A critical exploration of the relationship between feminism, state power and issues of gender, sexuality and family, drawing upon approaches from feminism, political theory, criminology, and critical legal studies.
A critical exploration of the relationship between feminism, state power and issues
of gender, sexuality and family, drawing upon approaches from feminism, political
theory, criminology, and critical legal studies.
This paper explores power and
the state in the politics of gender and sexuality today. In the first part we examine
theories of power, freedom and the state drawn from classical liberalism, critical
theory, feminist political theory and transgender studies. We then use the insights
of this material to inform our study of key contemporary issues, including: gendered
inequality and welfare reform; marriage equality; cisgenderism; gender and the war
on terror; neoconservatism and the erosion of reproductive rights. The paper can be
taken at the 200- or 300-level. Each level has its own tutorial stream and set of
assessment tasks. All students attend the same lectures.
| Paper title | Governing Bodies |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEND308 |
| Subject | Gender Studies |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | First Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $868.95 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,656.70 |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level GEND, ANTH, LAWS, POLS or SOCI paper or one of CHTH 231, PHIL 221, PHIL 227, PHIL 228, PHIL 234, PSYC 204
- Restriction
- GEND 208
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- sgsw@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work's website
- Teaching staff
- Course Co-ordinator: Dr Rebecca Stringer
- Paper Structure
- The paper is in two parts. The first explores theories of the state, power and freedom drawn from political theorists, including feminist and queer perspectives. The second part explores issues in the contemporary politics of gender and sexuality.
- Teaching Arrangements
- One weekly 2-hour lecture and a weekly tutorial.
- Textbooks
- The assigned weekly reading is provided for students in pdf format via Blackboard.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- This paper enables students to:
- Develop knowledge of major theories of the state and key issues in the politics of gender and sexuality
- Think critically about the relationship between the state and emancipatory social change
- Familiarise students with the processes of parliamentary law reform
- Develop skills for clear and effective intellectual argumentation
