Politics

Political Systems & Issues: Feminism and the Politics of Gender

Module code: L2156
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

This module explores how women have challenged ideologies, systems and institutions which have excluded or subordinated them in post-war Britain. You will examine the history of feminism as an idea and a movement. You will also be encouraged to consider the grass-roots activism of women who may not have identified themselves as feminists – and to think about why this was the case.

We will cover women’s political participation in struggles for reforms over various issues relating to employment, the family and sexuality. You will develop a better understanding of the relationship between feminism, women’s activism and changing gender roles in modern Britain.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of the key ideas, arguments and lines of contestation in feminist political philosophy.
• Identify key concerns, events and actors in feminist politics in the UK and globally
• Locate and evaluate academic literature related to a particular topic in feminist scholarship or feminist activism.
• Identify and research a key issue or question related to feminist politics or the politics of gender.
• Demonstrate experience of conceiving and producing a substantial work of analysis and argument, presented in accordance with professional scholarly standards.