"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 and Social Justice

Instructor: Bettina Aptheker
Access provided by Coursera Learning Team
124,739 already enrolled
(6,256 reviews)
What you'll learn
Explain the working definition of feminism.
Compose a personal definition of feminism.
Discuss the role of protest in feminism and social justice.
Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile
4 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills


Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review

There are 5 modules in this course
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
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
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
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
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
Instructor

Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career




Learner reviews
6,256 reviews
- 5 stars
85.94%
- 4 stars
11.75%
- 3 stars
1.67%
- 2 stars
0.30%
- 1 star
0.31%
Showing 3 of 6256
Reviewed on Jun 23, 2020
Everyone should take up this course because this course has a structured curriculum for feminism. The idea of feminism is something we have learnt from media, one will come to know about the meaning.
Reviewed on Jun 5, 2019
This was an enlightening course! I had a limited understanding on the issues around feminism and social justice and I got listen to perspectives from many angles. And the Professor Bettina is great.
Reviewed on Mar 29, 2020
Thank you for offering this course, it is way more than an introductory course, as well as the option of discussions proved to be highly beneficial. Ms.Bettina Aptheker is an excellent lecturer.
Recommended if you're interested in Arts and Humanities
University of Western Australia
University of Michigan
Stanford University
Stanford University

Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy