PSCI 237 Sex, Gender, and Political Theory (Same as Women's and Gender Studies 237) (Not offered 1999-2000; to be offered 2000-2001)
This course focuses on political theorizing about sex and gender. We take up a range of perspectives on the "gendered" nature of political concepts and categories, and examine the place occupied by women within mainstream political theory. Some questions we'll address include: Does inequality in the private and social realms reflect public and political forms of inequality, and vice versa? How should we explain differences and inequities between men and women: by invoking biological factors, or by pointing to social and historical explanations? Is there a unified conception of "woman" which can ground these generalizations and secure a common basis for political solidarity? And can we make general claims about women's and men's lives and differences without negating important differences in terms of race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality? In addition to surveying the development of different contemporary feminist perspectives-such as liberal, socialist, radical, and postmodern feminist views-we will examine the application of these arguments to particular issues in theory and practice: reproductive choice and new reproductive technologies, pornography, body image, motherhood, and prostitution. Requirements: class participation, presentations, 2 papers (6-8 pages) and a final take-home exam. No prerequisites. Political Theory Subfield