COURSE ABSTRACT

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of feminist scholarship, which seeks to understand the creation and perpetuation of gender inequalities and their relation to other systems of inequality.  After tracing the historical emergence of feminist critiques, the course surveys contemporary feminist issues, particularly work and sexuality, as well as contemporary strategies for social change.  Each section draws on historical analysis and pays close attention to the variety of women's experiences.  Along with the focus on the United States, an effort has been made to incorporate international perspectives on women and feminism.  No prior course work is required to take FS101, but a sincere commitment to understanding feminism and a willingness to undertake a demanding course are essential.  Beyond the presumption that gender inequality is unjust, the course takes no single political perspective.  A major goal is to train students in analytical skills that will help them think critically about gender in the past, the present, and the future.