Assignments – APLS 373 – Spring 2009

 

Under construction 4/24/2009

 

 

 

Mon. Jan. 12                                                Introduction to class: Cultural Change and Public Policy

                                                                       

Wed. Jan. 14                                                Continued: Women in Politics and Public Life: How Far Have They Come and How Far Do They Have to Go?

Readings: Conway et al, Preface; “Old Gender Roles With Your Dinner?” by Frank Bruni (New York Times, October 7, 2008); “Women Gain in Education but not Power, Study Finds,” by REUTERS (New York Times, November 12, 2008); “The Return of the Interview Suit,” by Eric Wilson (New York Times, November 12, 2008).

Assignment: Assignment 1

 

Mon. Jan. 19                                                Martin Luther King holiday – university closed

 

Tues. Jan. 20                                               Inauguration of 44th president – Barack Obama.

 

Wed. Jan. 21                                                Continued: Policy Models  and Culture

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 1

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 2

 

In class assignment (we will do this in small groups today): After reading the introductory materials, go back and review the definitions of culture and public policy. In chapter 1, the authors comment that “…the emphasis of this book is…on how, and to what extent, a particular set of life circumstances affects a woman’s perception of who she is, how she got there, what she wants to do with her life, and what she wants for herself and her family.” Although the authors apply this statement to women, it ought to be true of men as well (I can think of a number of examples that would apply to men!)

 

Regardless of your gender, I want you to think about this statement and about your own life circumstances. Indicate how your life circumstances affect your perceptions of who you are, how you got there, what you want to do with your life, and what you want for yourself and/or your family. Jot down comments referring to each of the factors Conway et al mention that have an impact on one’s “gender consciousness.” These factors are:

 

Class

Lifestyle

Religion

Ethnicity or ethnic group

Race

Regional identification (Conway et al didn’t mention this one, but I’m adding it in!)

 

 

Mon. Jan. 26                                                Educational Policy: Focus on Title IX, Education, and Sports

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 2; “Girl Power,” by Jessica Gavora (National Review Online, January 31, 2003); “City Shifts Girls’ Soccer From Spring to the Fall,”by Javier C. Hernandez (New York Times, January 17, 2009).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 3

                                                                        Guest Speaker: Ms. Angie Osbon (please take notes on her presentation as you will be expected to do a write up for next time)

 

Wed. Jan. 28                                                Continued

                                                                        Readings: “Parents’ Suit Offers Test of Title IX for Justices,” by Adam Liptak (New York Times, December 2, 2008); “A New Frontier for Title IX: Science,” by John Tierney (New York Times, July 15, 2008)

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 4

 

Mon. Feb. 2                                                  Continued: Single Gender Schools and Other Educational Issues

                                                                        Readings:  “Federal Rules Back Single Sex Public Education,” by Diana Jean Schemo (New York Times, October 25, 2006); “Teaching Boys and Girls Separately,” by Elizabeth Weil (New York Times, March 2, 2008); “More Small Women’s Colleges Opening Doors to Men,” by Diana Jean Schemo (New York Times, September 21, 2006); “Sisters’ Colleges See a Bounty in the Middle East,” by Tamar Lewin (New York Times, June 3, 2008); Students, Parents Like Single-Gender Programs,” by Seanna Adcox (Aiken Standard, July 24, 2008)

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 5

 

Wed. Feb. 4                                                  Health Care Policy

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 3; “Women Buying Health Policies Pay a Penalty,” by Robert Pear (New York Times, October 29, 2008); “Gender Gap Found in Kidney Transplants,” by Roni Caryn Rabin (New York Times, January 20, 2009); “More Delays for Women in Emergency Care,” by Roni Caryn Rabin (New York Times, January 23, 2009). 

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 6

 

Mon. Feb. 9                                                  Continued: Focus on Medicare and Medicaid

                                                                        Readings: “Growing Need for Medicaid Strains States,” by Kevin Sack and Katie Zezima (New York Times, January 21, 2009); “Medicaid’s Role for Women,” by Kaiser Family Foundation (October, 2007); “When Medicare Falls Short,” by Jane Gross (New York Times, October 16, 2008). “Women and Medicare,” by Kaiser Family Foundation (2001). Also, review Conway, pp. 55-59.

