Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - GSWS 333 D100

Ruth Wynn Woodward Advanced Seminar (4)

Gender Ethnicity Modern China

Class Number: 10449

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A special topic in women's or gender studies, to be offered by the Woodward Chair.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will guide students to understand the operation and validation of state power through the representational politics of gender, ethnicity, and class categories in the People’s Republic of China. We employ an interdisciplinary perspective that includes historical and anthropological analysis, gender and performance studies, and critical Indigenous studies. Questions that guide this course are: How are nation-building and state projects of gender and ethnicity entangled with each other? How have discourses of gender and ethnicity changed over time? How do gender construction and ethnic hierarchy solidify exploitation and control over certain national subjects? What have been and continue to be key socio-political discourses used during China’s development, and at what expense to the autonomy of national minorities or social and environmental justice? How can we understand the exacerbation of state violence and ethnic tensions in China today?

The assignments in this course cumulatively exercise skills of recognizing gendered discourse in public forums, understanding the stakes of deconstructing them, and forming a meaningful narrative out of criticism. The students can expect to improve their analytical writing abilities, presentation skills, and learn about Chinese history and contemporary China from the oft-overlooked but surprisingly comprehensive perspective of gender and ethnicity. There is no Chinese language requirement for this course. Chinese primary sources and materials are translated to English.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

Grading

  • Participation and Attendance 15%
  • Map quiz (x2) 10%
  • In-class Assessments (x5) 25%
  • Critical Response Essay (x3) 30%
  • Poster presentations (final) 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

·   Various content (handouts, journal articles, videos etc.) available on Canvas and/or via SFU library databases.
·  Exercises handed out in class.

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