Gender and Women's Studies
The following modules are available to incoming Study Abroad
students interested in Gender and Women's Studies.
Alternatively you may return to the complete list of Study Abroad
Subject Areas.
GEN.101: Gender Studies: Identities, Inequalities and Politics
- Terms Taught:
- Full Year only
- Michaelmas Term only
- Lent / Summer Terms only
NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a course that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the course. - US Credits:
- Full Year course - 10 Semester Credits
- Michaelmas Term only - 4 Semester Credits
- Lent / Summer Terms only - 6 Semester Credits
- ECTS Credits:
- Full Year course - 20 ECTS Credits.
- Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS Credits
- Lent / Summer Terms only - 12 ECTS Credits
- Pre-requisites: None
Course Description
Have you ever wondered why women in Britain are paid, on average, 13% less than men? Why women's bodies are used in advertising? Do you think that class is a women's issue? Is being white simply about skin colour? Does the Law treat men and women in the same way? Are these questions relevant to the world we inhabit? This course explores such questions.
Educational Aims
This course aims to develop an understanding of a range of perspectives central to Gender Women's Studies, introducing students to some of the disciplines, main theoretical concepts, and most recent research involved in the field.
The course is divided into five main sections:
- Gender and social institutions;
- Women's movements;
- Cultural representations of gender;
- Identity and difference;
- Making bodies.
Students are encouraged to discuss these themes, drawing on their own experiences, as well as on reading.
Outline Syllabus
This course introduces some of the central concepts and issues in Women's Studies. We examine the history of Women's Studies as a discipline, and its relation to different kinds of feminist theories, focusing on the two themes of 'women, power and resistance', and 'women and difference'.
Particular areas covered include:
- The social organisation of gender relations
- The cultural representation of gender
- Constructions of gender identities
- Women and political organisations
Assessment Proportions
- Coursework: 60%
- Exam: 40%
MCS.227: Gender and Media
- Terms Taught: Lent and Summer Terms only
- US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
- ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
- Pre-requisites: Two semesters of Sociology
Course Description
The media are hugely influential in shaping, reflecting and challenging gendered power relations. Feminist theorists have been attentive to the ways in which our lives are mediated, suggesting that we construct and perform our identities in relation to media representations of gender, sexuality and the body. This 15-credit module focusses on these issues, exploring some of the key cultural, social and political questions surrounding gender,?sexuality and the media. The module draws on key concepts in feminist theory, queer theory, body image, Marxist feminism, masculinity studies and feminist activism to explore how gender works across a wide range of media platforms. Specific media studied include film, advertising, fashion media and celebrity culture, politics, television genres such as reality television and soap opera, and gaming and digital media.
Assessment Proportions
- Media Analysis (750 words) (20%)
- Essay (3000 words) (80%)
PPR.205: Introduction to Feminist Philosophy
- Terms Taught: Lent / Summer Terms Only
- US Credits: 4 Semester credits
- ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits
Course Description
The aim of this module is to introduce students to feminist philosophy by exploring some of the main debates in this area of philosophy. It also aims to familiarise students with different strands and traditions within feminist philosophy and cultivate their ability to engage in philosophical discussion in an informed and competenet fashion by developing their own views on different issues. Finally, it aims to provide them with skills and knowledge that would allow them to pursue the study of feminist philosophy further during their undergraduate studies at Lancaster and beyond.
Educational Aims
Students who pass this module should be able to...
- Demonstrate a good understanding of some of the core issues in feminist philosphy - Show an awareness of the different traditions and strands in feminist philosophy as well as their relationships with other philosophical traditions - Engage with and evaluate philosophical arguments in a nuanced fashion and provide their own perspective on the issues discussed
Outline Syllabus
This course will offer an introduction to feminist philosophy by addressing the question of what feminist philosophy is and providing an overview of some important debates in feminist philosophy including the debate on the question what is a woman and the distinction between sex and gender, the literature on intersectionality and the relationship between gender-based and other forms of oppression, and feminist thinking on care, marriage and the family. These issues are among the most important ones in contemporary feminist philosophy as well being issues that occupy a prominent place in public debate. Further, they will allow us to explore different traditions and approaches to feminist philosophy, analysing contributions of analytic and continental feminist philosophers, of liberal feminist philosophers and those critical of the liberal tradition, and centering perspectives that are often marginalised.