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 7

 

                                                                        Link for Medicare Part D (drug plan) information

                                                                        Link for article on problems with Medicare Part D from New York Times

                                                                        Link for article on SCHIP (children’s health insurance program) from New York Times

                                                                        Link for definition and more information on Managed Care from Medline Plus

 

Mon. Feb. 9                                                  President Obama’s live and televised press conference at 8 pm – check local listings

 

Wed. Feb. 11                                                Continued: Focus on Domestic Violence

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, pp. 215-217; “Enlisting the Aid of Hairstylists as Sentinels for Domestic Abuse,” by Leslie Kaufman (New York Times, November 19, 2008); “Despite Army’s Assurances, Violence at Home,” by Lizette Alvarez (New York Times, November 22, 2008); “Gunman Kills One at a Church in New Jersey,” by Robert D. McFadden and Patrick McGeehan (New York Times, November 23, 2008)

                                                                        Guest Speaker: Ms. Betsy McMahon of the Cumbee Center (take notes on this presentation as you will have an assignment that will be due on Wed. Feb. 18, in addition to the assignment on reproductive policy!)

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 8

 

                                                                        Link for US Department of Justice, Domestic Violence

                                                                        Link for Findlaw Domestic Violence information and resources

 

Fri. Feb. 13                                                   Final date for term paper topics. You must also meet with your professor prior to the spring break to show what research materials you are using for your project and how you will conduct your research project. If you have not submitted your specific topic by this date and had it approved, one will be assigned. No exceptions!

                                                                        List of student paper topics

 

Mon. Feb. 16                                                First Test – please bring a blue book

 

                                                                        Study Guide

 

Wed. Feb. 18                                                Reproductive Policy

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 4; “Let’s Talk About Sex,” by Charles M. Blow (New York Times, September 6, 2008); “A Soap Opera’s Sex Is All For a Good Cause,” by  Jennifer V. Hughes (New York Times, January 23, 2009).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 9

 

Mon. Feb. 23                                                Continued: Choices on Having a Family

                                                                        Readings: “For Privacy’s Sake, Taking Risks to End Pregnancy,” by Jennifer Lee and  Cara Buckley (New York Times, January 4, 2009); “Post Election Surveying Shows S.D. Voters Support Preventing Unintended Pregnancies Over Abortion Bans,” (Medical News Today, January 12, 2009);”Obsession Led to 14 Births by In Vitro, Relative Says,” by Associated Press (New York Times, January 31, 2009); “2 Kids + O Husbands=Family,” by Emily Bazelon (New York Times, January 29, 2009).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 10

 

Wed. Feb. 25                                                Employment Policy

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 5; “Coming Up Short As a Role Model for the Mommy Track,” by (New York Times, 2009); “Why the Sting of Layoffs Can be Sharper for Men,” by (New York Times, February 1, 2009); “Traveling Mothers Face Hurdles in Pumping Breast Milk,” by  Sara J. Welch (New York Times, February 9, 2009).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 11

 

Mon. Mar. 2                                                   Continued

                                                                        Readings: “Litigating Equality: The Limits of the Equal Pay Act,” by Sara L. Zeigler (Review of Public Personnel Administration 26:3, September 2006, pp. 199-215- you can try this direct link, or go to the USCA library web page, click on the link for electronic resources, then on R, or type in the name of the journal, then on Ebsco host, and the link for the correct month and year – it’s slow, but you’ll get there!); “Justices’ Ruling Limits Suits on Pay Disparity,” by Linda Greenhouse (New York Times, May 30, 2007); “House Passes Two Measures on Job Bias,” by Robert Pear (New York Times, January 10, 2009); “Obama Signs Equal Pay Act,” by Cheryl Gay Stolberg (New York Times, January 29, 2009); “Female SLED Agents Sue,” (on reserve in library – two copies – very short article); “Female SC Police Agents Sue Over Promotions.” (on reserve in library – two copies – very short article).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 12

 

Wed. Mar. 4                                                  Continued

                                                                        Readings: “What Has Driven Women Out of Computer Science?” by Randall Stross (New York Times, November 15, 2008); “How Suite It Isn’t: A Dearth of Female Bosses,” by Julie Criswell (New York Times, December 17, 2006): “Women in Science: The Battle Moves to the Trenches,” by Cornelia Dean (New York Times, December 19, 2006); “Workers Who Speak Out,” editorial (New York Times, January 29, 2009).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 13

 

                                                                        A good article from the State Newspaper about women and policy entitled “SC Suffering Lack of Female Lawmakers.” Read it before the break, as the State only makes articles available for one week, and due to budget cuts we no longer have this resource available online through the library web page.

