Gender, Race, Sexuality and Power II: Everyday Life
GWST 110
Winter 2016
Instructor: Jillian Deri, PhD
Office:
ART 252
Office Hours: Mondays 2-3pm
Email:
jillian.deri@ubc.ca
Phone: 250-807-8008
Course:
Mondays and Thursdays 3:30-5pm
Room:
ART 114
Teaching Assistant: Gabrielle Legault
TA email:
gabrielle.legault@alumni.ubc.ca
This course is the continuing section of the introduction to gender, race, sexuality, power and
social studies. We will continue our survey of gender and power relations, giving particular
attention to how race, sexuality and ability intersect with health, resource distribution, economic,
globalization and social movements. We will devote particular attention to the application of
theory to contemporary concepts and social issues. This course provides an interdisciplinary
overview of feminist theory and methods, and analysis of subjective and objective experiences of
sexuality, violence, family life, work, law, and social policy issues.
Course Format
Twice weekly lecture-based meetings, with small group activities and discussions. Lectures will
cover assigned readings as well as supplementary material.
Learning Outcomes
• To introduce students to practical applications of the interdisciplinary field of gender
studies
• Learn, apply and evaluate various perspectives on gender studies and feminisms
• Develop research, writing, communication and critical thinking skills
Required Readings
Hobbs, Margaret and Carla Rice, Eds. Gender and Women’s Studies in Canada; Critical Terrain.
Toronto: Women’s Press, 2013.
Additional readings and visual material may be added to the course, and will be available
through Connect.
1
Evaluation Criteria and Grading
Quiz
Journal
Proposal
Research Paper
Final Exam
20%
20%
5%
25%
30%
February 18
Due Weekly (10 entries)
March 3
April 8
During Exam Period
Personal Reflection Journal: Students will submit personal reflections from 10 of the classes,
based on lecture content, course readings and connections to your personal experiences. In lieu
of a participation grade, this is a low stakes assignment, at 2% each entry. I will occasionally
pose questions for students to answer in their journals which are optional inspirations for your
journal entries. There are a variety of possible responses, and you will be graded based on effort
and engagement with material, as well as your ability to make connections with practical
experience. Reflection papers are due Sunday midnight before the following Monday classes.
Late submissions are not permitted - no extensions granted. Each submission should be
approximately 1-2 pages double-spaced. You are welcome to write longer entries. Further
instruction will be presented in class. Journals entries should be submitted electronically through
Connect or to your TA.
Midterm Quiz: The midterm quiz will cover all material covered up to that date, and you will
have the full class to complete it. The format will be short-answer questions.
Final Exam: The final exam will take place during the university’s formal examination period.
The exam is cumulative and will cover all material we have studied, in lectures and in the
readings. The format will be short-answer questions and one essay-style response.
Research Paper: Research papers will engage in-depth with one topic related to course material,
in 7-8 pages double-spaced. Proposals for the paper will be a 1-2 pages, outlining the central
topic of analysis, questions proposed concerning the topic and 5 academic references. The
proposal exercise will help you clarify your focus early in the course and allow your instructor to
give you extensive feedback on your ideas. Further instructions will be provided in class.
2
Research papers will be graded based on the following criteria:
Research
• Sources are relevant to the topic and appropriate for study
• Topic is researched and described in sufficient depth
• Effective synthesis, making logical connections between resources and social issues
• Minimum of five academic references (i.e. peer-reviewed books and journal articles);
additional non-academic resources are welcome (i.e. websites, documentaries, blogs, etc)
Content
• Clearly defined focus and arguments
• Fully explore important aspects of the topic in sufficient depth and detail
• Comprehension of research, explained fully, clearly, and accurately
• Reasoned arguments supported with evidence and analysis
• Application of theories to social issues
• Recognition of broader implications of social issues
• Depth of intersectional critical analysis
Writing
• Well-organized, with logical and systematic connections
• Written clearly and comprehensible; convey coherent and intended meanings
• Grammar, accurate and effective sentence structure
• Vocabulary, appropriate for postsecondary level
• Academic tone (avoids slang, etc)
• Effective use of quotations and references
• Personal opinion, I statements and subjectivity are welcome, (backed up evidence-based
knowledge)
Late Policy: 10% a day will be deducted for late assignments. Extensions can be requested for
emergencies with appropriate documentation.
