This module engages with important contributions to philosophy from feminist philosophers, addressing issues that concern the positions of women in society. Topics covered include: oppression; feminine appearance; marriage; pornography and sexual violence; critical race feminism; men in feminism; and feminist epistemology.

• ·Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the philosophical issues raised by philosophers concerned with gender equality.

  ·Demonstrate a grasp of the issues that are of current concern to feminist philosophers, and an understanding of how feminist concerns might apply in other areas of philosophy or political thought.

The module will be delivered through lectures and seminars as appropriate. Seminars will take the form of discussion sessions led by a member of staff or discussion sessions where students work independently in small groups.

This module will be taught using a reader, printed books and also using journal articles which are available online (e.g. via Learning Central) or from the library. Timetabled sessions will be supplemented with written material in the form of a detailed summary of the session content and a list of further reading. This supplementary material will be provided on Learning Central and/or will be projected during the sessions using PowerPoint or OHP acetates. Any supplementary material in a permanent form (e.g. a paper handout or downloadable document) will be made available on Learning Central at least 24 hours before the session.

Still images or diagrams will be used in this module as an occasional supplement to illustrate points which are also presented verbally (e.g. in text or by means of a caption).

Transferable / Employability Skills:

It is worth bearing in mind that, even though the point of the module is to do philosophy, many of the skills you’ll be developing are also highly valued by graduate employers. These include:

• Critical Thinking: e.g. the ability to understand, structure and critically evaluate the key points and arguments made in written texts and discussions––achieved through e.g. reading, small group activities in lectures and seminars, plenary discussions in seminars, reflecting on lecture materials, essay and exam preparation and writing.
• Communication: the ability to formulate and articulate your critical thinking, both orally and on paper, in ways that others can grasp and engage with––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, seminar discussions, essay/exam writing.
• Organisation: the ability to organise and coordinate workloads––achieved through balancing e.g. reading, seminar preparation, essay/exam preparation.
• Working with others: e.g. co-constructing ideas, responding sensitively to others––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, group presentations.

The summative assessment for this module will consist of one extended essay of 3,200 words and class participation consisting of contributions to the module discussion board responding to at least 5 in-class seminar discussion.

This module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Course Guide. There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

In accordance with University regulations, students are allowed two attempts at retrieval of any failed essay, for a maximum module mark of 40%.  Resit assessments are held over the summer.

Doctrines and arguments of classic and current feminist philosophers on the topics of

·Gender as a social construct

·Oppression

·Marriage

·Discipline and the Feminine Body

·Pornography, sexual violence, and “rape” culture

·Feminism and multiculturalism

·Feminism and men

·Feminist epistemology

Indicative schedule of topics, by semester week:

1.       Introduction and Mary Wollstonecraft’s critique of the Enlightenment

2.       What is a woman?

3.       Marriage: what’s love got to do with it?

4.       Radical ideas in feminist thought

5.       Critical race feminism

6.       Reading week

7.       Discipline and the feminine body

8.       Violence, pornography, and ‘rape culture’

9.       Epistemic injustice and implicit bias

10.     Who can be the subject of feminist knowledge?

11.     What is feminism? What should it be?

There will be a Module Reader

A resource list will be available on learning central. Prior to studying the module students may wish to consult:

Adiche, Chimamanda Ngozi. (2014) We Should All Be Feminists, London: Fourth Estate.

Beard, Mary. (2017) Women & Power: A Manifesto, London: Profile Books.

Saul, Jennifer Mather. (2003) Feminism: Issues & Arguments, Oxford: Oxford University Press.