Feminism 101: An Introduction to Intersectional Feminism (Flex)

Welcome to the introduction to feminism course. This is an 8-week course for learners of all genders who are interested in feminism and social justice. Each week we will look at a new topic related to feminism. 

This course is an interactive flexible class (asynchronous learning, this class does not meet live). Lessons will be prerecorded and consist of a lecture with slides using a mix of graphics, photos, text, and videos. The prerecorded lessons will be uploaded into the classroom each week for students to watch in their own time. 

Students will demonstrate their learning through participation in weekly classroom activities. Following the posting of the weekly lecture, students will be asked to post a short reflection or an art piece inspired by the topic of the week. I will post reflection questions and prompts to help guide students.  The learners will be encouraged to make connections between concepts learned each week and use the weekly keywords / terms in their reflections (e.g. "intersectionality", "glass ceiling", etc.). This is also a space where they can ask any questions they have and receive individualized feedback. Additionally, each student will be asked to comment on peer activity postings to build community with the other students and to interact and share thoughts, ideas, anecdotes, and questions with one another.

Students have the option to choose between three final assignment types:

Option 1: Students can submit a short video (5-10 mins in length) on one topic of their choice from weeks 2-7. Previous students have taught a group of their friends a mini lecture over Zoom on gender stereotypes; other have created their own YouTube video about media representation! You can get creative as you like for this class!
Option 2: Students can create an art project inspired by one of the course topics from weeks 2-7. Previous students have created digital drawings, paintings, zines, and sculptures for their final project!
Option 3: Students can upload a 2-3 page informal essay about one topic of their choice from weeks 2-7. Previous students have written about gendered barriers to education, and gender stereotyping in products like shampoo, kids' toys, etc.

The video, art piece, or written essay should be uploaded to Outschool to share with peers. Individual feedback will be provided. I will offer an optional "office hour" in week 6 where students can ask me any questions they have over Zoom. 

This flexible course offers the opportunity for students interested in social justice and gender equality to connect with new friends who have similar interests in feminism and social justice. 

Learners will be introduced to feminists such as Malala Yousafzai, Angela Davis, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Audre Lorde, and many others. There will be a heavy emphasis on the importance of intersectionality. Therefore, we will be discussing topics including race, class, ability, and LGBTQ related issues. 

Below is an outline of the weekly class themes, which include the guiding questions that will be used to guide class discussions. 

Week 1: Introduction (What is feminism and where did it come from? Who is feminism for? Can boys be feminists too? What is the gender binary?)

Week 2: Intersectionality (What is intersectional theory? Who came up with the idea and why is it important for feminists to be intersectional? How can we practice intersectionality as feminists?)

Week 3: Gender Stereotypes (What are gender stereotypes? What are some of the cultural expectations of boys and girls? What are the differences in how boys and girls are expected to play, dress, behave, etc.? How can we challenge harmful stereotypes?)  

Week 4: Gender and the Media (How have girls and women been represented in the media? Why are these stereotypes harmful? How are boys and men represented? How do negative stereotypes affect boys? What are some examples of positive representations in the media?)

Week 5: LGBTQ+ Rights  (How does the feminist movement connect to the LGBTQ+ rights movement? What are the ways we can support LGBTQ+ people?)

Week 6: Gender and the Home / Family (How does gender equality happen in families? What are the differences in how boys and girls are expected to behave at home (e.g. chores, play, caregiving, etc.?)

Week 7: Gender and the Classroom (What are the barriers to education that many people across the world face? How can we make schools more equitable and safe for all?)

Week 8: The Future of Feminism is You (We will reflect on all of the things we learned about the past weeks. We will talk about how we can be feminists in our own lives. What are the challenges we face? How can we make the world a better place? How can we fight for equality?)

As a Ph.D. student in Gender, Feminism, and Women, I am very passionate about this subject. This course is something I wish I had access to as a young person interested in the areas of gender, race, and LGBTQ+ rights.