Grading System:
Undergraduate Course Grading System is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F. Intervals for the
assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:
A+ 90 – 100
A 85-89
A- 80-84
B+
B
BD
76-79
72-75
68-71
50 – 54
C+
C
CF
64-67
60 - 63
55-59
0 - 49
3
Course Schedule
January 4 & 7
Week 1: Introduction
Introduction: Mapping the Terrain of Gender and Women’s Studies in Canada. p. xvii-xxix
Chapter 1: You're a Hardcore Feminist. I Swear, Jessica Valenti
January 11 & 14
Week 2: Intersectionality
Chapter 5: Intersectional Feminist Frameworks: A Primer, Canadian Research Institute for the
Advancement of Women (CRIAW)
Supplement 3: Intersectionality Wheel Diagram
Chapter 26: Women's Experience of Racism: How Race and Gender Interact, Canadian Research
Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW)
January 18 & 21
Week 3: Critical Thinking
• Thinking Critically (2008). The Open University (In Connect)
January 25, 28 & February 1
Week 4/5: Health & Dis/ability
Chapter 44: Introduction to Women and Health: Power, Technology, Inequality, and Conflict in a
Gendered World, Kathryn S. Ratcliff
Supplement 27: Activist Insight: Our Bodies, Ourselves
Chapter 45: Racism, Women's Health, and Reproductive Freedom, Carolyn Egan and Linda
Gardner
Chapter 46: Women, Disability, and the Right to Health, Paula C. Pinto
Supplement 28: Understanding the Social Determinants of Health
Supplement 29: How Sexism and Racism Determine Health
4
February 4
Week 5: Social Status & Reproductive Rights
Supplement 30: Large Numbers of Natives Were Sterilized by Province, Brian Savage
Chapter 50: A Primer on Reproductive Justice and Social Change, Lorette Ross, Sistersong
Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective, Rickie Solinger, and Population and
Development Program at Hampshire College
Supplement 31: Reproductive Rights around the World
Feb 8-12 Reading Break (no classes)
February 15
Week 6: Violence
Chapter 51: The Ultimate Rape Victim, Jane Doe
Chapter 52: Factsheet: Violence against Women and Girls, Marika Morris and the Canadian
Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW)
Supplement 32: 10 Things Men Can Do to Prevent Gender Violence, Jackson Katz
February 18
Midterm Quiz
February 22 & 25
Week 7: Globalization and Neo-Liberalism
Supplement 33: What Is Neo-liberal Globalization? Alison Jagger
Chapter 54: Women and Globalization, Shawn Meghan Burn
Supplement 34: The IMF: Violating Women since 1945, Christine Ahn and Kavita Ramdas
Chapter 55: Women behind the Labels: Worker Testimonies from Central America, STITCH and
the Maquila Solidarity Network
February 29 & March 3
Week 8: Shifting Economy
Chapter 59: Factsheet: Women and Restructuring in Canada, Deborah Stienstra
Chapter 60: Provisioning: Thinking about All of Women's Work, Marge Reitsma-Street, Sheila
Neysmith, Stephanie Baker-Collins, and Elaine Porter
5
March 7 & 10
Week 9: Poverty and Homelessness
Chapter 61: Poverty in Canada, Ann Duffy and Nancy Mandell
Supplement 36: Hidden Homelessness, Raising the Roof
Chapter 63: Research Bulletin no. 2: Women and Homelessness, Street Health and Sistering
Supplement 37: Rural Women and Poverty
Chapter 34: A Study of Women's Homelessness North of 60, The Little Voices of Nunavut
March 14 & 17
Week 10: Social Movements in Canada
Supplement 38: Activist Insight: History Shows the Importance of Breaking Silence, Paulette
Senior
Chapter 65: The Women's Movement in Canada, Jacquetta Newman and Linda White
Chapter 66: 2,000 Good Reasons to March, Fédération des femmes du Québec
Supplement 39: Activist Insight: Messages of Hope for Young Aboriginal Women, Priscilla
Settee
March 21 & 24
Week 11: Transnational Feminisms
Supplement 41: The World Conferences on Women
Chapter 68: The Evolution of Transnational Feminisms: Consensus, Conflict, and New
Dynamics, Aili Mari Tripp
Supplement 42: Feminism without Borders
Supplement 43: Gender Power in the United Nations
Supplement 44: Global Women's Strike, Huelga Mundial de Mujeres
March 28 - Easter Monday (no classes)
