Feminism and Social Justice

University of California, Santa Cruz

About this Course

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"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.

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Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.87/5 (1,371 Ratings)

Bettina Aptheker

Distinguished Professor

Feminist Studies Department

55,549 Learners

1 Course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish

Offered by

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.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating99%(4,269 ratings)

Week

Week 1

2 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.

2 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 65 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

2 videos

Introduction to "Feminism & Social Justice"1m

Defining Feminism1h 3m

1 reading

Bettina’s working definition of feminism10m

1 practice exercise

Defining Feminism15m

Week

Week 2

3 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.

3 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 152 min)

2 videos

Salt of the Earth (1954) (Entire Film)1h 32m

Salt of the Earth59m

1 practice exercise

Salt of the Earth15m

Week

Week 3

2 hours 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.

2 hours to complete

1 video (Total 66 min)

1 video

Free Angela!1h 5m

1 practice exercise

Free Angela!15m

Week

Week 4

1 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 hour to complete

1 video (Total 58 min)

1 video

#metoo58m

1 practice exercise

#metoo15m

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Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
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Feminism and Social Justice

Feminism and Social Justice