Assessment Proportions
Essay (2250-2500 words submitted at end of term). This tests for developed skills in written communication and ability to critically evaluate arguments and views. It also tests for knowledge and understanding of relevant topics and ability to produce a polished piece of academic writing.
Exam (2hrs, Summer term; 2 questions). This tests for developed skills in written communication, critical argument and for knowledge and understanding of relevant topics under time pressure.
40% Coursework 60% Exam
PPR.263: Women and Philosophy in the Ancient World
- Terms Taught: Lent / Summer Terms Only
- US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
- ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits
- Pre-requisites: None
Course Description
Students will be introduced to:
- Some of the most well known and influential women philosophers from the ancient world in India, China, and Greece
- The key texts and idea associated with the the most well known and influential women philosophers from the ancient world in India, China, and Greece
- The methological challenges of studying women philosophers in the ancient world
The Module aims to develop:
- the ability to engage in informed argument about key topics in the study women philosophers
- the ability to engage in informed argument about key topics in comparative and global philosophy
- understanding of various cultural approaches to philosophy
Educational Aims
Students who pass this module should be able to...
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key women philosophers, their texts and ideas, from the ancient world
- Deonstrate an understanding of the key methodological challenges of studying women philosophers from the ancient world
- Demonstrate an understanding of the texts and contexts covered in the course
- Be able to review and assess the major texts/thinkers under review demonstrated through verbal and written assessment
- Engage critically with philosophical debates on the topics covered
- Apply various theoretical frameworks and critical tools in order to understand, explain and analyse developments in the field
- Articulate their own position in relation to the thinkers/texts/themes of the module.
Outline Syllabus
Focusing on women philosophers is part of reclaiming important perspectives that are often left out of philosophy curricula. The content of the module will be philosophical sources from the ancient world that were either: authored by women, include views, voices, and/or characters that claim to represent a woman’s perspective, or that are explicitly about women. We will engage sources from ancient China, Greece, and India. In addition to reading this source material, the module will also develop the awareness of and skills to address some of the unique challenges of studying women philosophers, particularly in contexts where it is not clear if women composed the sources attributed to them. The exact context might change from year to year, but indicative sources might include: The Mahabharata (an epic narrative from India that includes a number of female characters who speak on philosophical issues); Ban Zhao’s Instruction for Women (a treatise on the education of women from ancient China, c 100 CE); and On Wisdom, by Perictione, who was a philosopher from the Pythagorean school.
Assessment Proportions
There will be two essays. The first one will be 1250-1500 words. The essay questions will be about topics covered in weeks 1-5. The first essay will be due in week 6 and returned by week 10. (Worth 40%)
The second essay will be 2250-2500 words. The essay questions for the second essay will be about topics covered in weeks 6-10. (Worth 60%)
PPR.355: Body in Text: Politics of Gender in Islam
- Terms Taught: Lent / Summer Terms Only
- US Credits: 4 Semester Credits.
- ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits.
- Pre-requisites: You must have undertaken relevant previous studies in religion and/or philosophy.
Course Description
This module aims to:
- Introduce students to the study of key Islamic texts e.g. The Qur’an, its history and its interpretation in relation to gender.
- Provide students with an understanding of key concepts in the study of religion and gender (e.g. patriarchy, gender hierarchy, sexuality, and femininity and masculinity) through a critical, postcolonial perspective focused on Islam.
- Inculcate the students with textual analysis skills to examine how concepts such as patriarchy can be critically applied and interrogated in the analysis of foundational and primary sources in Islam.
- Help students understand and analyse the relation between text and practice in establishing and transforming gender norms in the lived traditions of Islam.
