Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - GSWS 411 D100

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

Feminist Media Studies

Class Number: 3743

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units in GSWS.

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:

Feminist media studies draw on the disciplines of critical media studies, communication, cultural studies, and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies to bring feminist perspectives to understanding media culture. Taking an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach, students will explore the various theoretical and methodological approaches to researching the media across a variety of feminist perspectives. We will pay particular attention to the epistemological assumptions and challenges of feminist media studies research (i.e., How is feminist media studies research conducted? What are the different theoretical concepts, methods and methodologies? How is knowledge produced by feminist media scholars and who is it for?). The first part of the course will explore seminal works in feminist media theory, and the second part of the course will look at different research methods. Course learning will prepare students to think through and develop their own feminist media studies mini-project. Therefore, class time will be split between traditional learning (reading and discussing the various works), peer-based learning and support (leading discussion and getting project feedback throughout the semester), and skill-building where needed (such as developing certain technical or research skills). Note: this senior-level class will be run as a seminar with minimal lecturing, therefore consistent student attendance and participation is integral to building a critically engaging and productive learning environment. Students will be consulted during the first-class regarding course expectations and what they hope to achieve during the semester.

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 20%
  • Discussion Leader (alone or in pairs) 10%
  • Reading Responses 20%
  • Literature Review 30%
  • Research Question and Proposal 10%
  • End of Term Presentation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Assigned course readings will be available on Canvas or online.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Harvey, Alison. Feminist Media Studies. Polity, 2019.

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.