Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - GSWS 399 D100

Gender, Sex and Numbers (4)

Class Number: 1721

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Through an examination of the social construction of numbers and other forms of quantitative data will provide an introduction to measurement and its use within social justice movements and policy circles. In analyzing such topics as the relationship between professional, state and community conceptualizations of quantitative evidence, students will make use of introductory statistical concepts, methods and argument. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

In an era when “Big Data” rules, critically engaging with the production, collection, and analysis of data (of all kinds) is essential. This course examines the how and why of quantitative data from a feminist perspective. Students will be introduced to quantitative measurements and their uses, especially within social justice movements and policy circles. Students will learn to interpret and evaluate quantitative data through topics like smart cities, economic justice, and tools used to address urban liveability (safety, housing, transit).

The course focuses on critical quantitative methods, practiced independently and collaboratively, through three components: census data (how to gather and analyze it), survey data (how to design, conduct, and analyze it), and statistical concepts and methods.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course Goals:

  • Students will become conversant in a feminist analysis of quantitative datasets and measurement.
  • Students will understand how to use and explain basic statistical concepts and methods.
  • Students will learn how to gather and analyze census and survey data.
  • Students will use an intersectional feminist lens to interpret and analyze the role that quantitative data may play in transformative justice.

Educational Goals:

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

Grading

  • Course participation 15%
  • Researcher reflections & Individual exercises 15%
  • In-class survey activities (Collaborative design & quizzes) 20%
  • In-class research design workshop (Individual & collaborative exercise) 10%
  • Datawalk activity and analysis (Individual or collaborative exercise) 40%

NOTES:

Exam period June 22-28

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required content (journal articles, videos, etc.) will be available on Canvas, Statistics Canada, and SFU library databases.

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.