This course provides an overview of the historical bases and contemporary developments in feminist theorizing. We analyze a range of feminist theories, including liberal, Marxist, radical, and postmodernist feminism. The course explores how these feminist theories apply to a number of themes, including the body, sexuality, imperialism, globalization, and transnationalism. Throughout the course we address race, class, national, and cultural differences among women.

One of the most significant contributions of feminist theory has been to critically investigate how structures of power oppress, dominate, and exploit “others,” with a focus on women. Through the assigned readings and class discussions, students will learn how to use feminist tools from different traditions to analyze these multiple and intersecting forms of injustice.

The objectives of this course are 1) to provide an overview of contemporary feminist theories; 2) to examine competing foundations, arguments, and positions within these theories; 3) to develop the analytical skills needed to critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments, and debates among contemporary theorists; and 4) to apply this knowledge to a final research paper.