| |
|
|
| School of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy |
|
| |
| PIR-30072 |
Feminist Theory |
|
| Co-ordinator: |
|
|
| Teaching Team: |
|
|
| Level: |
3 |
Credits: |
15 |
Study Hours: |
150 |
|
| School Office: |
|
| |
| |
None
|
No
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
This module will survey the most important debates in feminist theory from de Beauvoir to the current time. It will consider the contrast between de Beauvoir&©s conception of gender both with Irigaray&©s conception of $ùessential&© femininity and Butler&©s postmodern notion of gender as $ùperformativity&©. In particular, students will be encouraged to examine the different accounts of patriarchy and domination given by these thinkers. The module will then consider the current debate about difference and equality feminisms, asking whether it makes sense to think about feminism in the singular. It will also consider challenges that feminists such as MacKinnnon, Lister and Pateman have raised against core political theory concepts such as the state and the social contract, and will explore how these concepts might be reformulated. Lastly, the module will examine feminist perspectives on issues of abortion, pornography and certain minority cultural practices.
Teaching format: weekly 2-hour seminars
Assessment: 50% for a 2500 word essay, 50% examination
|
This module introduces students to a number of key themes and texts in feminist theory. We will reflect on the nature of feminism as a critical movement, and the relationship between first and second wave feminisms, including its liberal, socialist, radical and existentialist varieties. We will then examine 'third wave' feminisms such as postmodern, critical race, global and eco-feminism; and will situate these theories in the context of ongoing debates about equality and difference. We also aim to examine in-depth theoretical perspectives on a range of contemporary feminist debates, such as reproductive freedom, pornography, marriage, the family, and practices such as female genital mutilation.
|
By the end of this module, you should have:
Developed the capacity to engage critically with the main debates in feminist theory;
Enhanced your understanding of the nature of patriarchy and feminist strategies to address this problem;
Formulated a critical position of your own in response to key feminist texts and arguments.
|
Participation: Learning to do political philosophy of any kind well involves the cooperative search for understanding and the open expression of ideas. Students are therefore expected to share their questions and comments during seminars. Reading the material assigned for each week is essential to participating in discussion and deriving maximum benefit from the module as a whole. You should always read at least the items indicated under 'essential reading' in advance of the seminar.
Attendance: Attendance at seminars is compulsory. If you cannot attend a seminar you must inform your tutor as soon as possible and obtain their permission. If it is an emergency and you cannot inform your tutor in advance, you must do so as soon as possible after the seminar. An unexcused absence may attract extra work.
|
This module will be assessed by examination and by one essay, each contributing 50% of the module mark.
|
| 001: Essay weighted 50% |
2500 words
|
| 002: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50% |
2 hr unseesn exam
|
|
Version: (1.04S) Created: 04/Jun/2010
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information. |