Explain how Scott challenges or builds on prior scholarship.
Response EssayThis assignment asks you to examine Joan Scott’s article along with one piece written by a scholar who has written in response to her work, chosen from the assigned Weed and Butler edited volume. The purpose of this essay is to explain how Joan Scott’s ideas have influenced other scholars in the field to demonstrate your own understanding of how historians use gender as a category of analysis. You may assume that the reader is familiar with Scott’s work, thus you do not need to summarize it extensively.Keep in mind that your primary aim is analysis rather than summary or description.Introduction to Joan ScottPlease click here to view the transcript for this video.Required ComponentsScott’s central argument and development of the thesis.In your own words, present the central argument, or thesis, of Scott’s article.Where in the text is the thesis stated?What are Scott’s main points? In your own words, explain them succinctly.Do the main points support the central focus of the article? Why or why not? Be sure to explain your evaluation.Explain how Scott challenges or builds on prior scholarship.How does her work relate to other scholarship on the topic?Explain how Scott critiques or builds on the work of other scholars.How does she explain the shortcomings or limitations she finds in prior work?How does she expand on the strengths she finds in prior work?Analysis of chapter of your choice.In your own words, present the central argument, or thesis, of this chapter.How does Scott’s work provide a scholarly context for the topic of this chapter?How does the author evaluate the value of Scott’s work?How does the author build on or develop elements of Scott’s work in this chapter? Provide specific examples.ReflectionHow have these readings affected your understanding of gender in history?What key issues will you keep in mind?How do you think you might use gender as a category of analysis in your own work?How do you understand the significance of gender as a category of historical analysis?
