Feminist Theories, 7.5 credits
Contents
This course deals with feminist theory and central classical and contemporary debates within feminist theorizing. Taking departure from a variety of feminist and intersectional approaches the course will address questions such as: What is feminist theory? How has feminist knowledge production developed? How have feminists theorized and understood the relationship between gender and power, and other intersecting categories such as sexuality, race/ethnicity and class? The course is divided into three broad themes: 1) feminist knowledge production, 2) sex/gender and sexuality and 3) intersectional- and postcolonial critique. These themes will be explored through classical texts, lectures, discussions, group assignments, and individual written assignments.
Expected learning outcomes
Having completed this course the students are expected to have the ability to:
Knowledge and understanding:
- understand and explain different feminist approaches.
- understand how different feminist theories conceptualise power, knowledge, gender and subjectivity.
Skills and abilities:
- identify and compare the diverging lines between different feminist approaches.
- independently apply relevant theories on empirical or theoretical problems.
Judgement and approach:
- orally and in writing present independent analyses related to central questions regarding power, gender and subjectivity in feminist theorizing.
Required Knowledge
To be admitted to the course applicants must have completed three semesters of full time studies, equivalent to 90 ECTS, of which at least 15 ECTS must be an independent project or four semesters of full time studies equivalent to 120 ECTS.
English proficiency equivalent to English A from Swedish Upper secondary education.
Form of instruction
The course is a full-time on-line course in English. The course is taught entirely through an electronic Learning Management System where the student takes part in lectures, mandatory assignments and other learning activities. The studies are characterized by a high degree of independent and active search for knowledge, and critical reflection, both individually and in groups.
The course focuses on active learning, i.e. putting knowledge into practice and critically reflecting upon the knowledge. Different strategies for teaching and learning will be used, such as lectures, group discussions and various forms of individual and group exercises on selected topics. To pass the course the student is expected to actively participate in all seminars and to pass the final examination
Examination modes
Examination takes place through fulfillment of two parts:
1) Mandatory assignments during the course as well as active participation in seminars
2) Individual written assignment.
For part 1 the grades are Fail (U) or Pass (G). For part 2, as well as for the whole course, the grades are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade for the whole course in based on the examination of part 2. The whole course is not graded until part 1 is fulfilled.
Other regulations
Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits. For more
information, see: www.umu.se/utbildning/antagning/tillgodoraknande/
Literature
Valid from: 2020 week 28
"Subjects of sex/gender/desire”
Included in:
Gender trouble[Elektronisk resurs]b feminism and the subversion of identity
New York :
Routledge :
1999. :
xxxiii, 221 p. :
Mandatory
Abu-Lughod Lila
Do Muslim women really need saving? Anthopological reflections on Cultural relativism and its Others.
Ingår i: American Anthroplogist, 104(3) pp. 783-790. 2003. :
2003 :
http://org.uib.no/smi/seminars/Pensum/Abu-Lughod.pdf
Mandatory
Bordo Susan
The Cartesian Masculinization of Thought
Ingår i: Signs Vol. 11, No. 3, Spring, 1986, s. 439-456 :
http://www.jstor.org/stable/3174004?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Mandatory
”The intersectional turn in feminist theory. A dream of a common language?”
Carbin Maria, Edenheim Sara
European Journal of Women Studies. Vol. 20, nr. 3. :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: pp. 233-248
Carbin Maria
Postcolonialism, theoretical and critical perspectives on
Included in:
The Wiley Blackwell encyclopedia of gender and sexuality studies [Elektronisk resurs] / Editor-in-chief, Nancy A. Naples ; associate editors, Renee C. Hoogland, Maithree Wickramasinghe, Wai Ching Angela Wong]
Malden, MA :
Wiley-Blackwell :
2016 :
1 online resource. :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: pp. 1-6
Crenshaw Kimberle
Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color
Included in:
Stanford law review.
Stanford, Calif. :
School of Law :
1948- :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: pp. 1241- 1299
Haraway D.
Situated Knowledges: The Science Question in Feminism and the Privilege of Partial Perspective
Included in:
Feminist studies.
New York :
1972- :
14 :
575-599 pages
Mandatory
Hill Collins Patricia
Defining Black Feminist Thought
Included in:
The second wave
New York :
Routledge :
1997 :
x, 414 s. :
241-259 pages
Mandatory
Introduction
Included in:
Feminist postcolonial theory
New York :
Routledge :
2003 :
pdf (xi, 754 s.) :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: pp 1-24
Feminist Studies: A Guide to Intersectional Theory, Methodology and Writing (Routledge advances in feminist studies and intersectionality ; 1)
Lykke Nina, Max Novick
Routledge :
Mandatory
Mohanty Chandra Talpade
Under western eyes. Feminist scholarship and colonial discourses.
Included in:
Feminist review.
London,c 1979- :
1979- :
61-88 pages
Mandatory
Norlander Kerstin
Empathetic reading. The art of reading a text in its own terms
Swedish Secreteriat for Gender Research :
2013 :
Gender Studies Education and Pedagogy
Mandatory
Reading instructions: pp. 10-13
Rubin Gayle
Thinking sex
Included in:
The Lesbian and gay studies reader
New York :
Routledge :
1993 :
666 s. :
3-44 pages
Mandatory
Nicholson Linda J.
The second wave
: a reader in feminist theory
New York :
Routledge :
1997 :
x, 414 s. :
ISBN: 0415917603
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue
Reading instructions: pp. 158-180 and pp 323-329
Virgins or whores? Feminist critique of sexuality
Included in:
Sexuality
Oxford :
Oxford University Press :
2008 :
151 p. :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: pp. 49-74