Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - POL 416W B100

Feminist Social and Political Thought (4)

Class Number: 6280

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    VANCOUVER

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course will examine the works of major feminist thinkers and the problems of developing feminist theory. Students with credit for POL 416 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This course will explore the development of feminist social and political thought as well as feminist agendas for progressive change. The objectives of this course are to enable students to gain a nuanced understanding of feminism(s) and feminist perspectives and aims. They are to provide students with tools for feminist analyses of politics, political institutions, and public policies toward achieving gender justice and liberation locally and globally.

Course Organization:

There will be a three-hour seminar and one hour of activities on Canvas each week, in addition to regular readings and assignments. Most seminars will be in-person; some will be via Zoom. The dates for each type of seminar will be announced at the beginning of term.

Note:  This course is combined with POL 816.

Grading

  • Participation and Check-Ins 25%
  • Detailed Essay Outline and Annotated Bibliography 25%
  • Essay 25%
  • Essay Presentation 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required Texts:

Amber Dawn and Justin Ducharme, Hustling Verse: An Anthology of Sex Workers’ Poetry (Arsenal, 2019)

Arruzza, Cinzia, Tithi Bhattacharya, and Nancy Fraser, Feminism for the 99%: A Manifesto (Verso, 2019).

hooks, bell, Feminist Theory from Margin to Center (South End Press, 1984).

Starblanket, Gina, e.d., Making Space for Indigenous Feminism (Fernwood, 2024).

Vaid-Menon, Alok, Beyond the Gender Binary (Penguin, 2020).

Recommended:

Turabian, Kate, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 9th Edition, revised by Wayne C. Booth et al. (University of Chicago Press, 2018).

 

These texts are available in the library, on reserve, and/or in the bookstore (and some maybe available second hand or in PDF online).

All other required readings will be on Canvas or available otherwise on-line.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

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.