Course Syllabus

Activism: Gender, Sexuality and Race

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Semester & Location:

Summer 2021 - DIS Copenhagen

Type & Credits:

Core/Elective Course - 3 credits

Major Disciplines:

Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology  

Faculty:

TBD

Program Director:

Tina Mangieri, tma@disstockholm.se

Time & Place:

Time: TBA Location: V10-A22

Course Description


This course examines the political activism of contemporary social movements on matters of gender, sexuality and race in Scandinavia. The course has two aims: first it offers theoretical and empirical insights into the concept of activism and identity politics as well as an introduction to gender, sexuality and race movements in the Scandinavian context. Secondly, as the social movements of contemporary identity politics are so closely connected with activism, this class further engages the students in the organizing of an activist event in corporation with a Copenhagen based LGBTQ+ organization. Not only does participating in activism strengthen personals skills in community organizing and leadership, it simultaneously take the theoretical understanding of social movements to a practical level. By evaluating the hands-on experience of organizing an activist event, you will be able to reflect critically on how social movements affect our lives and what role collective action play in social change.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Critically examine the ideas and histories of social movements dealing with gender, sexuality and race issues as ‘identity politics’.
  • Understand the history and context of contemporary social movements (gender, sexuality and race) in Scandinavia.
  • Design, organize and evaluate an activist LGBTQ+ event.

This class is for everyone, whether you are new to gender and sexuality studies or not. If you are at a more advanced level, talk to me and we will design you projects accordingly.

 

Instructor

TBD

 

Teaching Methods

This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, class discussions, group work, guest lectures and films. As hands on experience with organizing an activist event is a central part of the learning outcome of this class, there will be a strong emphasis on participation and discussion. Overall, the aim is to create a classroom space characterized by respect and willingness to listen/consider others’ perspectives, where it is safe to explore ideas together and individually.

Safe(r) space/brave space:

Please note the class is discussion-based and it is very important we all contribute to creating and maintaining a safe space throughout the semester. Your peers will come from a variety of backgrounds which we seek to use as an added value – be open, curious and respectful during your own and other’s learning process. Remember to challenge ideas, not people. You are also challenged to be brave in this space and challenge yourself and your own preconceived ideas about the world.     

 

Evaluation

  • Participation (30%)
  • Concept dictionary (20%)
  • Presentation (20 %)
  • Evaluation report (30%)

 

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

 

Readings

All readings will be available through Canvas or handed out in class.

Readings can change. This will be announced through the calendar in Canvas

  • Ahmed, Sara (2017): Living a Feminist Life. Duke University Press 
  • Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy on Identity Politics: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/identity-politics/
  • Crenshaw, Kimberlé Williams (1989): Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics.
  • Mia McKenzie: No more "allies"
  • Michael Flood: Men's Collective Struggle for Gender Justice
  • Michael Nebeling: Celebrating Gayness as Danishness
  • Hansen, Janne Hedegaard: limits to inclusion (journal article – p 89-98)
  • Spargo, Tamsin, Foucault and Queer Theory, Postmodern Encounters series, Icon Books, 1999

Course Summary:

Date Details Due