Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - GSWS 331 E100

Queer Genders (4)

Class Number: 8780

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units, including three unist in GSWS. Students who have taken GDST 301, or WS 301 Special Topics: Theorizing Queer Genders may not take this course for further credit.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to current debates on gender identity and gender difference from the perspectives of queer subjects. Explores recent theoretical and cultural works on gender from queer, transgender, and feminist perspectives, while examining the challenges they pose to current understanding of sex, gender, sexuality, and the body.

COURSE DETAILS:

Queer Genders Femmes, Queens, and Fantasies of Femininity This course critically interrogates genders and presentations that engage with femininity.  We will explore how femininity and queerness meet at intersections of race, class, age, location, and ability and how these intersections so frequently framed as points of oppression can also be sites of bodily resistance and identity empowerment.  We will dissect dominant cultural representations of femininity and explore ‘femme’ as both a political and de-politicized identity, category and label.  We will use feminist and queer theories to unpack the linkages between femininity, weakness, sensitivity and other supposed inherent traits with their corresponding loaded meanings.   Our studies will include creative works as we both pursue and destabilize the holistic femme identity.

At the end of this course you will be able:
- to develop an understanding of current debates on gender difference, from a queer feminine perspective
- to critically engage with femininity and feminism- including supportive points and those of discord
- to challenge dominant and normative cultural products reifying feminine oppression and gender-based violence
- to explain and understand the historical and contemporary context of femininity and its points of both oppression and privilege

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Leading Discussion 15%
  • Mid-term Exam 15%
  • Film Review 20%
  • Photo Essay 20%
  • Photo Essay Presentation 10%

REQUIREMENTS:

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity. Julia Serano

Red Light: Superheros, Saints, and Sluts. Edited by Anna Camilleri

Brazen Femme: Queering Femininity. Edited by Chloe Brushwood Rose and Anna Camilleri

Other 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