This course examines the rise and circulation of transnational feminism(s) as both an interdisciplinary field and a mode of movement-building. The course begins with exploring the historical roots of transnational feminism in global, women of color, and postcolonial or Third World feminisms. Students will learn about the feminist interventions of the mid-90s into women’s and gender studies to destabilize the debates and practices of universalism, representation, and knowledge production. The second part of the course examines how feminist scholars and activists around the globe, particularly from the Global South, shape our understanding of contemporary issues in transnational feminisms, both within and beyond borders. We will cover topics such as reproduction, family, and the state; nationalism, war, and militarism; colonialism, development, and capitalism; and migration and humanitarianism. The course will pay particular attention to the ongoing (and often unequal) exchanges between feminist, queer, anti-racist, anti-imperialist, and other social justice struggles in different parts of the world. Students will emerge from this course with a strong foundation in transnational feminisms as an interdisciplinary field and an understanding of how different feminist mobilizations across the globe are intimately interconnected.

Course Requirements:

There will be no exams. Students will write papers for their final projects.

Intended Audience:

upper-level students.

Class Format:

This class will be offered remotely at its scheduled time.