High Schoolers and Their Women: An Analysis of Contemporary Literature Courses at Mankato High Schools

Presenter Information

Caroline Kessler, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Amy Williams, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 284

Start Date

25-4-2006 9:30 AM

End Date

25-4-2006 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Sociology and Corrections

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Susan Freeman

Mentor's Department

Gender and Women's Studies

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

This project presents an analysis of the contemporary literature curriculum at Mankato high schools to determine the extent it incorporates novels about or by women. We examined school policy, evaluated the inclusion of women authors, and conducted a content analysis of the novels read by students at Mankato high schools to determine the presence of female characters and the gender roles provided. The benefits for students in a well-balanced literature class are high; however, these courses did not rise to the occasion. We have created a library display for local and school libraries to give access to positive female literature as well as developed reading guides to a selection of novels to create discussion on gender roles in these readings.