Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - GSWS 822 G100

Graduate Seminar in Feminist Theory (5)

Class Number: 6529

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course will analyze and compare major feminist social and political theories, including those that have emerged from liberal, socialist and radical feminist traditions. The relationship among theories of sexism and political goals and practices will be discussed.

COURSE DETAILS:

The feminist activity and theory of the late twentieth century is often referred to as the ‘second wave’ and developed and co-existed with other social movements agitating for socialist goals, racial equality, gay liberation and anti-war amongst others. This was a historical period rich in discussions of a range of oppressions and the interconnections between sex, class, race and sexuality.

We will study a number of feminist theorists who constitute a selection of work from the tradition of western feminisms. This is not a complete representation nor is it intended to be so; it is a collection of some major writings from a variety of traditions (usually) identified as Liberal; Radical; Black; Materialist and Revolutionary feminisms. Each reading will be discussed in the context of the society and time in which it was originally published; as such we will also examine the history of the US in the 1950s and 1960s; Canada in the 1960s; the UK in the 1970s and 1980s and France in the late 1960s and 1970s. We will understand the formal political context; the legal position of women; the co-existence of other political movements and the state of feminist debates surrounding each of the works we will read. We will also discuss the political and social actions related to each of these strands of feminist thought, such as Reclaim the Night marches; campaigns for reproductive rights; educational and employment opportunities for women; anti-violence and pornography campaigns; Wages for Housework amongst others.

The course has a heavy reading list of complex, theoretical readings. You will find it challenging but we will work together to examine and analyze each of them to the best of our abilities. This course will help you develop a solid historical background, whilst providing the opportunity for you to develop your own personal research interests.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

Grading

  • Reading Reflections 30%
  • Seminar Presentations 30%
  • Essay Proposal with Annotated Bibliography: due mid term 10%
  • Final Paper: due one week after last class 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course Texts – any edition will do, they are all available cheaply from bookstores.

  • Betty Friedan 1963 – The Feminine Mystique
  • bell hooks 1981 – Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism
  • Shulamith Firestone 1970 – The Dialectic of Sex
  • Christine Delphy 1984 – Close to Home
  • Margaret Benston 1969 – ‘The Political Economy of Women’s Liberation’ (Canvas)
  • Betsy Warrior 1969 – ‘Housework: Slavery or a Labour of Love’ (supplied)
  • Silvia Federici – ‘Wages for Housework’ (Canvas)
  • Leeds Revolutionary Feminists 1981 – Love Your Enemy? The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianism, available online at scribd.com/doc/82867540/Love-Your-Enemy-The-Debate-Between-Heterosexual-Feminism-and-Political-Lesbianism
  • Feminist Review, 1984 No 17, Many Voices, One Chant: Black Feminist Perspectives (available via Library’s electronic journals)
  • Chandra Tapalde Mohanty – ‘Under Western Eyes’ (Canvas)
  • Feminism and Psychology, 1992 Special Edition on Heterosexuality, vol 2, no 3 (available via Library’s electronic journals)

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.