Gender, Genre, and History
Gender, Genre, and History In this seminar we will examine the relationship between gender, literary genre, and history. As we consider how different genres have helped to define, enforce, or question the logic of binary gender, we will also investigate their relationship to their original and shifting historical conditions. Topics we may explore include the relationship between the romance and femininity, gender in sci-fi and fantasy, and whether experimental forms enable gender play. Texts may include Octavia Butler’s Bloodchild, Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Ridley Scott’s Alien, Leslie Feinberg’s Stone Butch Blues, and various poetry, theory, and film.
Gender, Genre, and History In this seminar we will examine the relationship between gender, literary genre, and history. As we consider how different genres have helped to define, enforce, or question the logic of binary gender, we will also investigate their relationship to their original and shifting historical conditions. Topics we may explore include the relationship between the romance and femininity, gender in sci-fi and fantasy, and whether experimental forms enable gender play. Texts may include Octavia Butler’s Bloodchild, Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Ridley Scott’s Alien, Leslie Fei …Read more
Allison is extremely passionate about what she does and about sharing her knowledge with her students. But she also emphasizes her eagerness to learn from us, as evidenced by our student-run discussion sessions. While encouraging everyone to keep up with the class material (which can be a fair amount, though it is mostly readings), she also accommodates students' needs, granting extensions pretty freely. Overall, she was such a comforting presence and made coming to class fun rather than stressful. I would highly recommend this class if you love unpacking literary texts and are willing to keep up with the readings—it pays off!
Allison is extremely passionate about what she does and about sharing her knowledge with her students. But she also emphasizes her eagerness to learn from us, as evidenced by our student-run discussion sessions. While encouraging everyone to keep up with the class material (which can be a fair amount, though it is mostly readings), s …Read more
Professor Cardon was a splendid professor. She was extremely engaging in discussion, and emphasize her desire for interaction with course material to be reciprocal; where our engagement and criticism was productive, like that of an actual scholar. She was very articulate, and guided difficult conceptual topics in a really interdisciplinary way, through the lenses of gender theory, literary criticism, and historical context. I wish she were teaching more classes.
Professor Cardon was a splendid professor. She was extremely engaging in discussion, and emphasize her desire for interaction with course material to be reciprocal; where our engagement and criticism was productive, like that of an actual scholar. She was very articulate, and guided difficult conceptual topics in a really interdisci …Read more
As my first foray into college writing, I loved this class! There was a good balance between novels, short stories, movies, poetry, and theory that we discussed in class, and I always came away from discussions feeling like I learned something new. You can tell that Professor Cardon has a clear passion for what she is teaching, and she is also incredibly funny and accommodating. If she ever teaches at Midd again, I would love to take one of her classes -- she has inspired me to continue to take English classes in the future.
As my first foray into college writing, I loved this class! There was a good balance between novels, short stories, movies, poetry, and theory that we discussed in class, and I always came away from discussions feeling like I learned something new. You can tell that Professor Cardon has a clear passion for what she is teaching, and s …Read more
Allison is the most wonderful professor! She has such a passion for her work, and truly cares about her students. I grew immensely in this course as a reader, writer, thinker, speaker, etc, and the progress you will make tangible! Allison also gives great feedback on ideas in discussion/office hours, as well as papers. She is one of the first professors who actually taught me how to improve off former work.
Allison is the most wonderful professor! She has such a passion for her work, and truly cares about her students. I grew immensely in this course as a reader, writer, thinker, speaker, etc, and the progress you will make tangible! Allison also gives great feedback on ideas in discussion/office hours, as well as papers. She is one of …Read more
The readings for this class challenged me, particularly the poems and theoretical texts. However, discussions helped me greatly because they were lengthy and focused. Allison (she prefers first name) is excellent at posing questions and pulling the best out of students. She also gives incredible feedback on our writing, and I saw improvement in each paper I turned in. Lastly, Allison is very kind and understanding. Communicate with her and she will have your back, I promise.
The readings for this class challenged me, particularly the poems and theoretical texts. However, discussions helped me greatly because they were lengthy and focused. Allison (she prefers first name) is excellent at posing questions and pulling the best out of students. She also gives incredible feedback on our writing, and I saw imp …Read more
It was evident that Allison is incredibly passionate about her work--her lectures were interesting and informative but confusing at times. However, she would pick on certain students and favor others, which created a poor learning environment.