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POL42550

Academic Year 2024/2025

Feminist Theory (POL42550)

Subject:
Politics
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Politics & Int Relations
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Pinar Dokumaci
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module explores central contemporary debates in feminist theory, with a particular focus on feminist political theory. It raises critical issues such as conceptions of the individual subjectivity and autonomy, gender invisibility in mainstream justice and equality literature, sex-blind equality, universality norms, limits and limitations of feminist solidarity and friendship, and critiques of mainstream Western liberal feminism by other/othered feminists. Students will engage with these debates in relation to contemporary political issues, offering an introduction to feminist political thought since mid-20th century. This module addresses key questions such as: What is feminism? What is patriarchy? What and who is a woman? How does gender relate to sexuality, class, religion, and race? Should housework be waged? How private is the private sphere? Should feminists trust the state?

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

- Introduce students to foundational texts and key arguments in feminist theory, especially feminist political theory
- Examine the evolution of feminist theories and their relevance to contemporary political issues such as equality, work, and identity
- Analyse how feminist perspectives intersect with issues race, class, sexuality, religion, and gender.
- Explore contributions from radical, socialist, liberal, Black, postcolonial, indigenous, and queer feminist perspectives.
- Improve discussion skills and groupwork.
- Practice forming and synthesising strong arguments based on scholarly research.
- Develop independent research skills.
- Enhance writing skills.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

176
Lectures

24
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching and learning activities will require students to engage with current academic research and to link feminist theory and broader contemporary political debates.
Through class discussions, activities, and essay writing students will examine how scholarly feminist political theory can inform and deepen our understanding of contemporary political events.
They will also be encouraged to apply their learning to a diverse range of empirical cases in order to fully develop an understanding of the benefits and limitations of using scholarly research to analyse real-world political debates, issues, and problems.
Students will also be expected to prepare thoroughly for each of the classes, particularly engaging with core readings, and to allocate a substantial amount of time to the completion of assessment work outside the classroom hours.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: Reflection Paper Week 6 Graded Yes

20

 Yes
Individual Project: Class Presentation Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded Yes

30

 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Final Essay Week 12 Graded Yes

50

 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In line with university policy students will be provided with feedback within 20 days of the deadline for submitting the assignment.

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