"Feminism and Social Justice" is an adaptation of Distinguished Professor Bettina Aptheker's long-running course at UC Santa Cruz. In the course, Professor Aptheker presents a broad definition of feminism that serves to frame three significant events in the history of feminism and social justice: the Empire Zinc strike of 1951, the 1971-1972 trial of Angela Davis, and the #metoo Movement.
Feminism is a movement, a philosophical perspective, and a driver of social change. It has various goals and constituencies, and it continues to be adapted in response to new conditions.
In this module, you will be introduced to Dr. Aptheker's working definition of feminism, which she has cultivated and refined over her prolific career. You will also have an opportunity to discuss the meaning and purpose of feminism with your fellow learners.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 65 minutes
Introduction to "Feminism & Social Justice"•2 minutes
Defining Feminism•63 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Bettina’s working definition of feminism•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Defining Feminism•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
How do you define feminism?•10 minutes
Salt of the Earth
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
In 1951, zinc miners in southwestern New Mexico went on strike in response to the Empire Zinc Company's discriminatory treatment of Mexican-American workers and their families. After the miners were prevented from protesting by a court order, their wives maintained the picket line.
In this module, you will learn about the causes, conditions, and outcomes of the strike. You will also hear the story of the controversial 1954 feature film (called "Salt of the Earth") that documented the struggle of its key figures. The entire film is available in the module.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 152 minutes
Salt of the Earth (1954) (Entire Film)•92 minutes
Salt of the Earth•60 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Salt of the Earth•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Why was the Empire Zinc strike a feminist event?•10 minutes
Free Angela!
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
In 1970, FBI agents arrested the feminist scholar and activist Angela Davis for her alleged connection to the Soledad Brothers, inmates of Soledad Prison in central California who were accused of killing a guard. At the time of the arrest, President Richard Nixon referred to Davis as a "terrorist." In this module, you will hear Dr. Aptheker's personal experience of Davis' arrest and trial, and you will learn about the extraordinary movement that grew in support of Davis.
What's included
1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 66 minutes
Free Angela!•66 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Free Angela!•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
What would have happened to Angela Davis today?•10 minutes
The #metoo Movement
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
The hashtag "metoo" appeared on social media in 2017 in response to a number of high-profile sexual assault allegations in the entertainment industry. It quickly spread to other societal domains and continues to spur discussion and action around the world. In this module, you will learn about the causes and outcomes of the #metoo movement, and its contribution to feminism and social justice. You will also have an opportunity to discuss recent changes resulting from the #metoo movement with your fellow learners.
What's included
1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 58 minutes
#metoo•58 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
#metoo•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
What has #metoo changed?•10 minutes
Additional Materials (Optional)
Module 5•1 hour to complete
Module details
Dr. Aptheker writes and lectures on a variety of topics. You can find new materials that she produces in this optional module.
What's included
1 video1 reading
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 70 minutes
Book Talk•70 minutes
1 reading•Total 3 minutes
Information•3 minutes
Instructor
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
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D
DP
5·
Reviewed on Oct 15, 2020
Amazing material covered in a short period. I obtained so much in-depth knowledge about feminism and social justice. The course is well-designed and Professor Aptheker is amazing with her lectures.
C
CB
5·
Reviewed on Sep 20, 2020
Really enjoyed such an intersectional and accessible approach to feminism and social justice. Highly relevant and good use of historical movies, cases and issues to highlight recent issues.
K
KM
5·
Reviewed on Dec 15, 2020
It is an excellent way of learning all the struggles of the feminist movement trough the years and how it is directly related to social justice and the fight for a better and more equal world.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.