Gender Component in the process of studying English language and literature by canadian students

Abstract

The article presents Canadian experience related to the integration of a gender component into the compulsory course «English Language and Literature». Based on our analysis of this subject’s curricula in different provinces and territories in Canada, we concluded that the gender component is widely and explicitly presented in a versatile range of topics. For instance, modern legislative framework related to the status of women and men, social and economic status, ability/disability, race, religion etc. in different historical periods; gender roles transformation; contemporary life of men and women in Canada and in the world; gender identity and gender socialization; female and male ways of knowing; gender stereotypes, gender analysis, discrimination (sexism, racism, ageism), violence (psychological, domestic, physical, bullying) and their impact on a person and society; healthy relationship, gender-inclusive language; gender equal career prospects; gender-equal division of domestic labour in family, etc. In addition, the article presents methods and forms of work used by Canadian teachers at their English language and literature classrooms to enhance gender culture of the youth. Moreover, much attention of Canadian pedagogues is paid to the gender gap closure in the achievement of boys in the course «English language and literature» as a gender-sensitive subject.