Catalog Description

Also known as SOC 10
Advisory: Completion of ENGL N with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Examines sociological underpinnings of social action and explores unique contributions of feminism in challenging traditional gender scripts and roles. Provides an overview of the ways in which people engage in deliberative social action to change the conditions of their lives and of their communities. Emphasizes sociological theory as applied to issues related to the institutions of family, health, religion, employment, sexual harassment, housing, and interpersonal violence. Students in this course will actively engage in the exploration, analysis, and solutions of feminist issues. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Apply feminism and feminist theory to the study of social change.
  • CSLO #2: Evaluate feminism and social action through the lens of intersectionality (i.e. the intersection of gender with race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexualities).
  • CSLO #3: Evaluate the role of feminist movements in the influence of research and policy affecting the lives of women.
  • CSLO #4: Evaluate the role of individual impact on feminist issues via engagement in research and/or social action.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Correlate feminism and feminist theory to the study of social change;
2. investigate the ways in which social change may be formulated, strategized, and initiated;
3. critique the historical contributions of women who have worked for social change;
4. compare the strengths and challenges of a variety of leadership styles;
5. appraise how gender stereotypes intersect with other social systems, such as age, class, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation;
6. analyze the role of gender based power struggles in working toward community revitalization efforts;
7. analyze social issues and social change efforts using a feminist perspective;
8. analyze and evaluate whether the goals and methods of particular social actions are consistent with an empowerment model of social change;
9. evaluate the impact of structural and policy changes; and
10. evaluate the strategies for future feminist activism.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Social Sciences
    • AA/AS - Multicultural Studies
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - D4 Gender Studies
    • CSUGE-D0 Sociology/Criminology
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 4D Gender Studies
      • IGETC - 4J Sociology/Criminlgy

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Classroom Discussions
      • Example: Instructor will lead students through an in-class activity practicing the steps to taking action in reference to a topic example (i.e. violence, reproductive rights, labor)
    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: Essay Exam Question: Example 1. Chart the cycle of domestic violence as discussed in the reading. Using examples, explain each stage of the cycle. Analyze and discuss the reasons why abused individuals might stay in abusive relationships. Example 2. Give an example of an organization that provides health care information for women -- who are they? What is their mission? What type of information do they provide? How do you locate them? Include an analysis of this organization through the lens of feminist theory.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: Evaluation based on short essay, matching, true/false, and fill-in exams; writing assignments; student presentations; and class participation activities. Examples: The          Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees women the right to vote. a. 1st b. 14th c. 19th d. 21st Women's Studies programs were born out of the a. 1st wave of the feminist movement b. 2nd wave of the feminist movement c. 3rd wave of the feminist movement d. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
    • Projects
      • Example: Community Activism Project This project is intended to connect the student with community based leaders, programs and resources, as a way to gain firsthand insight into the practice of making a difference in people's lives. This assignment requires the student to partner with a community organization, one that works for change and/or provides a direct service related to course content. Instructor will work to facilitate the relationship between organization and student. Step one is to plan an action. This will involve considering the history of the issue, identifying the need for action, and planning the action itself. A written summary and/or digital story will either be a plan (for a future action) or a reflection of how the student or the organization they are currently involved with have met (or are meeting) the steps for change. Be sure to address each of the steps to activism in the written summary (see "Fight Like a Girl"). A required part of this project is to create a resource list (including a minimum of 6 agencies, contact name/s, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail contact information) and a written summary of your project
    • Reports
      • Example: Students will be asked to pick a related topic of interest to research further and produce a written or digital story explaining details of the topic and analyzing its relevance to course concepts. For example, the role of women's unpaid labor in both family's economic status and a nation's Gross National Product.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. Referencing a related reading assignment given to students, instructor will facilitate a dialogue about the link between feminist theory, feminist movements, and activism in women's lives.
    2. Instructor will lead students through an activity practicing the steps to taking action in reference to a topic example (i.e. violence, reproductive rights, labor).

    Distance Learning

    1. Referencing a related reading assignment given to students, instructor will facilitate a dialogue about the link between feminist theory, feminist movements, and activism in women's lives. Dialogue may occur via discussion boards, Voice Threads, video chat, zoom.

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    Students will have weekly reading assignments. 1. Read "A Movement for Everyone" in the Fight Like A Girl text, and be prepared to discuss what you see as the biggest challenges facing women's movements today in terms of inclusion. 2. Read the chapter in "Nine Women" about Jessie Lopez-De La Cruz and identify one experience or influence that struck you as being significant in her life. Be prepared to come to class to engage in a discussion with your classmates.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    Students will regularly write formal, college level, essays related to course material. Examples include: 1. What does "feminism" mean to you? What has been your prior experience with feminism or feminist? How do these experiences compare to the definition of feminism as stated in your textbook readings. What is the significance of one's cultural traditions (i.e. Mexican, Asian, Native American, African American or other cultural beliefs) in considering this question? 2. Identify and describe at least two socio-structural explanations for gender differences in political participation.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    Chose a topic, related to our course content, to explore in further detail. Using academic research sources (i.e. JSTOR, ProQuest) research this topic. Include your critical analysis on the topic utilizing the feminist perspective. Include your critique of the issue and its impact on the status of women, as well as proposed activisms for a solution.

    Required Materials

    • Women Across Cultures: A Global Perspective
      • Author: Shawn Meghan Burn
      • Publisher: McGraw Hill
      • Publication Date: 2023
      • Text Edition: 5
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Fight Like a Girl: How to be a fearless feminist
      • Author: Megan Seely
      • Publisher: NYU Press
      • Publication Date: 2019
      • Text Edition: 2nd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Women's Activism, Feminism, And Social Justice
      • Author: Margaret A. McLaren
      • Publisher: Oxford University Press
      • Publication Date: 2019
      • Text Edition: 1
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Abolition. Feminism. Now.
      • Author: Angela Y. Davis, Gina Dent, Erica R. Meiners, Beth E. Richie
      • Publisher: Haymarket Books
      • Publication Date: 2022
      • Text Edition: 1
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.