Universität Wien

135823 KO KO: Contemporary Feminist Theorizing (2018S)

6.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 13 - Europäische und Vergleichende Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 17.04. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 24.04. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 08.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 15.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 29.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 05.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 12.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 19.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 26.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course surveys twentieth and twenty-first century contemporary feminist thought from a variety of disciplinary perspectives and theoretical orientations. We will focus on key issues in feminist theory such as the sex/gender debate, sexual desire and the body, the political economy of gender, and the construction of femininity among others. This course aims also to think through the ways in which these issues intersect with race, class, colonialism and the nation. We will discuss why we study "theory" and explore the relation between feminist theory and political practice.

Course Goals:
This course is designed to introduce students to the different kinds of feminist theories currently animating the field. Students will study several examples from different categories of feminist theory, paying attention to the issues that inspired these texts, the contexts that produced them and the uses for which they were put at the time they became notable texts. Students will become familiar with key debates in the field and to understand how ideologies of gender and sexuality (and its various intersections) have an impact on life choices. Students are also likely to encounter excerpts from literary texts or popular culture to help make sense of these texts. Finally, students will be encouraged toenvision and engage in strategies that lead to social justice and social change.

Teaching Methods:
Teaching will be based on a mix of formal lectures, guided class discussions based on specific topics, screenings and small group work/discussion.

Assessment and permitted materials

Students are required to submit two essays of the same length, worth 25% each. A word count range between 750 and 1000 is suggested for each. The first essay which will be submitted May 8 and the second essay is due on June 12. The creative project and presentation, worth 30% will be due June 26.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Assessment for this course will be based on attendance, on the two essays, on a creative project and presentation, and on class participation (worth 20%). Grading of the essays will be based on coherence of argument, textual interpretation, and writing style, and not on the position taken. Grading of the creative project will be based on an accompanying essay that justifies the theoretical approach, as well as the planning, thought, aesthetic appeal, and energy of the project. The presentation will be evaluated according to your volume, pace, and tone, your demeanor, and overall delivery. Since the class will be conducted in English, it is prudent for students to have a fine understanding of written and spoken English. There will be no examination for this course.
Essay (5,000 words) - 40%
Presentation - 40%
Class contribution - 20%

Examination topics

Reading list

Feminist Theory: A Reader ed. Wendy Kolmar and Frances Bartkowski. Whitby: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2013.
Other required and recommended material will be available in PDF and is marked with an asterisk below.

Association in the course directory

MA M2

Last modified: Th 04.07.2024 00:13