Fall 2019 - GSWS 306 D100

Gender, Sexuality and Autobiographical Media (4)

Class Number: 10321

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units including three units in GSWS or WS or GDST.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of autobiographical expressions of gender and sexuality across diverse media, including print and visual culture, performance arts, and digital media. Students who have completed WS 306 may not complete this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

“the act of writing one’s autobiography is a way to find again that aspect of self and experience that may no longer be an actual part of one’s life but is a living memory shaping and informing the present” (bell hooks remembered rapture, 1999:84)  

“They wanted to tone down the sex and drugs. But I haven’t led a PG-13 life.” (Elton John re: Rocketman; The Guardian, May 26, 2019)  

Through the study of vlogs, radio/streaming audio, film, self-portrait, and various length and style of texts, this course investigates intersectional autobiographical narratives/representations of gender and sexuality. Students will learn about analyzing autobiographical media, how representations are influenced by cultural and historical context (including but not limited to colonialism, imperialism, patriarchy, racism, and ableism), and the purposes/uses of autobiographical representations. Voices of various marginal perspectives are highlighted. Students will apply their learning to an autobiographic project.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

For more detailed information please see the GSWS website: http://www.sfu.ca/gsws/courses/Educational_Goals.html

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Mini Assignments 10%
  • Quizzes 20%
  • Autobiographical Representation Proposal 10%
  • Autobiographical Representation 25%
  • Autobiographical Analysis 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

·   Dirie, Waris and Cathleen Miller. 2011 [1998]. Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad. Second Edition. William Morrow.
·   Gilmore, Leigh. 1994. Autobiographics: A Feminist Theory of Women’s Self-Representation. Cornell University Press.
·   Jiménez, Karleen Pendleton. 2011. How To Get a Girl Pregnant. Tightrope Books.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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