As I indicated in class, for your final paper you need to discuss Woman on the Edge of Time in light of readings that we have done throughout the semester. Because this might seem a bit overwhelming, I’m going to give you some possible questions. Feel free to write an essay that addresses these or an essay that addresses a topic that you find more interesting and compelling. In either case, you should have a clear thesis, you should draw from at least four authors whom we have read this semester (in addition to Piercy), your papers should be approximately 6 typed, double-spaced pages, and you should turn your paper in on or before Thursday, May 6th at noon.

Possibilities:

1) Piercy writes about current reality (or at least reality in 1976) in a way that highlights the intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the lives of Connie Ramos and her family. Draw from at least four readings from throughout the semester to suggest how these intersecting social forces come together in these lives.
2) Piercy sees social institutions such as the family, education, and employment as in need of drastic transformation if we are to live in world more centrally based on equality and sustainable development. Choose one or more of these institutions and discuss how at least four authors from the semester help us to understand why she believes such drastic changes are necessary.
3) Piercy envisions a world in which sex/gender and race/ethnicity are significantly different from in our world. Use four authors from the semester to discuss and evaluate the ways by which she envisions these aspects of identity.

Grades will be based on:
1) Clarity and development of a thesis
2) Use of course material in a developed and accurate manner
3) Ability to use Piercy’s work to think through gender issues