Nicole Powell, Lisa Park, Emily Jones, Savannah Downing, Carolyn Bethany

Interview Questions 1. What WMST courses have you taken and with what teachers?

WMST 1100 Multicultural Womens Studies Chambers WMST 2010 Intro to Womens Studies Whittenburg WMST 3010 Critical Feminist Readings Ray WMST 3100 Gay & Lesbian Studies Parker WMST 4010 Feminist Theory Herles WMST 4011 Feminist Research Methods - Happe WMST 4060 Black Feminism Ray WMST 4170S Race/Class/Gender and the Environment Herles RELI 4106 Women in Early Christianity - Wilcox

2. What lead you to choose this particular WMST course? (Class credit? Advisor? Recommended by a friend?)

Im not sure I understand the question. If youre asking why I chose the ones I took, some were requirements (1100, 2010, 3010, 4010, 4011), some were related to my specific interests (4060), Gay and Lesbian Studies was of personal interest to me as a gay-identified individual, and others (4170S, RELI 4106) were recommended to me by my advisor.

3. Describe your general experience in WMST courses. a. **How would you describe your experience in upper level WMST courses?

My experiences have always been relatively positive. Material has (nearly always) been engaging, specific, and interesting. Not to get too sappy, but I definitely take a

Nicole Powell, Lisa Park, Emily Jones, Savannah Downing, Carolyn Bethany

sense of empowerment away from my WMST classes that has been useful in life outside of academia.

b. **What are the class dynamics like in the upper level WMST classes?

Classes are typically left open-ended, usually entirely discussion-based. Everyone is typically expected to talk and contribute as the bulk of the grade in the classes.

c. **How are they different from the intro level courses?

There is less rigidity in the upper-level courses. There is definitely more structure in the lower level courses, and the gender dynamics are definitely different (there was about a 50/50 man/woman split in my 1100 courses, and there were a few other male-identified students in my 2010 class). Aside from those two classes, 3100 was the only upper-level elective WMST course Ive taken with other male-identified students.

2. Describe your experience as a male in WMST courses.

I used to be very conscious of being the only male-identified student in my classes, but I dont actually notice it much anymore. Sometimes I find it difficult to participate in discussion; because I come from a male perspective, I dont always feel comfortable engaging texts written about/for women. Its not that I feel like Ill be attacked for my views or anything, but I dont always feel like I have adequate answers to the questions being posed, simply based on my own positionality. Sometimes its better to listen that to talk, I guess.

3. Prior to this interview, has anyone in your class ever asked you why you, as a male, are in the course? If so, what was that like? What was said?

Nicole Powell, Lisa Park, Emily Jones, Savannah Downing, Carolyn Bethany

I dont think Ive ever really been questioned about it by anyone in the department typically I dont think someone from a feminist perspective would really pose the question in such a way. But generally speaking I have been asked, and get all the typical jokes about how lucky I am to be surrounded by ladies all the time, crude remarks about what it means to study women, etc. It gets old. I usually respond that feminism is focused on achieving equity for all and that I believe that it is my responsibility, as a white male, to understand how my privilege affects my life trajectory and that of others.

4. Do you feel that your experience as a male helps/hinders your class experience? How? Or why or why not?

While Ive never been singled out for being a male, sometimes I feel like I cant really offer a competent, useful, or even appropriate perspective on the topic at hand.

5. In what ways do you find your experience in IWS different from your female counterparts?

I dont really think my in-class experience differs greatlyI never feel like Im singled out for my maleness and thus I dont think our experiences are too different in the classroom (at least in that regard). I think there isnt always as much of an emotional connection for me though, where certain topics are presented that I just have no way of understanding (abortion, for example, or even rape cultureI can be aware of these things, but ultimately I am not a part of the groups most directly affected by these issues).

6. Do teachers tokenize your experience or opinion? (i.e. Do you feel that you are singled out in some respect?)

I have never had that experience, and in fact I think professors try to avoid doing it.

7. How would you define feminism? How did you come to this definition or understanding?

Nicole Powell, Lisa Park, Emily Jones, Savannah Downing, Carolyn Bethany

I would describe feminism as a path to social and cultural equity between all people affected by systems of power and domination. This definition encompasses men and women, oppressor and oppressed.

8. Do you self-identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

I think I do. Its a complicated question. Some people believe that men are not able to be feminists, and I can understand and appreciate that perspective, but then I wonder where does that leave me? I have certainly faced some level of marginalization based on my sexual orientation, but I dont know how to reconcile both things. Usually I refer to myself as pro-feminist to get around thisas someone who holds and is supportive of feminist ideals.

9. If you are a major or a minor, why did you decide to become a major or minor?

10. Are you involved in IWS extracurricular activities?

No.

11. What are your professional career goals? Do you think you will utilize your IWS coursework/WMST major with your future career plans?

Yes. I dont have any immediate plans for my professional future, but I have been working in food-related nonprofits for a few months and really enjoy it. The 4170S course I took was focused on engaging food from a feminist perspective. Ive found

Nicole Powell, Lisa Park, Emily Jones, Savannah Downing, Carolyn Bethany

my WMST training has helped me to understand issues from a perspective I might not have otherwise been able to see.

12. In what ways has taking a WMST course altered your perception of the academic world? The world at large?

Once you see issues of privilege from a feminist perspective, its hard not to see them in every societal institution you encounter. I think about it all the time, whether it be while watching TV, sitting in other classes, or being out in the grocery store. It is an entirely new way of looking at thingsunderstanding (rather than forgetting) your positionality relating to others, and using that new perspective to engage others.

13. How do others outside of the IWS view your decision to be in a WMST class? a. major? People always think it is interesting, but seem to take me less seriously when they know what my major is. Like Im joking or something. Its usually not until I bring up my other academic goals that people seem to understand that Im serious about it. b. minor? ** for majors or minors only