Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GSWS 102 D900

Feminist Action (3)

Class Number: 3375

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An historical and comparative survey of feminisms and feminist activism in Western European, North American, and Global communities. Students who have completed WS 102 may not take GSWS 102 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course we will explore the history of feminist actions and social movements from the mid-eighteenth century to today. We will explore histories and activisms from around the globe.  We will use texts created by activists from a range of historical periods and geographies to come to an understanding of the diversity of feminist actions.

At the end of this course, you will:

  • Be able to discuss definitions of ‘feminism’
  • Be aware of the major schools of feminist thought
  • Understand the concepts of, and problems with, ‘waves of feminism’
  • Understand that different movements prioritized different agendas at different times
  • Explain feminist action on major topics such as suffrage; reproductive rights; sexuality; education; and violence.

Be able to provide examples and case studies from across the globe.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

Grading

  • Assignment A – Due Date January 23 at 11:59pm on Canvas: Electronic postcards 5%
  • Assignment B – Due Date January 30 at 11:59 pm on Canvas: Reading Exercise – Mitchell 5%
  • Assignment C - Due Date February 6 at 11:59 pm on Canvas: Reading Exercise – Kumar 5%
  • Assignment D – Due Date April 3at 11:59 pm on Canvas: Reading Exercise - Szalay 5%
  • Assignment E (1,2,3,4,..) – (Each worth 5% and total of 20%): Artefacts 20%
  • Assignment F – February 27 Midterm Exam 20%
  • Assignment G – April 10 End-term Exam 30%
  • Assignment H – Ongoing Participation 10%

NOTES:

Grading Policy:

All assignments will be graded out of 100% and the grade then scaled to the % of the assignments weight. So, on paper you may see 80% for the Midterm but on Canvas it will show as 16/20 marks. Grading is based on the GSWS grading policy.

Extra Credit:

There is an opportunity to earn an additional 2% extra credit for attending the Maggie Benston History event.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings:

All required readings are available free on Canvas. Some readings are academic but others are writings from activists from their time that were published in activist and feminist leaflets, pamphlets and magazines. Readings are organized by topic and three are assessed as assignments but all are graded as part of your contributions to tutorial conversations and in the MIDTERM and ENDTERM tests.

Podcasts:

‘Jen’s Podcasts’, created by me and available for you to download from Canvas, are part of the course materials as are specific podcast episodes listed on the syllabus. Items mentioned in the podcast material we listen to may be on the midterm and end-term tests. The idea is that you can pop on your headphones, go for your walk, wash the dishes etc. whilst listening.

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.