2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED3610 Feminist Challenges to Political Theory

20 creditsClass Size: 51

Module manager: Dr Jonathan Dean
Email: ipijde@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

It is often reported in the mainstream media that feminism is unfashionable and has fallen out of favour, particularly among young women. This module offers a different point of view, through an exploration of the various ways in which feminism continues to offer profound challenges to dominant understandings of politics. It maps some of the transformations that feminism has undergone over recent decades, exploring how feminism has both shaped, and been shaped by, theoretical developments and the changing political landscape. The module poses questions such as: how have feminists challenged assumptions about what politics is, and what counts as political? How have different schools of feminism theorised gender inequality, and its intersections with other forms of oppression? In what ways are sex and sexuality political issues? How can we make sense of the changing relationship between feminism and the state? How might we theorise the shifting relations between feminism, femininity and popular culture? And is it true to argue - as many do - that feminist movements are dead or dying? Each week focuses on a key strand of contemporary feminist theory, enabling students to consider in detail the specific contribution of different aspects of feminism, their implications for political theory, and their application to contemporary political issues. The module will be of interest to anyone curious about the political aspects of gender, and the contemporary relevance of feminism.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- understand feminist developments and challenges to aspects of traditional political theory;
- apply theory and methods of analysis to current issues, problems and debates;
- use analytic and critical reasoning skills;
- work co-operatively with others;
- communicate their ideas accurately and clearly in both oral and written work.

Learning outcomes
By the end of module, students will be able to:
1) understand the breadth and diversity of feminist theory,
2) appreciate the importance of “gender” as category of political analysis,
3) understand the different ways in which gender inequality has been theorised,
4) critically reflect on how feminist perspectives have challenged dominant political ideas, and the very meaning of the term “politics”;
5) use feminist theories to understand key social and political issues.

Skills outcomes
The module will provide students with an appreciation of the diversity and impact of feminist political theory and will enable them to think critically about how gender operates in political life. It will also allow them to reflect on the contemporary relevance of feminism.

Syllabus

The bulk of the module explores the contribution of different strands of feminism - including liberal, socialist, radical, postcolonial, black and poststructuralist feminisms - to the theory and analysis of politics. The last few weeks explore a range of controversial issues within feminist politics including sexuality, popular culture, the state, and feminist social movements.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- Reading and preparation for seminars
- Preparation for assessed group presentations

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Student attendance will be monitored on a weekly basis
- Mid-semester assignment will help monitor progress
- Students will have the option of submitting a mid-semester formative essay, to monitor progress before submission of final essays
- See above
- In addition, I will provide opportunities for detailed feedback on plans (but not full drafts) of the mid-semester opinion piece.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 3,000 Word Essay (end of term)	70.00
Essay	1 x 1,000 word opinion piece (mid-term)	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 07/07/2016

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