PSCI 237(F) Feminist Political Theory (Same as Women's and Gender Studies 237)

Have formal political equality and voting rights brought about meaningful social and political equality for women? Feminist political theorists argue that numerous inequalities remain in relationships between the sexes, and that mainstream political theory often reinforces these injustices. This course examines whether central concepts in political thought-such as personal autonomy, citizenship, and rights-in fact ignore the realities of women's lives. More generally, the course serves as an introduction to some of the main strands of feminist political theory in the last 25 years, including liberal, Marxist, radical, and post-modern feminist perspectives. We'll pay particular attention to a central dilemma of contemporary feminist thought and practice: how to make general, political claims about women's identities and experiences (for political purposes) at the same time as acknowledging important differences among women in terms of race, class, and cultural and sexual identities. Requirements: class participation, two papers (5-7 pages), and a final exam.
No prerequisites. Political Theory Subfield

Hour: M. DEVEAUX