Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Feminist Political Ideas
School	Government
Department	Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code	08 29303
Module Lead	Laura Jenkins
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	L2 students only
Exclusions
Description	This module examines the historical development and diversity of feminist political ideas, concentrating on the way in which feminist thought has challenged traditional political theory. Attention will be given to the exclusion of feminist thinkers from the canon of Western thought and the specific ways in which feminist thinkers have revised and expanded understanding of significant political concepts (such as ‘the political’, gender, equality, justice, sex, reproduction, labour, property, contract, rights and capabilities, care, identity, emotion, reason, representation and the family). Students will analyse key traditions such as liberal feminism; Marxist and socialist feminism; radical feminism; care-focused feminism; postcolonial feminism; black feminism; social constructionism; and postmodern/poststructural feminism. In so doing, students will consider the issue of what constitutes feminism, and who (or what) forms the proper subject of feminist analysis. Given that feminist theory is necessarily ‘engaged’, the module will also explore both the distinctive methodological and pedagogical practices proposed by feminists, the importance of experiential knowledge, and the application of theory to a range of substantive areas.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the Module, students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of key strands of feminist political theory Critically reflect on the connection between feminist concepts and personal lived experience Evaluate how feminist thinkers have challenged and revised traditional political ideas Analyse contemporary political issues using feminist ideas
Assessment	29303-01 : 1000 Word Assessment : Coursework (25%) 29303-04 : 3000 Word Assessment : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 1000 word essay (25%), 1 x 2500 word essay (75%). Reassessment by failed component
Other
Reading List