FEM Empowerment
Movement Course



Course Information
Title: Gender Leadership
Semester & Year: Spring 2024
Days & Time: Monday & Tuesday 12:00 PM
Location: KIPP College Preparatory

Instructor Information:
Name: Dr. Patricia Perez and Danielle Perez LMFT

Email: @patricia    @danielle

Phone: (510) 414-4546
Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce students to feminist culture by examining and exploring historical and contemporary feminism in the U.S. through an interdisciplinary approach.

Course Meetings:
This course incorporates lectures, community building, class discussions, films, and collaborative learning activities. Prior to attending class, each student is responsible for completing all readings and assignments in preparation for class discussions and activities. Attending class prepared is critical for succeeding in this course.

Course Requirements:
This course will be conducted in a seminar style, which means that even though there will be lectures given by the instructor, much of the class will consist of students taking part in discussions and activities. The class involves a great amount of interaction among students while the instructor serves as a facilitator. This means that each student is expected to attend class having read and completed all assignments in order to participate in discussions. This process is a collaborative effort and each student must take responsibility for her, his, or their participation. Each student brings her, his, or their own interpretation of the assigned readings based on their own life experience. It is from this interchange of ideas that we will all expand our knowledge of the subject. Furthermore, it requires great sensitivity and respect towards each other. It is essential that students contribute to a learning environment in which everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

Time Commitment:
This course will require a total commitment of 6 weeks. Students are expected to be in class for 2 hours a week and complete homework each week.

Requirements:
Students are required to:

  1. Attend all class sessions and actively participate in class discussions and activities. 

  2. Read all assignments on time and be prepared with a thoughtful reflection on the readings.

  3. Write weekly journal entries pertaining to the class readings, films, and other assignments.

  4. Complete the final project.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an awareness of the role Feminist have played throughout history through readings and exams.

  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact that socio-economics and politics have on cultural/gender issues through readings and reports.

  3. Demonstrate knowledge of significant historical and contemporary Feminist who have made a contribution to Feminism history through oral presentations.

  4. Collaborate with classmates on research for in-class presentations.

  5. Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of gender equality by completing a final project. 

Required:
MS magazine subscription, link: https://msmagazine.com>join-ms 

Communicating with Instructor:
We encourage open and clear communication between our students and ourselves. Please contact us with any concerns, questions, or discussions as soon as possible. Clear and consistent communication leads to a better experience for all. First, we are available to speak before and after class meetings. Second, you can always email us. Our emails are  @patricia  and @danielle. We respond to email within 24 to 48 hours during the regular workweek. If we do not respond within that time, I most likely did not receive your email, so please resend your message.

Grading: 

Attendance and Participation: 70%

Journal Entries: 10%

Homework Assignments: 10%

Final project: 10%

Extra Credit: Movies, articles, events 10pts

Grading Scale for Course:
A = 90% - 100%

B = 80% - 89%

C = 70% - 79%

D = 60% -69%

F = 0% -59%

All work submitted past the due date will be docked in points. On average, late work is docked 50% of total points. No make-up opportunities will be given for missed presentations.

Standards of Student Conduct:

  1. Obstruction or disruption of instruction;

  2. Continued disruptive behavior; willful disobedience; habitual profanity or vulgarity;

  3. Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person;

  4. Committing any form of harassment as defined by law or by district policies;

  5. Engaging in harassing or discriminatory behavior based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law;

  6. Engaging in intimidating conduct or bullying against another student through words or actions, including direct physical contact; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; social isolation or manipulation; and cyberbullying.

Students who violate The Standards of Conduct may face disciplinary actions that include but are not limited to, temporary suspension from class or permanent expulsion from the program. 

Classroom Conduct:

  • Always treat others with respect. It is essential to be conscientious of the impact of one’s words and to produce a respectful and productive learning environment.

  • Eating during class is not allowed

  • Talking during a lecture or while anyone addresses the class as a group is entirely unacceptable.

  • It is critical to arrive on time and remain in class for the entire duration of the class session.

  • Pictures/videos of any kind are not to be taken during this course.

Support Services
Please see our link to all the different types of resources: FEM Resources

Scholarship Applications Available: 
To be determined based on FEM Empowerment Movement criteria. If you are interested in pursuing a scholarship, please contact your instructor. 

Curriculum 
Week 1: Intro to the program
Introductions
Review Syllabus
Introduction students to feminist culture 

Week 2: Historical Perspective on Female Oppression
History of Feminists
The focus of feminist thought in the past

Week 3: Contemporary Issues in Female Oppression
Current feminists
The current focus of feminist thought in the present

Week 4: Understanding Intersectionality
Intersectionality: Gender, race, class, and sexuality

Week 5: Core issues
How politics plays a role in women’s rights
Reproductive rights
Sexual harassment
Gender equality 
Family law

Week 6: Understanding oppression
Systems of Power and Privilege
Sexist exploitation
Wage Gap

Week 7: Types of violence against women and girls
History of violence
Types of violence 

Week 8: Female Oppression Portrayed in Media
Social media
Movies

Week 9: Songs in the media
Dissecting lyrics regarding women

Week 10: LGBTQ+
Anti-LGBTQ+Hate

Week 11: Wrap up
Group projects 
Celebration
Curriculum discussion
Evaluation