Spring 2018 - GSWS 205 D100
Gender and Popular Culture (3)
Class Number: 3365
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Tasha Patterson
ndp@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A study of women's place in society as revealed through the analysis of a variety of media. Students who have completed WS 205 may not complete this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
In this introductory course, students will consider some of the key contributions feminists have made to the study of gender and popular culture. The course is divided into two sections: part one will provide students with the theoretical tools necessary to critique gender and popular culture, and part two, will explore specific forms and debates, from film and TV, to the Internet and social media. We will approach the study of gender and popular culture using an intersectional approach, in order to better understand how identity shapes our consumption and participation in popular culture. Students will be evaluated on their ability to use theoretical arguments, key concepts and terms, and to explain and analyze various aspects of popular culture. Students are encouraged to utilize their personal experiences to facilitate critical thought so as long as it is relevant to the course topic(s). Students should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the various feminist perspectives and approaches to interpreting popular culture. Finally, as this course deals with current issues and topics of interest in feminism, gender, and popular culture, students are expected to familiarize themselves with relevant cultural forms and current events (i.e., TV shows, films), and to be able to draw on these examples to illustrate critical points.
· Students will think critically about how popular culture constructs gendered, classed, and racial identities
· Students will explore how feminists have intervened in debates about popular culture
· Students will reflect on how we negotiate, identify with, and make meaning of popular culture
· Students will also consider how we have resisted and/or produced alternative images and forms that challenge mainstream representations
· Students will become familiar with and implement critical feminist frameworks through which to analyze the popular culture that they see in their everyday lives
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
I Display disciplinary knowledge of core concepts of gender and sexuality.
For more detailed information please see the GSWS website: http://www.sfu.ca/gsws/courses/Educational_Goals.html
Grading
- Attendance & Classroom Etiquette 10%
- In‐class Group Work/Discussions 20%
- In‐class Midterm Exam 30%
- Final paper 40%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
· Readings will be available on the course Canvas.
· Other readings available on the web.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS