Summer 2019 - GSWS 205 D100
Gender and Popular Culture (3)
Class Number: 3341
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Aug 13, 2019
Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Mary Shearman
mshearma@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:
GSWS 205-3: GENDER AND POPULAR CULTURE: SHOWGIRLS: PERFORMANCE, EMBODIMENT AND SEXUALITY
Are erotic dancers shrewd workers or exploited by a patriarchal society? If femininity is a performance and not a ‘natural’ disposition, why is it still employed by so may people even though its history is sometimes conceived as synonymous with being oppressed? Can a feminist go-go dancer subversively use her performance to challenge the objectification of her body?
This course is designed to aid students in developing analytical skills by investigating and critiquing the formal and mundane performance of femininity. This will be achieved through gaining exposure to, and comprehension of performance studies and feminist theories that address the potential of the sexualized female performer. We will look at examples from venues such as burlesque dancing, performance art, punk music, and drag culture. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify ways in which people who seek to subvert gendered power relations can utilize the prescription of femininity.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
For more detailed information please see the GSWS website: http://www.sfu.ca/gsws/courses/Educational_Goals.html
Grading
- Mid-Term Test 15%
- Final Essay (Due last week of class) 25%
- Final Exam 25%
- Participation in class and on-line 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Available on-line through the SFU Library
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