Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - GSWS 321 D100

Special Topics in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (4)

Gender, Ethnicity & Politics of Fitness Cult.

Class Number: 4780

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    15 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A specific theme within the field of gender, sexuality, and women's studies, not otherwise covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses, will be dealt with as occasion and demand warrant.

COURSE DETAILS:

SYNCHRONOUS and/or ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS SCHEDULING

The course will be taught primarily via asynchronous learning. Asynchronous lectures will be posted to Canvas each week. There will be 1 scheduled synchronous (live) class discussion on Friday May 21, 2021 at 1:30 – 3:00pm. The purpose of this session is to provide an opportunity for students and instructor to meet in-person (virtually) to discuss aspects of the course content. The content for each topic will be released each Monday.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

I

In a culture where censuring of body types that do not meet a certain ‘fit’ standard is all too common, the everyday person often gets swept up in a struggle of trying to keep up with society’s expectations of fitness, fitness trends, the ‘fit body’ along with their own expectations of self and those of family, friends and of course culture/cultural mores and beliefs. In a culture that has given way to an upsurge in fitness services, businesses and different types of fitness routines, failure to position oneself as a fitness enthusiast could be viewed as demonstrating a lack of discipline over one’s body. But in this ‘keep-fit’ culture, how are identities perceived, constructed and performed? Do the same rules apply for all bodies? In this course we will explore the phenomenon of the fitness culture, paying close attention to the ways in which gender and ethnicity are regulated and performed. Broadly interdisciplinary in its concerns, this course is suitable for students across all disciplines.

Objectives: Familiarize students with the debates around fitness; Provide opportunities for students to think critically about the bearing that fitness has on notions of femininity and masculinity and ethnic bodies; Provide opportunities for students to develop enhanced skills in communication through written work; Encourage students to reflect on their own stereotypes and prejudices around fitness and the ‘fit body’.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

 

Grading

  • Participation and engagement in weekly discussions 25%
  • Peer Collaboration 10%
  • Documentary Review – 15% 15%
  • Final paperEnd of Module Activity – (5% each module) 20%
  • Final paper - (Small Group Submission) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A combination of academic journal articles and book chapters and audio-visual material accessible via Canvas and through the SFU library.


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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).