Professor: Gaither Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 14 Total Enrollment: 19 Class Composition: Froshs: 12 Sophs: 7 Jrs: 0 Srs: 0 Concs: 1 Non-Concs: 6 Don't Know: 7

Instructor Average: 1.36 Course Average: 1.30

Anyone who is interested in girls, and would like to talk on and on about girls three times a week, may consider taking 'Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice: American Girls' Culture'. This course examines the ideology, identity, experiences, and problems of girlhood. Through discussion, the class analyzes gender, popular culture, and construction of self. According to most respondents, it is useful if you are of the female persuasion, but of course being one is not a prerequisite.

The majority of survey correspondents agreed that Professor Gaither was very good in facilitating discussions, and treated all students as equals. They also said that the professor was direct and honest in addressing controversial issues. Therefore, the discussions were always stimulating. Moreover, students felt that Professor Gaither was very sensitive to their needs, and she embraced all feedback that the students provided. A few participants praised the professor's wonderful teaching techniques.

There were two six to eight page papers and a ten-page take-home final paper. Some said that the topics for their papers were all very pertinent and interesting. Students generally felt that the readings were useful. With the exception of a select few assignments, most respondents convey that they were all effective in communicating the subject matter. Many go on to indicate that they particularly liked the book 'Body Project' and 'Going All the Way'.

Students usually spent about five hours weekly on readings, which was less then they expected from a seminar course. Some participants thought that it was the most laid-back seminar available. Apart from the fact that the class had to meet during reading period, there were very few complaints offered. In the end, class members said that you should take this course if you like girls, and/or if you want to know more about them.

View AC/0019 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.