- Examine contemporary women’s movements in the Muslim world and the rise of Muslim/Islamic feminism in light of contemporary challenges to the Islamic tradition.
- Assist students in reading and critically assessing western and non-western feminist readings of religion and counter-readings by Muslim women.
- Encourage students to employ their knowledge of textual and lived traditions to critically reflect on current debates within the field of Gender Studies
- Equip students with analytical and conceptual skills essential for studying and researching gender, feminism and religion, e.g. textual analysis of pre-modern texts.
Educational Aims
Upon completion of this course, successful students should be able to:
- demonstrate a grasp of key concepts in the study of religion and gender (e.g. patriarchy, gender hierarchy, sexuality, and femininity and masculinity) through a critical, postcolonial perspective focused on Islam.
- apply textual analysis skills in examining how concepts such as patriarchy can be critically applied and interrogated in the analysis of foundational and primary sources in Islam.
- analyse the relation between text and practice in establishing and transforming gender norms in the lived traditions of Islam.
- demonstrate knowledge of contemporary women’s movements in the Muslim world and the rise of Muslim/Islamic feminism in light of contemporary challenges to the Islamic tradition.
- assist students in reading and critically assessing western and non-western feminist readings of religion and counter-readings by Muslim women.
- critically reflect on current debates within the field of Gender and Islam
Outline Syllabus
Outline syllabus
The course syllabus will consist of three building blocks: 1) an introductory part (2 weeks) providing an overview of the study of Gender, Religion and Islam, moving on to key issues in feminist and post-colonial approaches; 2) an examination of 'Gender in the Tradition' through texts and their histories (4 weeks), covering a range of topics such as diverse readings of gender representation in Qur’anic and prophetic texts, the construction of gender norms in Islamic law and ethics, especially those pertaining to sexuality and modesty, and, finally, gendered ideas and practices surrounding religious roles and authority; 3) an exploration of feminist approaches and contemporary movements pursuing intellectual and political projects which aim to de-construct patriarchy and reconstruct Islamic law, ethics and theology within Muslim contexts (4 weeks).
Assessment Proportions
Assessment is by a 2700-3000 words essay on a topic chosen by the student and developed in consultation with the supervisor. Assessment by essay on a topic chosen by the individual student is appropriate because it best allows students to demonstrate their developing skills in reading, discussing, researching, and writing in response to particular texts and/or topics addressed in depth. They will be given formative feedback that will assist them in revising for the exam. (40%)
Students will also be assessed by examination. They will be required to answer two questions in two hours.This is a summative method for assessing their overall understanding of the course and their achievement of the learning outcomes. (60%)
40% Coursework 60% Exam
PPR.371: Wild Asian Goddesses: Power and Transgression in South and South East Asia
- Terms Taught: Lent / Summer Terms Only
- US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
- ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits
- Pre-requisites: Relevant previous studies in philosophy, religion or a related subject.
Course Description
The module aims to:
1. develop a scholarly awareness of Asian goddess traditions, their main goddesses, wild and mild, their mythologies, texts, histories and philosophical currents
2. establish a bigger picture of 'global religions' by looking at ancient notions and practices surrounding female sacred power
3. encourage thinking on issues connected to gender and power through the study of these particular traditions.
4. foster sensitive, informed interpretations of a variety of non-Western historical sources and gain an understanding of the richness of classical Indian languages (Sanskrit and Prakrit)
Educational Aims
Students who pass this module should be able to...
1. have both a broad and nuanced historical knowledge of Shakta (goddess-oriented) traditions in South and South East Asia through studying a wide range of sources and examples in depth
2. critically assess the connections of these traditions with society, culture and power
3. be able to assess the implications of these traditions for gender and politics in religion
Outline Syllabus
South and South East Asian religious traditions are globally unique for their reverence of female divine power. Called Devi (goddess) and Shakti (power/potentiality), the Goddess is thought to be multiform and worshipped in ‘power-sites’ (shaktipithas) scattered all over the subcontinent. In theological traditions of medieval India, she was conceptualized in some of the most sophisticated metaphysical arguments as an ultimate Consciousness. For worshippers, she is a symbol of many things: autonomous power, liberation, rulership, transgression, duality, sexuality, passion, motherhood, the colour red, Death, vision and sleep.
