Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - GSWS 103 B100

Body Talk (3)

Class Number: 2917

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the field of GSWS through the body as a site of inquiry. We ask how bodies are disciplined and surveilled, and a source of resistance and change. Topics include: state management of bodies, the body as a source of self-determination and self-expression, bodies and technology.

COURSE DETAILS:

Introduces students to the field of GSWS through the body as a site of inquiry. We ask how bodies are disciplined and surveilled, and a source of resistance and change. Topics include: state management of bodies, the body as a source of self-determination and self-expression, bodies and technology.

Introduces students to the field of GSWS through the body as a site of inquiry. We explore how bodies are shaped, experienced, and studied across different historical, political, and social contexts. Areas of inquiry include: state management of bodies through modes of surveillance, reproductive politics, or political policy; the body as a source of self-determination and self-expression; bodies and technologies; and bodies and the environment. Topics include: rest as resistance, fat politics, Indigenous tattooing, menstrual politics, disability, racial and sexual health inequalities, gender affirming care and cosmetic surgery, asexuality and intimacy, the orgasm gap, and more.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

For more detailed information please see the GSWS website: https://www.sfu.ca/gsws/undergraduate/courses/goals

Grading

  • Plagiarism Quiz 5%
  • Weekly Comprehension Quizzes (small weekly assessments) 10%
  • Weekly Learning Activities (low stakes, full/partial/no credit) 15%
  • Three Short Writing Assignments (worth 8, 12, 15 points) 35%
  • Research Assignment 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings will be provided on Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.