Outline: CAN 230

Women in Canada

Subject Description

The course deals with the current status of women in Canadian society through an examination of women's previous roles and contributions and with a view of examining strategies for change in the future. Issues include ancient and contemporary women's history, imagery and symbolism of women in Western civilization, sex, gender and biology, socialization, women and work and women and their bodies.

Credit Status

One general education elective credit: Canadian Studies

Co-Requisites

EAC149 or equivalent

Learning Outcomes

In CAN230 students will be introduced to the academic field of women's studies and to gain an understanding of how women's studies has evolved and affected viewpoints within the academic world and in wider communities.

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.      Understand a feminist approach to academics, including the place of personal experience and activism in the study of women  
2.      Recognize the diversity of feminist thought
3.      Analyze the intersections of gender, race, class and sexuality.
4.      Critically reflect on the viewpoints of the diverse materials presented.
5.      Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
6.      Develop one's own critical perspective

Topic Outline

1.   An Introduction to Women’s Studies

2.   Imagery and Symbolism

3.   Ancient History

4.   Contemporary History

5.   The Biological Perspective

6.   Socialization

7.   Women and Work

8.   Women and Their Bodies

9.   Women and the Family

10.  The Future of Women in Canada

Texts & Materials 

See professor's addendum.
All students are required to use the following Research Guide for their assignments:

A Guide to Research and Citation MLA Style prepared by Seneca Libraries for the Faculty of Business, August 2008.

Modes of Evaluation

Term Work                  70%
Final Exam                   30%

Evaluation of Work

Evaluation is based on correct language usage, organization and mastery of the subject at a post secondary level.  Students are expected to learn professional standards of performance in the subject areas, and tests and assignments will be graded on that basis.  In recognition of the significance of exceptional communication skills in the work place, marks are deducted for language errors on all tests and exams.  A student can be failed on the basis of language errors alone.

Modes of Instruction

The main form of instruction will be lectures supplemented by appropriate films and student presentations. In view of the fact that ideas are best acquired in the process of discussion, students will be encouraged to ask questions, to voice their opinion and make comments during the lectures. To further facilitate student participation and to provide an opportunity to work in a cooperative collective style of work, all students will participate in planning and delivering a class presentation on topics provided by the professor.

<>Promotion Policy
To be successful in this subject, you must complete all course work as specified, achieve a grade of 55% or more on the final exam, and achieve an overall grade of 55% or more.

NOTE:   Refer to your professor’s “Addendum to the Subject Outline” for more information on Texts & Materials, Modes of Evaluation, Weekly Schedule and Class Standards.

Grading Policy
GPA
A+ 90%-100% 4.0
A 80%-89% 4.0
B+ 75%-79% 3.5
B 70%-74% 3.0
C+ 65%-69% 2.5
C 60%-64% 2.0
D 55%-59% 1.0
F 0%-54% 0

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
It is your responsibility as a student of Seneca College to be aware of and abide by the academic and behavioural policies outlined in the College Academic Policy and the Student Handbook.  Here are some key policies:

ACADEMIC HONESTY (Section 9 and Appendix E - Academic Policy)

To continue to graduate high quality students and to sustain our reputation as a leading institution, Seneca must have the highest standards of academic honesty.  Academic honesty means that all Seneca College persons will conduct themselves in an honest and trustworthy manner in all aspects of their academic career.  Engaging in any form of academic dishonesty to obtain any type of  academic advantage or credit is an offence and will not be tolerated by the College.

The penalty for a first offence is a grade of “0” on the work in which the offence occurred, and will result in a comment being placed on the student’s transcript.  The penalty for a second offence is an “F” in the course where the offence occurred, a second comment on the transcript and immediate suspension from the college, normally for a minimum of three semesters. For more information about what constitutes academic dishonesty and how to avoid it, go to http://library.senecacollege.ca - Academic Honesty and Copyright.

STUDENT APPEALS (Section 12 –  Academic Policy)
Students have the right to appeal academic decisions of the College.  The procedures for informal and formal appeals are outlined in Academic Policy. If a student disagrees with the evaluation of an assignment or with a final grade, s/he must first discuss the matter with the professor in an attempt to resolve the disagreement. If the matter is not resolved, the student should discuss the problem with the Coordinator or the Chair of English and Liberal Studies. Students must keep all assignments (including drafts and outlines) and exercises until they receive their final grade. No appeal will be considered unless a complete file is submitted at the time of the appeal. 

<>DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT - See the Student Handbook

All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. It is the policy of Seneca College that all employees and students have a right to work and study in an environment that asserts the personal worth and dignity of each individual.  In order to achieve this objective, Seneca College will not tolerate any form of discrimination and/or harassment in its employment, education, accommodation, or business policies dealings.  Information and assistance are available from the Resolution, Equity and Diversity Centre.

<>ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success.  If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 2900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Approved By:  Claire Moane, Chair
                        School of English & Liberal Studies
Last Updated:       Summer 2009