This special topics course explores the transnational #MeToo movement and the issue of sexual violence against Black women, racialized women, and gender-diverse people. It traces the movement's origins before #MeToo went viral in October 2017. It follows a chain of key pioneers and silence breakers throughout recent history. Students will learn how the #MeToo movement took shape in different geographical locations worldwide, focusing on North America (Canada, Quebec, and the United States) and Europe (France). In addition, students will better understand the unique implications, dilemmas, and realities of sexual violence and breaking the silence for Black, racialized, women, and gender-diverse people in these geographical contexts. In addition, classes and readings will focus on case studies of specific activists and the history of social movements and resistance to rape culture through a feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional lens. Films, video clips, and in-class discussions will be used to support the students' learning.

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By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the key specificities of sexual violence for Black, racialized women, girls, and gender-diverse people through an intersectional framework;

• Explain how the #MeToo movement emerged in North America and Europe;

• Analyze the #MeToo movement through a feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional lens;

• Know the names and histories of several trailblazers who contributed to #MeToo

• Have a critical and complex analysis of the quest for justice when experiencing sexual violence;

• Understand the impact and consequences of the #MeToo movement on society, politics, media, law, and institutions.