Spring 2018 - GSWS 800 G100

Methodology in Women's Studies Research (5)

Class Number: 6661

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary seminar in methods of research in women's studies. Students will examine theoretical issues in women's studies methodology and study examples of research and criticism from women's studies in history, art/literary criticism, philosophy, psychology and social and natural sciences. Emphasis will be placed on developing a rigorous and creative interdisciplinary approach to problems. Students will apply methods studied in the course to their own areas of concentration.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an exploration into the theories, purpose, scope, and strategies for feminist research methods. It is an interdisciplinary seminar with a substantive focus on feminist research in the social sciences.  

We will begin by addressing the distinction between methodology and method, and our focus over the semester will often return to questions of knowledge production: what forms of knowledge are perceived to be valid and valuable? Whose voices “count”? And how can we shift unequal power relations by incorporating the knowledge and experience from those who have been historically marginalized?  

We will read about and evaluate research design, examining the use of quantitative, qualitative, and historical methods. We will discuss how these methods are employed in different research contexts, by focusing on the methodological and ethical considerations that emerge from the research question. Students will gain hands-on experience conducting interviews and exploring oral history methodologies, from project conception to research output. Students will also read and evaluate graduate-level research methodologies.  

The goal of this course is to engage students in an examination of, and conversation about, feminist research methods. Students will gain hands-on experience in designing research methodology and practicing participatory methods.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

I Demonstrate Advanced knowledge of core concepts and theories.
II Develop transferable professional skills.
For more detailed information please see the GSWS website: http://www.sfu.ca/gsws/courses/Educational_Goals.html

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 25%
  • Summary, evaluation, and presentation of academic texts 25%
  • Research methodology: application and analysis 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

* Richa Nagar, 2014, Muddying the Waters, University of Illinois Press.
* Readings will be available on Canvas and/or accessed through the SFU Library.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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