Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - GSWS 399 D100

Gender, Sex and Numbers (4)

Class Number: 4220

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Jun 17, 2019: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 6 – Jun 17, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Through an examination of the social construction of numbers and other forms of quantitative data will provide an introduction to measurement and its use within social justice movements and policy circles. In analyzing such topics as the relationship between professional, state and community conceptualizations of quantitative evidence, students will make use of introductory statistical concepts, methods and argument. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

In an era when “Big Data” rules, a critical engagement with the production, collection, and analysis of data (of all kinds) is ever important. This course examines the how and why of quantitative data from a feminist perspective. Students will be introduced to quantitative measurements and their uses, especially within social justice movements and policy circles. Students will learn to interpret and evaluate quantitative data through topics like smart cities, economic justice, and tools used to address urban liveability (safety, housing, transit).

  The course focuses on critical quantitative methods, practiced independently and collaboratively, through three components: census data (how to gather and analyze it), survey data (how to design, conduct, and analyze it), and statistical concepts and methods.   Students will become conversant in a feminist analysis of quantitative datasets and measurement.

Students will understand how to use and explain basic statistical concepts and methods. Students will learn how to gather and analyze census and survey data. Students will use an intersectional feminist lens to interpret and analyze the role that quantitative data may play in transformative justice

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

Grading

  • Independent and collaborative data analysis (in the lab) exercises 15%
  • Survey research exercise 15%
  • Discussion paper 15%
  • Research reflection paper 15%
  • Datawalk activity and analysis 40%

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