In this module we explore the only major religious culture, in which female sacred power plays an undilutedly central role. We assess its history and its importance in South and South East Asian society drawing on classical historical sources-- Sanskrit narratives, ritual manuals, poetry, philosophical literature and epigraphy, as well as explore her impact on living traditions.
Along the way we will be exploring the following questions:
What does the tradition of goddesses in South Asia say about the role of heretical traditions and doctrines, of which many of its scriptures and practices were considered parts?
What relation do myths of the goddess's sacred places bear with histories of actual places, in other words, what was the relationship between ‘myth’ and history (how for example do stories of kings receiving kingship from the goddess articulate histories of state formation)?
What relation do passages of worship in doctrinal literature have with actual worship?
How does the Goddess’s tradition blur the realms of power-in-society and power-outside-society and why?
Assessment Proportions
The module will be assessed through one essay 4500-5000 words in length, written on a topic/question from a list shared with students before the start of the module. (100% Coursework Only)
SOCL314: Feminism and Social Change
- Terms Taught:
- Full Year only
- Michaelmas Term only
- Lent / Summer Terms only
NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a course that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the course. - US Credits:
- Full Year course - 8 Semester Credits
- Michaelmas Term only - 4 Semester Credits
- Lent / Summer Terms only - 4 Semester Credits
- ECTS Credits:
- Full Year course - 15 ECTS Credits
- Michaelmas Term only - 7.5 ECTS Credits
- Lent / Summer Terms only - 7.5 ECTS Credits
- Pre-requisites: Five semesters of sociology; two may be from cognate disciplines such as anthropology or social psychology.
Course Description
This challenging course investigates gender inequalities within society through a focus on historical and contemporary debates in feminist theory and activism. The course has an 'intersectional' focus that means we will consider gender inequalities as bound up with other forms of discrimination and marginalisation, particularly racial and ethnic inequalities, disability and social class.
The first term will challenge you to think about 'what feminism means today' through a consideration of key aspects of feminist thought and activism from the late 1960s onwards. We will consider ideas such as ‘the personal is political’, consciousness raising and the contemporary relevance of sexism. We will also consider feminist research practices and methods and the idea of work as liberation to prepare you to carry out an intergenerational interview on the theme of gender, work and social change. In the latter part of term 1 we will explore the Women’s Health Movement and explore contemporary feminist activism through current examples of everyday activism. In the second term we take the feminist manifesto as a central document which expresses lived experiences of gender inequalities and collective desire for social change and explore the contemporary resonance of ideas introduced in the first term through engaging with topics such as breast cancer activism, anti-feminist backlash, and black and cyborg feminisms.
Throughout the course we will interrogate social constructions of sex differences and consider how lived experiences of inequality are perpetuated. By the end of the course you will be familiar with some of the key debates within feminism today and be able to make connections between feminist theory and forms of feminist practice. This course will challenge you to interrogate your own assumptions about sexual difference and inequality and we expect you to take a full part in lively class discussion and debate. The course involves analysis of varied media including academic texts, advertising, art, film and news media.
Educational Aims
- To examine key concepts and theoretical approaches in contemporary feminist theory
- To develop core skills of critical scholarly analysis, evaluation, and interpretation
- To improve written and spoken expression, argumentation, criticism, and use of evidence
- To introduce and develop methodologies for interpreting visual and textual sources
- To develop confidence in scholarly reading and writing
Outline Syllabus
- Introduction: The Nature-Culture debate
- Gender
- What is Sex and Gender?
- Performativity
- Transgender
- Sustaining Feminisms - Women, Work and Class
- Essay Writing/Reading Week
- Sex Work/Prostitution, Migration and Trafficking
- Media and Body Image: Workshop
- Overview of the First Term
Assessment Proportions
