Gender & sexuality: New identities in Nordic landscapes
The course is a meeting point for us, people with different imaginations of, and takes on, each of the aspects represented by the five themes of the course: Narratives, Belonging, Precarity, Solidarity and Ideals. Learning (knowledge-creation) is a process of exchanging perspectives and experiences. That is why the course strives for diversity, both in participation and approach.
5 ECTS Credits — Studies start 27 September 2019 — University of Helsinki
Course dates
27 September 2019 – 25 December 2019
Registration period
1 September 2019 – 26 September 2019
Coordinating university
University of Helsinki
Instructors
Credits
5 ECTS
Course dates: 27.09.2019 - 25.12.2019
Registration dates: 01.09.2019 - 26.09.2019
Coordinating university: University of Helsinki
Responsible teachers: Ali Ali, if.iknisleh@ila.ila
Credits: 5 ECTS
Course content
We (participants of the course) come from different locations on the socio-political map. We have different problems, fears and survival strategies. The course is a meeting point for us, people with different imaginations of, and takes on, each of the aspects represented by the five themes of the course: Narratives, Belonging, Precarity, Solidarity and Ideals.
Learning (knowledge-creation) is a process of exchanging perspectives and experiences. That is why the course strives for diversity, both in participation and approach:
- we reflect on the diverse materials of the course that range from pop culture and art to academic articles
- we tackle the subjects in the light of our situated experience/knowledge.
Each week's theme will be approached both in readings/materials and reflections. Before each meeting, it is recommended to have a sincere look at the assigned materials of each week and see it through the lens of each theme.
The meetings will take place on:
27.09.19 – 12.15-14.45 (Theme: Narrative)
11.10.19 – 12.15-14.45 (Theme: Belonging)
25.10.19 – 12.15-14.45 (Theme: Precarity)
08.11.19 – 12.15-14.45 (Theme: Solidarity)
22.11.19 – 12.15-14.45 (Theme: Ideals)
20.12.19 – 12.15-14.45 (Theme: Unfolding Narratives)
Objectives
We aim for a more inclusive university environment, where academic knowledge is not exclusive to the academic minority, and knowledge creation is a collective process that engages different perspectives and intersects with various ways of life. Bridging the knowledge gap between people situated differently across the social landscapes. Hegemonic identity categories like race, gender and class are charged with norms that shape not only one's experience but also one's way of seeing the collective through the lens of that experience. We try to look through each other's lenses in order to know what happens in the collective (social) from the point of view of the other(s). It is common knowledge that knowledge is enriched when it is diversified. Whose claims of knowledge matters follows norms, and these norms alienate precarious knowledge, the knowledge of people who are too much in precarity to invest in the creation of knowledge.
Learning outcomes
The course is a dialogue venue, and the aspired outcome is to create a dialogical space that facilitates a look into the other, be it racial, sexual or political other. Does it end up in a deeper understanding of one's self, an awakened solidarity to one's other, or both? What comes out of this bridging between different worlds is up to the participant to gabble with.
Study materials
Weekly learning materials will be available on Moodle course management system.
Assessment
Grade 0-5. Requirements for passing the course:
- Participating in at least 5 of the 6 meetings. In case of further absences, a make-up assignment is required. Information about that will be specified for each week separately.
- Writing a weekly reflection paper of about 200-400 words. The paper is expected to tackle the assigned materials of the week in the light of the week's theme and the personal experience/view of the participant.
- Final Assignment: Reflection on the process of learning 1-2 pages.