What

Recently. I had a conversation with another student who expressed some con- cern over the Women's Studies program at UPEI. She felt that the focus of the pro- gram was "aggressive" and even "intimi- dating" and did not feel like -- at least in the class she participated in -- people were allowed to express their real opinions unless it agreed with the feminist perspec- tive being discussed. Since I only began the taking Women's Studies courses a year

and a half ago, I can relate to her concerns.

I thought it might be interesting to share a journal entry I wrote after completing my first Women's Studies course. Hopefully this will help others understand a little bet- ter what the purpose of these courses is really about. Enjoy my insanity!

ere Meme id summer learning

Carleton —

u UNIVERSITY

~ Canada’s Capital University.”

Summer Session

2003

Sun. Sand. Study. An unlikely combination — unless you're taking a summer-session course at Carleton University in Ottawa. Flexible and convenient. Courses are available days and evenings in classrooms and on our itv channel. Whatever course you choose will fit easily into your schedule, leaving time for the beach, chores, and a job. Everything you need to know is on

; our Web site. Just log on and follow the instructions, then get out and enjoy the sun. You're already on your way to a brighter future.

Over the semester I have become more aware of the subtle complexities of the socially constructed norms that affect woman and the decisions that they make in and for their lives. I think I have become

more accepting and have a better under- standing of my own choices for the direc- tion I want my life to go, and seem to be more comfortable sticking to my decisions and opinions. For the first time in my life

I don't feel the necessity to always agree, or get along with people (especially men) and I find that I have a renewed sense of freedom and choices. I am no longer afraid of losing-out or suffering for the sake of my opinions (or being called, heaven forbid... a FEMINIST), and have gained a self-confidence to speak up about things that I feel need to be addressed, or are derogatory or degrading towards women. I've stopped laughing off degrad- ing comments, I no-longer avoid intimidat- ing men, and I don't swallow my so-called pride, and ignore discriminatory treatment (towards me or other people). More importantly, I have gained a better under- standing of the choices that other women make for their lives, and realize that although their choices may be different from mine, that we all share many com-

Start up. Catch up. Brush up.

carleton.ca/summer registrar@carleton.ca (613) 520-3500

mon experiences.

I have a greater respect for women that do unpaid work their entire lives. I have realized and gained an appreci- ation for the work that these women do in order to allow men the freedoms to pursue careers outside the home, but that also allows me to do the work that I enjoy and pursue outside the home. If not for these women that run the Home and School Programs, organize and volunteer their time to community events, and take care of other peoples' children, I would not be able to do the things I want to do either. I may not be married to a stay- at-home mom, but I benefit from their work as well. Women's unpaid work effects the entire community that they are a part of, and we need to recog- nize this in a more respectful and appreciative manner.

I get involved in my community, and volunteer my time to various organizations throughout the year. I coach soccer, and help out at hockey and church suppers as well. But I am rio where near as reliable or consistent as the other women that are involved. I do as much as I can within the busy schedule that I already have, but these women devote their lives.to taking care of others, and maintaining the programs and events of which we all may take advantage.

I think that the most important thing I have learned from this Woman's Studies course is awareness, and with that comes knowledge and understanding. I realize though, as I stand in the shower shaving my legs

is Women's Studies Really About?

(which I haven't had time to do for three weeks), that I still have a long way to go. I still catch myself making mental check lists of what I did, who I did it for, and whether it warrants me doing something

I no-longer avoid intimidating men, and I don’t swallow my so- called pride, and ignore discrimi-

natory treatment

extra for myself. In the past four days I have attended four classes at the university, written a paper, and finished a web page, met with seven clients, taught two exercise classes, done a volunteer presentation for TOPS, gone on a date with my partner (which admittedly often gets neglected), held a birthday party for seven nine-year- olds, made a gingerbread house with my children, and played the ‘space-ship rocket game’ with my three year old. So why am I feeling guilty about going to the sympho- ny with a friend... I have no idea after writing all that down! Whew! Seems | need to do this more often!

STUDENTS

imagine... not having to explain your marks to your parents!

IT IS POSSIBLE!

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[17] March 26 2003