Students enrolled in Writing for Publication (Fall 2018) wrote and submitted blog stories related to the department. The fruits of those efforts will be published on our department blog every day during finals week. The following stories were written by Ashley Doxy.
Why LLP is for Me: LLP
is not an easy program. It requires determination, zeal, hard work, attention
to detail and sacrifice. You must be able to problem-solve and look at issues
critically. If you fall, you must get back up. These characteristics are
qualities needed when combating real-world issues. This program is preparing me
for life outside of college. Whether in graduate school or a corporate
position, LLP is providing me with the tools I need to identify, analyze, and
solve problems.
Ashley Doxy
Gender Norms: What Are They?
In an ever-evolving world, preconceived ideologies and beliefs about gender are now being tested. We often bear witness to ideas evolving or perishing.
Closely related to gender are gender norms. The United Nations Statistics Division defines gender norms as “Standards and expectations to which women and men generally conform, within a range that defines a particular society, culture and community at that point in time.”
From a young age, youth perpetuate and conserve traditions and stereotypes that have been passed down for generations. Children are expected to behave, dress, or act a certain way because of their sex.
Dr. Jennifer Hayes, an English and Women's Studies professor at Tennessee State University, explains what
gender is and the expected roles that comes with it.
“Gender is connected to connotations that we have about sex roles," Hayes says. "Think about social expectations and what we associate with what it means to be male or what it means to be female. Gender about performing those expected roles.”
There are many misconceptions one might have about gender and gender norms. Hayes explains that many people have a binary view of gender, when it is, non-binary because some people contain more than one sex. “People can’t comprehend that gender is a social construction. They think it’s real.”
Punishment is another way to perpetuate gender norms, Hayes explains. “Young children see models and can’t measure up and are chastised with negative affirmation when they are doing something outside of what is considered to be normal for that gender.”
It is essential to be aware of societal issues because they seep through classroom walls and affect many, if not all students. Hayes says that in all of her classes she creates a space “where we’re looking at diverse works written by different kinds of people.”
Hayes’s goal is focusing on uplifting and empowering her students and educating them on the human condition. As one of the many LLP instructors who teach Women Studies, she hopes to help students become better citizens with dignity and compassion.
Closely related to gender are gender norms. The United Nations Statistics Division defines gender norms as “Standards and expectations to which women and men generally conform, within a range that defines a particular society, culture and community at that point in time.”
From a young age, youth perpetuate and conserve traditions and stereotypes that have been passed down for generations. Children are expected to behave, dress, or act a certain way because of their sex.
Dr. Jennifer Hayes, an English and Women's Studies professor at Tennessee State University, explains what
 |
| Dr. Jenifer Hayes |
“Gender is connected to connotations that we have about sex roles," Hayes says. "Think about social expectations and what we associate with what it means to be male or what it means to be female. Gender about performing those expected roles.”
There are many misconceptions one might have about gender and gender norms. Hayes explains that many people have a binary view of gender, when it is, non-binary because some people contain more than one sex. “People can’t comprehend that gender is a social construction. They think it’s real.”
Punishment is another way to perpetuate gender norms, Hayes explains. “Young children see models and can’t measure up and are chastised with negative affirmation when they are doing something outside of what is considered to be normal for that gender.”
It is essential to be aware of societal issues because they seep through classroom walls and affect many, if not all students. Hayes says that in all of her classes she creates a space “where we’re looking at diverse works written by different kinds of people.”
Hayes’s goal is focusing on uplifting and empowering her students and educating them on the human condition. As one of the many LLP instructors who teach Women Studies, she hopes to help students become better citizens with dignity and compassion.
Philosophy as a Minor
College is full of options regarding majors and minors for students to explore. It is easy for students to forget that they can minor in a subject that compliments their majors. Dr. Charles Edward Bowie, Philosophy and Religious Studies professor, gave substantial insight about philosophy and why it is a great option for a minor.
“Students need to identify and understand arguments and fallacies,” says Bowie. “Philosophy is necessary in Liberal Arts and Humanities. It is also necessary in Science research and education. It introduces students to culture studies and it intertwines with geography and religious studies, leading to sensitivity and understanding other cultures.”
When studying philosophy, you must get rid of preconceived ideas, principles, and beliefs and almost become “child-like,” as Bowie says. Philosophy enables us to “live in the imagination, opening our dispositions and helping us relax and play around. We must suspend all assumptions and not take things too seriously. Socrates and Plato are great examples of this.”
Philosophy is also about asking questions, which is something English majors must do to analyze and understand different texts. Philosophy is grounded in questions that students have the opportunity to explore and expand their perceived realities.
“Philosophy allows students to apply older texts to modern day. They are able to discern what questions the texts raise,” Bowie says. These are all tools that English majors must accomplish through their matriculation in college.
Getting rid of biased dispositions, asking grounded questions, analyzing texts, and understanding that your conclusions could be wrong are all components that English majors should master. Philosophy is a great tool to help students accomplish these fundamental aspects of the English degree.
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| Dr. Charles Bowie |
When studying philosophy, you must get rid of preconceived ideas, principles, and beliefs and almost become “child-like,” as Bowie says. Philosophy enables us to “live in the imagination, opening our dispositions and helping us relax and play around. We must suspend all assumptions and not take things too seriously. Socrates and Plato are great examples of this.”
Philosophy is also about asking questions, which is something English majors must do to analyze and understand different texts. Philosophy is grounded in questions that students have the opportunity to explore and expand their perceived realities.
“Philosophy allows students to apply older texts to modern day. They are able to discern what questions the texts raise,” Bowie says. These are all tools that English majors must accomplish through their matriculation in college.
Getting rid of biased dispositions, asking grounded questions, analyzing texts, and understanding that your conclusions could be wrong are all components that English majors should master. Philosophy is a great tool to help students accomplish these fundamental aspects of the English degree.
Ashley Doxy is a senior an Tennessee State University who will graduate in May 2019. It was during her matriculation at TSU that she discovered through hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. “I think, therefore, I can,” is her life motto. Upon completion of undergrad, she aspires to be a fiction novelist and a YouTube blogger extraordinaire.
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