Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - POL 350 J100

Public Policy for Women (4)

Class Number: 4590

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines issues where ideas about males and females either explicitly or implicitly influence policy makers. Focuses on current public policies and their relationship to women on topics such as sexuality and violence, economic security, race and inequality, and climate change. Students who have taken this topic under GSWS 320 (or WS 320) may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The Me Too Movement and the SNC-Lavallin affair illustrate how gender remains an important issue for contemporary politics.  This course explores the relationships between women and contemporary public policy in Canada and in other countries. New challenges, such as climate change and new technologies influence men and women differently. How can public policy makers reduce the gender gap in variety of areas, including political participation and employment opportunities? Since women are not a homogenous group, how can public policy makers also take into account the way women are differently situated depending on their race and class? What role do women’s movements play in such areas as violence against women, family law, and poverty?

There will be one 4-hour lecture each week.

Grading

  • Class Participation 10%
  • Small group exercises 10%
  • Short paper 15%
  • Term paper proposal 10%
  • Term paper 25%
  • In class Quizzes 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Women and Politics in a Global World Third edition, Sarah L. Henderson and Alana S. Jeydel (Oxford University Press 2013) 
ISBN: 9780199899661

Jacquetta Newman and Linda A. White, Women, Politics, and Public Policy: The Political Struggles of Canadian Women, Oxford University Press 2012)
ISBN: 9780195432497

Selected readings, available on reserve in the library

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS