Word Art graphic created by Katie Braman
Introduction/Personal Reflection
A kaleidoscope provides a changing pattern or scene. It creates a diverse collection of patterns. Playing with a kaleidoscope as a child, I recall being mesmerized by the shapes, colors and different configurations that I created by simply turning the tube in circles. It was a toy that I looked through the lens and admired the beautiful images for long periods of time.
Reflecting on the coursework I studied for the Women's and Gender Studies Major at St. Olaf, I consider each class as a piece of my kaleidoscope that is created from knowledge and information. Together, they form a beautiful diverse pattern that is unique to my experience. The opportunity to take courses from multiple disciplines like family studies, history, American studies, Spanish, psychology and of course women's and gender studies has provided a perspective that encompasses a spectrum of academic experiences. What a privilege it has been to have had this opportunity!
Looking back at my compilation of courses for the WGS major, I have a profound awareness and appreciation for issues related to the topic of gender and how it intersects with sexuality, race, class, age, and ethnicity. Like a kaleidoscope that is constantly shifting in different patterns and directions, the topic of identity is constantly evolving and therefore my understanding continues to grow and widen. One thing I know for sure is that even though I have completed the major, my learning about women's and gender studies is just beginning.
On this site, I have included projects, papers, presentations, and a podcast that I completed as part of the WGS major. With feedback from my professors and project advisor, I have revised, edited, and expanded the pieces in this portfolio in an effort to improve both the quality and the aesthetic. The website "Kaleidoscope of Gender" includes topics and ideas that represent my best work and understanding of how gender meshes with other identities. Gender stereotypes, marketing products to consumers, intersectional feminism, the fight for pay equity in sports, and the expression of sexuality in American film are specific themes included in my portfolio. Together they create a cross-section of multiple disciplines that present gender and identity as central aspects of American culture. The strengths of the project include an attractive and engaging site that viewers will enjoy navigating through each component as well as content that is relevant to a diverse audience. One limitation of the project was that if I had more time and tools, I would have liked to make the site more interactive where the viewer could participate in some activities relating to their own attitudes and behaviors about gender.
My hope is that through increased understanding, acceptance, and respect for difference, diversity, and the intersectionality of multiple identities, our society will continue to embrace equality for all people. Perhaps Rosa Parks said it best, "I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people".
Katie Braman
Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies
St. Olaf College 2020
Reflecting on the coursework I studied for the Women's and Gender Studies Major at St. Olaf, I consider each class as a piece of my kaleidoscope that is created from knowledge and information. Together, they form a beautiful diverse pattern that is unique to my experience. The opportunity to take courses from multiple disciplines like family studies, history, American studies, Spanish, psychology and of course women's and gender studies has provided a perspective that encompasses a spectrum of academic experiences. What a privilege it has been to have had this opportunity!
Looking back at my compilation of courses for the WGS major, I have a profound awareness and appreciation for issues related to the topic of gender and how it intersects with sexuality, race, class, age, and ethnicity. Like a kaleidoscope that is constantly shifting in different patterns and directions, the topic of identity is constantly evolving and therefore my understanding continues to grow and widen. One thing I know for sure is that even though I have completed the major, my learning about women's and gender studies is just beginning.
On this site, I have included projects, papers, presentations, and a podcast that I completed as part of the WGS major. With feedback from my professors and project advisor, I have revised, edited, and expanded the pieces in this portfolio in an effort to improve both the quality and the aesthetic. The website "Kaleidoscope of Gender" includes topics and ideas that represent my best work and understanding of how gender meshes with other identities. Gender stereotypes, marketing products to consumers, intersectional feminism, the fight for pay equity in sports, and the expression of sexuality in American film are specific themes included in my portfolio. Together they create a cross-section of multiple disciplines that present gender and identity as central aspects of American culture. The strengths of the project include an attractive and engaging site that viewers will enjoy navigating through each component as well as content that is relevant to a diverse audience. One limitation of the project was that if I had more time and tools, I would have liked to make the site more interactive where the viewer could participate in some activities relating to their own attitudes and behaviors about gender.
My hope is that through increased understanding, acceptance, and respect for difference, diversity, and the intersectionality of multiple identities, our society will continue to embrace equality for all people. Perhaps Rosa Parks said it best, "I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people".
Katie Braman
Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies
St. Olaf College 2020