What is feminism? What is feminist theory? By what methods do feminists create knowledge? This course will introduce you to the foundations of feminist thought and familiarize you with some of its major debates and preoccupations. Feminist thought is diverse and interdisciplinary. In this course, students can expect a focus on historical foundations and canonical texts and specific topics in feminist theory such as intersectionality, sexuality, embodiment, and transfeminism. Through these topics, you will learn about key feminist questions and methods that will provide you with a sturdy foundation for future study and praxis. This course is taught in a seminar style and, thus, will focus on the thorough discussion of weekly readings and emphasize a deep understanding of the arguments presented by the author under consideration.

Course Requirements:

Assignments will include response papers, oral presentations, and a final project. Students are expected to participate rigorously.

Intended Audience:

This class meets the theory requirement for the Women's and Gender Studies major, Gender & Health major, and Gender, Race & Nation Minor. It also meets the seminar requirement for the Gender & Health minor.

Class Format:

This course is taught in a seminar-style and will focus on the thorough discussion of weekly readings, emphasizing a deep understanding of the arguments presented by the authors under consideration.