Feminist Theory, Research, and Practice

CRN: winter: 20293; spring: 30275
Note: This 8-credit program will meet from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. First class meets in SEM 2 A1105

Feminist Theory, Research, and Practice will introduce students to theoretical frameworks and research practices fundamental to the study of women and gender. Feminist theory has developed within and alongside feminist social movements. This program will trace the history of feminist thinking with particular focus on U.S. women's movements. We will look at ways in which feminist understandings of patriarchy and gender have developed in relation to other prominent theories of the 19th and 20th centuries including theories of capitalism, psychoanalysis, anti-racism/anti-colonialism, and post-modernism. This program will attempt to demystify feminist theory, as well as intoduce students to a variety of current feminist expressions and practices (including feminist zine-making, DIY crafts, and poetry). We will see how feminist theoretical frameworks have helped to shape academic research, social movements, public policy, and professional practice. Students will apply theoretical perspectives to a wide variety of contemporary sites of political resistance and social change--from body politics to welfare politics, from public streets to private board rooms. We will examine the intersection of gender with race and class as we discuss such topics as sexual orientation, gender identity, socialization, reproduction, power, violence, language, and resistance.

During spring quarter we will give additional attention to feminist research methods, and students will participate in a community-based learning and research project. Students interested in social services may wish to develop research projects in collaboration with a local non-profit service agency.