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PIR-30166 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

PIR-30166 - Feminist Interventions: Theorising the Political
Coordinator: Shalini Sharma Room: CBB1.060 Tel: +44 1782 7 33206
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module explores how feminist political theorists have challenged and reshaped some of the central concepts of political thought, including autonomy, equality, justice, citizenship and the state. You will engage with key feminist thinkers and explore how ideas about feminism continue to shape debates about rights, democracy, identity, power and social justice in an increasingly interconnected world.

Aims
1.To develop students' understanding of the conceptual and normative foundations of feminist political theory.
2.To critically analyse contemporary debates and competing perspectives within feminist political theory.
3.To apply feminist political theory to the analysis of contemporary political issues and policy challenges.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate critical understanding of major concepts, debates and traditions within feminist political theory.: 1,2
Critically evaluate competing feminist approaches to political concepts and contemporary political issues.: 1,2
Apply feminist political theory to analyse contemporary political problems and develop reasoned arguments and responses.: 1,2

Study hours

Seminars: 24 hours
Preparation for seminars - set reading and consolidation of ideas: 66 hours
Research and writing the essay: 30 hours
Research and writing the policy briefing: 30 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 50%
Essay
1500 word essay - Students will critically analyse a contested concept in feminist political theory by comparing competing theoretical perspectives. Drawing on key thinkers studied in the first half of the module, students will evaluate different conceptualisations and develop a justified critical position.

2: Exercise weighted 50%
1500-word Policy Briefing
Students will produce a policy briefing that applies feminist political theory to a contemporary political issue. Drawing on competing feminist perspectives, students will analyse the issue and develop theoretically informed policy recommendations for a specified organisation.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026