FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES FEMINIST THEORY GWGS 6601.

01 COURSE OUTLINE Winter 2012 ALAN D. BROWN EVARISTUS 440 OFFICE HOURS: TUESDAY 1:00-3:00 AND BY APPOINTMENT PHONE: 457-6239 EMAIL: ALAN.BROWN1@MSVU.CA (PLEASE USE THIS EMAIL FOR ALL CONTACT) TEACHING AND LEARNING PLATFORM Moodle login: http://moodlelive.msvu.ca Moodle Student Guide: http://moodlelive.msvu.ca/mod/resource/view.php?id=34234 Technical Help: If you require assistance with Moodle, please first contact Distance Learning: (902) 457-6717; Email: online@msvu.ca CLASS MEETS: TUESDAY 4:30-6:59 (EVR 437) COURSE DESCRIPTION An in-depth study of feminist theory, emphasizing theoretical development over time and common assumptions and debates among feminist scholars. COURSE PRE-REQUISITES Admission to the Graduate Program COURSE GOAL This course is designed as a seminar to provide a venue for the indepth discussion of major approaches to feminist social theory and critique. I have attempted to cover what I see as the important movements in the historical development of feminist theory. The reading list is representative, not exhaustive. The hope is that the topics and readings discussed in class will give you the necessary tools to develop your graduate thesis in a balanced, sophisticated and critical manner.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this course the student will be able to: Explain the historical development of feminist thought. Compare and contrast the main assumptions of core theoretical feminisms. Identify the epistemological importance of feminist scholarship. Critique major schools of feminist theory. COURSE TEXT(S) THERE ARE 7 REQUIRED BOOKS FOR THIS COURSE: England, Paula, ed. (1993) Theory on Gender/Feminism on Theory. New York: Aldine de Gruyter Hill Collins, Patricia (1990) Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness and the Politics of Empowerment. New York: Routledge hooks, bell (1984) Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center. Boston: South End Press. Humm, Maggie (1992) Modern Feminisms: Political, Literary, Cultural. New York: Columbia University Press. McRobbie, Angela (2009) The Aftermath of Feminism: Gender, Culture and Social Change. London: Sage Redfern, Catherine and Kristin Aune (2010) Reclaiming the "F" Word: The New Feminist Movement. London: Zed Welehan, Imelda (1995) Modern Feminist Thought: From the Second Wave to 'Post Feminism'. New York: New York University Press.

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES This course is designed in the spirit of the principles of active learning. My role in the course is to facilitate and encourage discussion and debate. Notes and handouts will be provided from time to time to assist you in your note taking and for preparing your written work.

SYLLABUS (WHAT WE WILL BE DOING, LEARNING AND WHEN THROUGHOUT THE COURSE):
Date Jan 10 Topic Introduction/Herstory Core Reading Humm (1-2;14) Whelehan (1) Redfern & Aune (Introduction) Humm (13) England (12-14) Hill Collins (10-11) Humm (3-4;7) Whelehan (2-3) England (2-6; chapter 1 recommended) England (8-9; 11; 15-16) Humm (5-6;8) Whelehan (4-5) hooks Hill Collins (1-9) Humm (9-10) England (7) Redfern & Aune (1-2) Humm (11) England (10) Redfern and Aune (3-6) Humm (12;15-16) Whelehan (6-10) McRobbie (1-3) Redfern & Aune (7) McRobbie (4-6) Humm (17)

Jan 17

Epistemologies/Methodologies

Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 7 Feb 14

Riding the Wave(s) Feminist Social Theory Ampersands

Feb 28 Mar 6 Mar 13

Minds Bodies

Mar 20 Mar 27 Apr 3

Movements and Culture(s) Crisis and Aftermath

In consultation with the class, the instructor reserves the right to amend the above course plan with reasonable notice to you. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION MARKS WILL BE EARNED BY THE FOLLOWING: ANALYTIC QUESTIONS SEMINAR DIRECTION FINAL PAPER (DUE DURING EXAM PERIOD) PARTICIPATION TOTAL ASSIGNMENTS: DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTATIONS ANALYTIC QUESTIONS Starting in the 3rd week of class, you will be required to submit at least 1 analytic question covering the readings assigned for that week. These will be due the MONDAY before the seminar meets.
3

30% 30% 30% 10% 100%

SEMINAR DIRECTION Each student will be required to lead the discussion in two seminars throughout the course of the term. This will require some additional work on your part above and beyond the normal preparation for class. This means you will have to prepare a short introduction to the key area to be discussed and facilitate the seminar participation. Please consult with me before selecting the topics for which you would like to be responsible. FINAL PAPER The final paper for this class should ideally be a critical analysis/reflection of a theory or theories that you think will inform your thesis project. If you are unsure of the topic of your thesis at this point then you may elect to do write an analytic paper that compares, contrasts and advances (applies) any two theories we have discussed in class.
GRADUATE GRADING SCHEME

The Mounts Undergraduate Course Guidelines for Marking can be read at: http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/graduatecalendar/regulations/22 7graduatelevelgradingscheme.aspx CONFLICTS Students requesting special consideration as a result of a conflict with a deadline for an assignment or an examination must do so in advance of the relevant deadline. LATE ASSIGNMENTS Given the structure of this course, it is imperative that you keep up with assignments. To that end, I will generally not accept late work, except under exceptional circumstances. Unexcused late work will be docked 10% each day late.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS You must submit all written assignments to receive a final grade. You must submit a hardcopy and/or an electronic version of your written assignment, which should be an example of an original, acceptable piece of scholarly work and follow the minimum/maximum page range indicated in the assignment details. Your written assignment must include the following information: a cover page that states: o your name o course title/name/number o your student I.D. # o title of assignment o date Format: Times Roman text font
4

12 point font 1 margin double-spaced paginated (numbered) citation style as per MLA, APA, etc.

You are responsible for keeping a back-up copy of all your written work. LANGUAGE Correct use of language is one of the criteria included in the evaluation of all written assignments. COURSE POLICIES (Read them!) ACADEMIC INTEGRITY You play a vital role in contributing to and maintaining the culture of academic integrity expected of everyone at MSVU. Statement on Plagiarism and Cheating: University regulations on Plagiarism and Cheating and academic offenses will be strictly enforced. These regulations including applicable procedures and penalties are detailed in the University Calendar and are posted on Department notice boards and on the Mount website at: http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/undergradprograms/regulati ons/academicoffenses.aspx ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students who have a disability and who require academic accommodations must register with Disability Services (http://www.msvu.ca/disabilityservices) as early as possible in order to receive accommodations. RESEARCH Students who conduct research involving human participants must have their research reviewed in accordance with the MSVU Policies and Procedures for Ethics Review of Research Involving Humans before starting the research. Check with your course professor or Chair of the Department about proper procedure. Class Attendance Regular attendance is expected of students at all classes; the Mount recognizes the significance of attendance by stating it in the Academic Calendar at: http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/undergradprograms/regulations/clas sattendance.aspx HELPFUL MSVU ONLINE RESOURCES FOR YOU Distance Learning and Continuing Education http://www.msvu.ca/Distance/index.asp For course-related/administrative inquiries, textbook inquiries, proctor inquiries, etc.
5

Email Distance Learning: distance@msvu.ca or call (902) 457-6511, toll free 1-800-6653838. Undergraduate Academic Calendar http://www.msvu.ca/calendar/undergraduate.asp Library http://www.msvu.ca/library/ Writing Resource Centre http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/academicadvisingsupport/writingresourcec entre/default.aspx Student Services http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/default.aspx PLEASE NOTE: Class Cancellation Line: (902) 457-6566