10680 Introduction to Gender Studies

Credits: 6 intermediate credits in Sociology & Anthropology or in Political Science

Prerequisites: none

Required: Introduction to Sociology

Authors: Nitza Yanai, Hannah Naveh, Tamar El-Or, Orly Lubin, Tammy Amiel-Houser, Nitza Berkovitz, Amira Gelblum, Sarit Helman, Amalia Ziv, Pnina Motzafi-Haller, Liat Friedman, Orit Kamir

The course maps and presents key developments of modern and post-modern feminist thought around which a wide range of theories, methodologies and practices of gender have emerged. It critically examines the hegemonic gender order, social relations between the sexes, the status and power of women in various societies, women’s representation in culture, and the creation of gendered subjects.

Topics: “The Second Sex” – Simone de Beauvoir and the problematics of inequality between the sexes; “Is Female to Male as Nature is to Culture?” – Sherry Ortner and the nature vs. nurture debate; “Men and Women of the Corporation” – Rosabeth Moss Kanter and the production of femininity and masculinity through the organization of work; “The Reproduction of Mothering” – Nancy Chodorow and the psychology of gender; “The Madwoman in the Attic” – Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar and the representation of the female writer in culture; “Powers of Horror” – Julia Kristeva and the female subject that is not constructed as simply as language; “The Science Question in Feminism” – Sandra Harding and the issue of scientific investigation in feminism; “Feminism Unmodified” – Catherine McKinnon on different types of discourse about life and law; “Gender and Politics of History” – Joan W. Scott about the history of women and a gendered analysis of history; “The Sexual Contract” – Carole Pateman about patriarchy and the concept of citizenship; “Yearning” – Bell Hooks and the cultural politics of race and gender; “Gender Trouble” – Judith Butler and the subversion of transgender identity.