 

 

Mon-Fri. Mar. 9-13                                       Spring break! No classes!

 

Mon. Mar. 16                                                Women in the Military

Readings:  “Sexual Harassment Declining, Women in the Military Report,”by Tim Wiener (New York Times, July 3, 1996); “Women in Military Say Silence on Harassment Protects Careers,” by Elizabeth Becker (New York Times, May 12, 2000);

 “A Nation at War: Women in the Military; A New War Brings New Role for Women,” by Jodi Wilgoren (New York Times, March 28, 2003);“Army Gets First Female Four Star General,” (Associated Press, November 14, 2008); “We’re Pilots – No Problem,” by John Camp (Parade Magazine, February 24, 2008); “Commanding a Role for Women in the Military,” by Rachel L. Swarns (New York Times, June 30, 2008); “Female Veterans Among the Homeless,” by Bob Tedeschi (New York Times, January 22, 2009)

Assignment: Assignment 14

 

Wed. Mar. 18                                                Economic Equity: Housing, Credit, and Insurance

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 6, pp. 123-132

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 15

 

Mon. Mar. 23                                                Continued: Retirement Income and Poverty

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 6, pp. 132-137; “Lacking Pensions, Older Divorced Women Remain at Work,” by Louis Uchitelle (New York Times, June 26, 2001); “Gender Gap in Retiree Income,” by Laura Palotie (New York Times, May 9, 2008); “For Women, Greater Obstacles to Retirement,” by Fran Hawthorne (New York Times, October 23, 2007 ); “AARP Asks Supreme Court to Uphold Fairness for Retired Women,” AARP (December 9, 2008) .

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 16

 

Tues. Mar. 24                                               “Iron Jawed Angels” – film sponsored by Pickens-Salley Symposium, 6 pm in Ettheredge Center – extra credit if you attend the entire event and write a one page typed analysis of the film (include a summary of the plot and your reaction to the film) and the discussion. You will receive up to 5 points of extra credit toward your tests. This event will require about 3 hours of your time.

 

Wed. Mar. 25                                                Continued: Credit Issues and Housing

Readings: “Zero Tolerance Policy is Challenged,” by Tamar Lewin (New York Times, July 11, 2001);  Abstract for article on the 2002 Supreme Court decision; “Credit Card Ruling,” by AP (New York Times, September 28, 1982);  “Building Good Credit for Women,”by Money Management International (2009); “Mortgages: Why Women Pay Higher Interest,” by Bob Tedeschi (New York Times, January 21, 2007)

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 17

 

Mar 26-30                                                      University Theater presents “Fat Pig.” We have really good amateur theater here at USCA! Extra credit if you attend a performance and write a one page typed analysis, including a summary of the plot. Be sure to staple your ticket to the page you turn in. Student tickets cost $ 7 – this event will be held in the O Connel theater at the Etherredge Center. Seating is limited so get your tickets early! On sale as of March 1. You will receive up to 5 points of extra credit toward your tests.

 

Mon. Mar. 30                                                Second Test – please bring a blue book

 

                                                                        Study Guide

 

Wed. Apr. 1                                                   Family Law: Marriage, Legal Obligations, and Names

Readings: Conway et al, ch. 7, pp. 141-152; “Gay Marriage is Ruled Legal in Connecticut,” by Robert D. McFadden (New York Times, October 10, 2008);“Bans in Three States on Gay Marriage,” by Jesse McKinley and Laurie Goodstein (New York Times, November 5, 2008); “He Does Take This Woman. Now, About Her Last Name…” by Jennifer Steinhauer (New York Times, December 16, 2006)

