PHM 2121 Race Class Gender Fall 2010(13) - FALL 2010...

FALL 2010
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
TR 3:35–4:50 p.m.
HCB 215
Professor Dena Hurst
Office: 284 Dodd Hall
Office Hours: T R 12:00-2:00 and 4:50-5:30 or by appointment
Cell: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Skype: [email protected]
FB: http://www.facebook.com/dena.hurst
TA
Office: TBA
Office Hours: TBA
Email: TBA
Course Description
In this course we will look at two undercurrents of the distribution of power in any society, oppression
and resistance, through the lenses of racism, sexism, and social and economic inequality.
Teaching Approach
The approach used in this class is based on accepted adult learning theories. There will be both lecture
and discussion in every class; adults learn through conversation, not through memorization and
regurgitation. Discussion allows thoughts to process and questions to surface. To that end, there will be
guidelines to ensure that we hold learning conversations, not just debates, and that we are respectful of
the views held by others on what can be potentially emotional topics. We will practice:
1) Listening for understanding
2) Speaking when moved to do so and not just to fill time or hear yourself talk
3) Suspending certainty (you can’t be open to learning if you already know the answer)
4) Holding space for difference (it’s okay to disagree because diversity in the conversation helps us
learn)
5) Slowing down our conversations (allow time to reflect on what is being said)
You will be given opportunities in and out of class to practically apply this material and to demonstrate
your understanding of the issues and concepts we discuss in a variety of ways:
1) Can you restate in your own words what you read or hear?
2) Can you give examples and non-examples that illustrate what you are learning?
3) Can you apply what you read or hear to different contexts (beyond the classroom)?
1

Course Objectives
By the end of the semester you should understand the fundamental questions underlying oppression
and power in society as well as the theories supporting possible remedies. As secondary objectives,
you should be able to form thoughtful opinions and share them in a concise, logical manner through
speech and writing, and you should be able to examine issues from multiple perspectives and prepare
a case for choosing one solution over other possible solutions.
Your Responsibilities
This class is discussion oriented , and not simply a lecture class. Therefore, you are responsible for
preparing for each class by completing the assigned reading before the class meets. Our class
discussions may lag behind the assigned readings at times; please complete the readings and the
weekly writing assignments as if we are on track. We will usually catch up within a class period or two.
I will use the Blackboard site and email to communicate throughout the semester. You are responsible
for checking the Bb site and your email regularly so that you receive the latest course
information. Please make sure that my emails are not blocked or sent to a spam folder.