"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.
Offered By
University of California, Santa Cruz
1,907 enrolled
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
12 hours to complete
What is feminism?
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.
2 videos (Total 65 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
1 reading
Bettina’s working definition of feminism10m
1 practice exercise
Defining Feminism15m
Week
23 hours to complete
Salt of the Earth
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.
2 videos (Total 152 min), 1 quiz
1 practice exercise
Salt of the Earth15m
Week
31 hour to complete
Free Angela!
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.
1 video (Total 66 min), 1 quiz
1 video
1 practice exercise
Free Angela!15m
Week
41 hour to complete
The #metoo Movement
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.
1 video (Total 58 min), 1 quiz
1 video
#metoo58m
1 practice exercise
#metoo15m
4.7
9 ReviewsTop Reviews
Amazing course for having a better sense of the complexity of the feminsit movement, and to learn about interesting cases.
wonderfully conceptualized to cover most of the critical aspects of the subject matter underlined
Instructor
Bettina Aptheker
Distinguished ProfessorFeminist Studies Department
About University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is an outstanding public research university with a deep commitment to undergraduate education. It’s a place that connects people and programs in unexpected ways while providing unparalleled opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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Is financial aid available?
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