March 31
Week 12: Gender and Emotions
• No readings
6
April 4 & 7
Week 13: Course Review
• No readings
Final Examinations
The examination period for Term 1 of Winter 2016 is April 11-26. Except in the case of
examination clashes and hardships (three or more formal examinations scheduled within a 24hour period) or unforeseen events, students will be permitted to apply for out-of-time final
examinations only if they are representing the University, the province, or the country in a
competition or performance; serving in the Canadian military; observing a religious rite; working
to support themselves or their family; or caring for a family member. Unforeseen events include
(but may not be limited to) the following: ill health or other personal challenges that arise during
a term and changes in the requirements of an ongoing job.
Further information on Academic Concession can be found under Policies and Regulation in the
Okanagan Academic Calendar http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,48,0,0
Academic Integrity
The academic enterprise is founded on honesty, civility, and integrity. As members of this
enterprise, all students are expected to know, understand, and follow the codes of conduct
regarding academic integrity. At the most basic level, this means submitting only original work
done by you and acknowledging all sources of information or ideas and attributing them to
others as required. This also means you should not cheat, copy, or mislead others about what is
your work. Violations of academic integrity (i.e., misconduct) lead to the breakdown of the
academic enterprise, and therefore serious consequences arise and harsh sanctions are imposed.
For example, incidences of plagiarism or cheating may result in a mark of zero on the
assignment or exam and more serious consequences may apply if the matter is referred to the
President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline. Careful records are kept in order to
monitor and prevent recurrences.
A more detailed description of academic integrity, including the University’s policies and
procedures, may be found in the Academic Calendar at
http://okanagan.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,0.
UBC Okanagan Disability Resource Centre
The Disability Resource Centre ensures educational equity for students with disabilities, injuries
or illness. If you are disabled, have an injury or illness and require academic accommodations to
meet the course objectives, please contact Earllene Roberts, the Diversity Advisor for the
Disability Resource Centre located in Commons Corner in the University Centre building (UNC
227).
7
UNC 227A 250.807.9263
email earllene.roberts@ubc.ca
Web: www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/drc
UBC Okanagan Ombuds Office
The Ombuds Office offers independent, impartial, and confidential support to students in
navigating UBC policies, processes, and resources, as well as guidance in resolving concerns
related to fairness.
UNC 227B 250.807.9818
email: ombuds.office.ok@ubc.ca
Web: http://ombudsoffice.ubc.ca/ubc-okanagan-2/
UBC Okanagan Equity and Inclusion Office
UBC Okanagan is a place where every student, staff and faculty member should be able to study
and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. UBC prohibits
discrimination and harassment on the basis of the following grounds: age, ancestry, colour,
family status, marital status, physical or mental disability, place of origin, political belief, race,
religion, sex, sexual orientation or unrelated criminal conviction. If you require assistance related
to an issue of equity, discrimination or harassment, please contact the Equity and Inclusion
Office.
UNC 227C 250.807.9291
email: equity.ubco@ubc.ca
Web: www.ubc.ca/okanagan/equity
Health & Wellness
SAFEWALK
Don't want to walk alone at night? Not too sure how to get somewhere on campus? Call
Safewalk at 250-807-8076. For more information, see: http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/
campuslife/safewalk.html
8