Gender, Colonization, Decolonization (4000)

A global study of colonization, anti-colonialism and decolonization efforts. The course highlights the mutually reinforced relationship between “race”, gender (including sexuality) and class in colonial projects, and investigates the centrality of this intersectional dynamic in anti-colonial movements. Colonization, anti-colonialism and decolonization are studied in the context of culture, education, land, politics, economics, body, and psyche.

Feminist Theory (Graduate)

This course is focused on critical interdisciplinary and intersectional engagement with feminist theory. The purpose of this exercise is to facilitate depth of understanding in the social, political, and economic dynamics framing gender as a category of analysis.

We explore foundational and contemporary feminist theories centred on issues of power, representation, socio-political and economic parity, and gender identity, and discuss the politics of a localized and global feminist ethics for coalition and solidarity work.

Race, Representation, and Femininity: Through Hip-Hop Culture (3000)

Theoretical grounding in the critical analysis of “race” and racism, gender, socio-economic stratification, the politics of representation, and cultural production. The history and foundations of Hip-Hop through the five constitutive elements – DJing, emceeing, beatboxing, break dancing, art (graffiti and painting) – and film, literature, fashion, and contemporary material culture.

Global and Transnational Feminism (3000)

An advanced survey of the transnational field of theory and political activism. Introduction to the history of feminist work in international political and economic forums (e.g. the UN and World Bank), and to ongoing feminist efforts in the context of current social movements around the globe.

Gender and/in Environmental Justice (2000)

Gender-based analysis of leading debates on environmental sustainability, environmental justice, and international development; exploration of feminist and liberation ecologies. Study of the political dynamics that frame our relationships to the environment, and examination of sustainability practices and activism from a local and global perspective.

The African Diaspora in Canada (2000)

Diverse history and cultures of communities of African descent in Canada; experiences of Blackness in a Canadian context are considered with an intersectional lens. Dominant and normative formations of “race” and experiences of racism are analyzed, as are the attendant and myriad forms of agency, resistance and autonomy.

African and African Diaspora Feminisms (3000)

This course surveys trajectories of African and African diaspora feminist thought and praxis. We study African and diasporic feminist theory, analysis and practice relative to manifestations of gender, power, and intersectional considerations in a diversity of cultural contexts; noting threads, differences, and profound intellectual contributions.