ENG32720 Feminist Theory

Academic Year 2021/2022

This Stage 3 module explores key debates in feminist theory from 1975 to the present. Students will gain a grounding in the core concepts of ‘gender’, ‘sex’, ‘sexuality’ and ‘feminism’, and in the historical themes that shape contemporary feminist politics and thought. Topics may include Marxist feminism, ecofeminism, Black feminism and postfeminism. The module will also cover key topics in queer theory that may include homonationalism, homonormativity, queer temporalities and queer ecology. The module is theory-led and includes work drawn from visual culture and media studies as well as literary studies.

Theorists discussed might include: Carol J. Adams, Sara Ahmed, Gloria Anzaldúa, Talia Mae Bettcher, Lauren Berlant, Laboria Cuboniks, Lee Edelman, Silvia Federici, Jack Halberstam, Patricia Hill Collins, Alison Kafer, Jennifer Nash, Jasbir Puar.

There is no need for students to have previously studied feminist or queer theory. All readings will be available online.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Analyse and discuss a range of approaches to feminist and queer theory
- Examine literary and cultural texts through the lenses of feminist and queer theory
- Show knowledge and understanding of the historical and theoretical relations between feminist and queer theory
- Demonstrate skills and confidence in reading theoretical texts and applying theoretical concepts
- Write clear and thoughtful academic prose with respect for scholarly accuracy and referencing conventions

Indicative Module Content:

Topics may include:
theories of gender and sex
trans feminist thought
social reproduction theory
emotional labour
Black feminist thought
vegan feminism
ecofeminism
xenofeminism
postfeminism
homonationalism
queer ecology
queer temporalities

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

22
Specified Learning Activities

78
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Interactive classroom-based learning
Seminar discussion
Handouts with quotes and questions to consider in advance of seminars
Close textual reading
Viewing of film and media materials 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Two thinkpieces, of 1,000 words total, using theoretical texts and concepts discussed in class to interpret current news, media or political events, or students' own experiences. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Continuous Assessment: Students will keep a reflective journal over the course of the module, total 1,500 words (around 150 words per week). Journal entries can be developed into submissions for the thinkpiece assignment. Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10
Essay: End of trimester essay, 3-3,500 words. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Essay consultations will be available for all students in the final week. Students are encouraged to discuss essay or thinkpiece ideas in office hours or over email at any point in the trimester to receive feedback and guidance. Class activities will help students to prepare for the module assessments. Continuous formative feedback will be given in seminars.