Development Studies (DEST) 375 - Lecture 98
Gender and Development
Winter 2007
Saturdays 1300-1700 hours  

Instructor:	Dr. Rozmin Jaffer
Office Location:	SS 345
Office Phone:	220-7706
E-Mail:	rozminj@telus.net
Web Page:
Office Hours:	By Appt.

Course Description

In this course we will study the theories, policies and practices of development and its effects on women’s lived experiences. In our study of gender and development, we will incorporate critical analysis from the fields of development and third world feminism. We will focus on issues of sustainability and women’s diverse experiences of development -- locally, nationally and globally. We will explore women’s strategies for organizing, grassroots activism and alternatives to globalization. Through case studies of development, students will explore women’s efforts to empower themselves and their communities.

In addition to required readings and assignments students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions, group work, and group presentations.

Objectives of the Course

1. To develop critical understandings of development policies and practices, and their impact on women’s lives and environments.

2. To develop an awareness of how development issues affect us locally as well as globally.

3. To explore strategies for resistance and empowerment of women and their communities.

Textbooks and Readings:

Visvanathan, et al., eds. The Woman, Gender & Development Reader. Halifax: Fernwood Books, 1997.

Canadian Woman Studies: Women and Sustainability. Vol. 23, No. 1, Fall/Winter 2003.

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Note: Please hand in assignments directly to the instructor if possible. If it is not possible to do so, a daytime drop box is available in SS110; a date stamp is provided for your use. A night drop box is also available for after-hours submission. Assignments will be removed the following morning, stamped with the previous day's date, and placed in the instructor's mailbox.

Research Paper 30% Due March 10

Poster Presentation 5% Due Last Class

Take-Home Midterm Essay 25% Due February 10

Class Participation 15%

Take-Home Final Essay 25% Due March 27

The instructor regards class discussion as an integral part of the course. Students are expected to attend class regularly and to complete the required readings in preparation for the class period for which they are assigned. All assignments must be completed to pass this course.

You will write a 10 page Research Paper essay on a topic that relates to our course. This includes a title page and a reference page. You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people’s words and ideas begin. An APA documentation guide will be provided.

You are asked to put together a Poster Presentation of your research paper topic. You will display and present your poster in class. The poster presentation is a visual representation of a small portion of your research paper.

Class participation grade will be based on: contributions to group work, attendance and participation in class.

Midterm and Final Exams will be in the same essay format. Both exams will be take home exams in which you are asked to analyze and synthesize issues discussed in class. You will be asked to write a maximum of 4 pages typed (approximately 1000 words), plus cover sheet and reference list of all works cited.

**Students should discuss their choice of topics for the research paper with the instructor. They are also encouraged to discuss with the instructor any course- related questions they may have throughout the term.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: No

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented.

If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS110, 220-7255.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people’s words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out in class.