Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - POL 350 E100

Public Policy for Women (4)

Class Number: 13097

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2018
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines issues where ideas about males and females either explicitly or implicitly influence policy makers. Focuses on current public policies and their relationship to women on topics such as sexuality and violence, economic security, race and inequality, and climate change. Students who have taken this topic under GSWS 320 (or WS 320) may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

In Canada profound shifts have occurred in the ways that women and gender inequalities are treated in public policy. The kinds of progressive changes that characterized the results of earlier feminist action have been undermined in the last two decades: the issue of gender equality has been all but erased from government focus and action. This course will focus on the reasons for these changes, the kinds of actions that are effective in influencing public policy, and what would characterize public policy that would meet women’s needs and gender equality. The course also will examine how ideas about males and females either explicitly or implicitly influence policy makers on a wide variety of issues. In most instances public policy is silent about women, but this does not mean women are immune from the implications of any policy. This course will specifically expose students to current public policies and their relationship to women on topics such as intimate relationships, sexuality, labour, economic security, and race, ethnicity and inequality.

Learning Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of the way women are affected by public policy and government actions and also how public policy can be influenced by women to meet their different needs.

There will be a 4-hour lecture each week.

Grading

  • Attendance & class participation 15%
  • Class presentation 15%
  • Mid-term test (in class) 20%
  • Short Essay (2000 words) 30%
  • Final Exam (scheduled) 20%

NOTES:

All assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade to be assigned.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Marjorie Griffin Cohen and Jane Pulkingham, eds. Public Policy for Women: The State, Income Security, and Labour Market Issues (University of Toronto, 2009).

Angela Miles, ed.  Women in a Globalizing world:  Transforming Equality, Development, Diversity and Peace (INANNA Publications, 2013).

Marjorie Griffin Cohen, ed. Climate Change and Gender in Rich Countries: Work, Public Policy and Action (Routledge, 2017).

Selected articles provided by instructor

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

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