscuss these three arguments, and the merits or demerits of
each. Which one do you think is most convincing and why? If you think
that none of them are convincing, then which conclusion do you
most favor and what sort of argument can you provide to support it?
Discuss.
5. Throughout the semester, we have talked about 'silencing' and how it
is related to certain feminist issues. Pick several examples of
silencing that we've discussed in class and explain what (if anything)
is objectionable to these situations. Is silencing a moral
transgression? Why or why not? Make sure to incorporate our discussions
of rights, such as freedom of speech, etc.
6. NOMAS states its principles in response to feminism. Do you think
that such an organization is necessary? If so, what does this say about
feminism in general? If not, why not? Keep in mind our earlier
discussions about the various different branches of feminism, and
consider how NOMAS might be similar or different to these additions to
the feminist movement. How does this affect our initial attempts at
defing 'feminism' in the first place? Critically discuss.
7. Free-Wheeling:
Incorporating the material that we have covered in the readings and in
class the last few weeks, construct your own thesis. Make sure that you
(i) you have a clear thesis, (ii) that you argue for and support your
thesis adequately, and (iii) that you show mastery of the material
covered both in class and out.
Note: you should come see me before picking this topic to ensure that
your paper adequately satisfies (i)-(iii).
Page Last Updated: November 26,
2006