Assignment: Assignment 18

 

Mon. Apr. 6                                                   Continued: Divorce, Child Support, and Child Custody Issues

Readings: Conway et al, ch. 7, pp. 152-163; “Divorce Rate: It’s Not as High as You Think,” by Dan Hurley (New York Times, April 19, 2005); “Divorce Takes the Economy Into Account,” by Vincent M. Mallozzi (New York Times, October 31, 2008); “Passport Rule Helps Collect Child Support,” by the Associated Press (New York Times, August 15, 2007); “Mothers Scrimp as States Take Child Support,” by Erik Eckholm (New York Times, September 1, 2007); “Waits Plague Transfer of Children to Relatives’ Care,” by Erik Eckholm (New York Times, June 27, 2008); “Fighting Over Child Support After the Pink Slip Arrives,” by Julie Bosman (New York Times, March 28, 2009).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 19

 

Wed. Apr. 8                                                   Child Care

Readings: Conway et al, ch. 8; “A Consensus About Day Care: Quality Counts,” by Roni Caryn Rabin (New York Times, September 14, 2008); “Children Left Alone at Home, Worriedly,” by Lisa W. Foderaro (New York Times, August 13, 2008). “When the Stork Carries a Pink Slip,” by Leslie Alderman (New York Times, March 27, 2009). Note: this last article can be regarded as an addendum to employment policy, but it certainly bears on family policy issues!

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 20

 

Mon. Apr. 13                                                 Term paper due by 9 am. Late papers will be assessed one half letter grade penalty per day (ie, a grade of A becomes a B+). Paper should be submitted electronically as a word document. You may also submit a paper copy if you wish.

 

Mon. Apr. 13                                     Continued

                                                                        Guest Speaker: Dr. Sally McClellan, USCA Faculty Advisor to the Children’s Center

(take notes – for your next class you are expected to turn in a one page typed reaction paper, and list five things you learned from this presentation – in addition to the assignment based on the readings – that’s why two assignments are listed for Wed)

Assignment: There are no additional readings for today, since you were probably finishing your term paper this weekend.

 

Wed. Apr. 15                                                Continued

Readings: “Filling the Child Care Breach,” by Linda Saslow (New York Times, October 31, 2008); “Male Bonding (Or How Dad Lost Thirty Pounds,” by Aron Ward (New York Times, October 18, 2008); “Filling a Gap in Child Care, A Few Families at a Time,” by Michael Winerip (New York Times, November 28, 2008); “Maternity Leave Alternative – Bring the Baby to Work,” by Abby Ellin (New York Times, January 3, 2009); “Family Leave Values,” by Eyal Press (New York Times, July 29, 2007).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 21 and Assignment 22

 

Mon. Apr. 20                                                 Women and the Criminal Justice System – Lawyers, Judges, and Other Officials

Readings: Conway et al, ch. 9, pp. 197-204, “Why Do So Few Women Reach the Top of Big Law Firms?” by Timothy L. O’Brien (New York Times, March 19, 2006); “O’Connor Leap Moved Women Up the Bench,” by Adam Liptak (New York Times, July 5, 2005); “Chief Judge is Retiring, Leaving Trail of Successes for Women on the Bench,” by John Eligon, (New York Times, December 27, 2008).

Assignment: Assignment 23

 

Wed. Apr. 22                                                Women and the Criminal Justice System – Victims and Criminals

Readings: Conway et al, ch. 9, pp. 204-218; “The Nation; Women Doing Crime, Women Doing Time,” by Clifford Krause (New York Times, July 3, 1994); “The Myth of the Victimless Crime,” by Melissa Farley and Victor Malarek (New York Times, March 12, 2008).

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 23A

 

Mon. Apr. 27                                     Women, Public Policy, and the Future

                                                                        Readings: Conway et al, ch. 10

                                                                        Assignment: Assignment 24

 

Mon. Apr. 27                                     Last day of classes

                       

Tues-Wed. Apr. 28-29                                Reading days

 

Wed. May 6 at 2 pm                                    Third test – please bring a blue book and an ink pen (blue or black)

 

                                                                        Study guide

 

                                                                        Essay Exam Tips (from Academic Success Center)