Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - SA 335 D100

Gender Relations and Social Issues (S) (4)

Class Number: 1181

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jun 26 – Aug 3, 2018: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jun 26 – Aug 3, 2018: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A sociological study of the position of women and men in major social institutions in western industrial societies, in particular Canada. Social institutions that may be examined include: the family, education, the economy, the polity, law, and the mass media. Particular attention will be paid to social policy issues. Students with credit for SA 292 (when offered as gender relations) or GSWS 308 (or WS 308) may not take SA 335 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will consider the social and cultural construct of “gender,” with a focus on the relationship between the concept of gender and other forms of “difference,” in particular, the concepts of “race” and “sexuality.” Using a collection of popular essays, a graphic novel, and academic essays, we will consider this matrix from the perspective of mobility across space and time. We will consider the content of these materials, as well as the characteristics of the various genres and disciplines they represent. In addition, students will develop their own group reading lists (under supervision), as well as identifying additional research materials in the SFU and other databases. We will consider “policy” as a hybrid genre that reflects academic research and deliberative processes. Students will identify policy documents for analysis in class.

Students are encouraged to identify specific questions about immigration/migration/historical mobility that are of interest to them. This intensive course offers students with an already developed interest in a specific gender/mobility-related topic the opportunity to write a substantial research paper on their chosen topic. Students with broader interests may opt to write several shorter papers on different aspects of a theme, or, they may write papers on different topics as these arise in class.

Grading

  • Participation/attendance 25%
  • Short papers x 5 (10% ea) 50%
  • Final project 25%

NOTES:

Grading. Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

*Please note Late papers (except the final paper) will be accepted, but no more than one week after they are due. Late papers should be handed during your regularly scheduled class time. There will be a deduction for late papers. The highest grade a late paper can receive is a “B.” No late final papers will be accepted.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐ S10.04).  Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 1) This is an intense seminar, and our direction will be dictated by student interests. Therefore class attendance is essential.  There will be several pop quizzes and other graded in-class activities. There are no make-ups for these, unless you have a documented absence.
  • 2) Short papers: There are 5 short papers (5 pages double-spaced; approx. 1250-1400 words) as follows:
    • a. Analysis of a popular media text related to gender, race, sexuality and mobility
    • b. Analysis of a policy document related to gender, race, sexuality and mobility
    • c. Literature review of a theme/topic of interest and relevant to the course
    • d. Discussion of a theoretical approach to a topic relevant to the course
    • e. Short paper of your choice
  • 3) Final project:
    • a. A substantial final paper, you may re-edit work from a-e above (20 pages double-spaced; approx. 5000-5500 words)
    • b. One additional short paper and a portfolio of all the papers, showing revisions

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Patton, C.K., & Sanchez-Eppler, B. (Eds.). (2000). Queer diasporas. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
ISBN: 978-0822324225

Jenkins, M. (2018). This will be my undoing: Living at the intersection of black, female, and feminist in (white) America. New York: Harper Perennial.
ISBN: 978-0062666154

Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis: The story of a childhood. New York: Pantheon Books.
ISBN: 978-0375714573

Additional background texts will be available on Canvas or in the eBooks.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS