AASD 298W/WMST 265

5/13/06

FINAL EXAM

Directions:

A digital recording of the panel discussion with Sharmus and Carmen Shorter is available as a .wav file. A .wav file may be played in RealPlayer, Winamp, Windows Media player, etc. However, because of the length and size of the file, it may be quicker/easier to play it without downloading it. (1:10 hr; 132,500 KB). I have also uploaded it as a .zip file. Either/both can be played/downloaded through these links:

            .wav format (for playing):      www.bsos.umd.edu/aasp/chateauvert/265panel.wav

            .zip format (for downloading): www.bsos.umd.edu/chateauvert/265panel.zip

The exam must be turned in – on paper – by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18^th at the AASD office, 2169 Lefrak.

            •          I will not accept responsibility for emailed exams.

            •          I will accept exams early.

            •          When you turn in your exam, you will also need to quickly fill out a course evaluation (although you may drop by the office earlier in the week and do so.)

            •          I will be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, but call the office 301-405-1158 first if you want to make sure I’m there when you are.

            •          I will have your final projects available for pick-up when the exam is due, perhaps earlier.

Answer all of the questions below, either in separate essays or in one longer essay. You should have between 8-10 pages total. I expect you to discuss at least 6 of the assigned readings in your essays. Citations can be simple parenthetical references (West, p. 265) for either the Traps or Words of Fire anthologies. Full citations are needed for any other references.

The Exam Questions:

1.         Identify four of the concepts or common themes we have learned in this class that were addressed in the panel discussion by Sharmus and Carmen, and offer your own definitions of those concepts or themes in light of the discussion.

2.         What two specific experiences or observations offered by the panel discussants changed your understanding of gender identity? Of sexual identity?

3.         How does “race” shape their experiences as “females”? Provide at least one example and discuss. You may wish to compare their experiences with one of the essays from Traps or Words of Fire.

4.         As a self-identified transgendered woman, and as a self-identified black butch lesbian, how did the dialogue with Sharmus and Carmen force you to re-evaluate earlier representations (stereotypes) of sexual minorities from in popular culture? You may want to contrast how you thought they might present themselves, respond to various questions, and act, with what you actually saw and heard.