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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL/EC 375"
COURSE NAME: "Politics of Gender"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Costanza Hermanin
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 1:30-2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Junior standing or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the ways in which the social and cultural constructions of gender influence the nature and practice of political life. The course revolves around two themes – exclusion and empowerment – and examines the practices, policies and structures that exclude different genders, as well as the strategies and repertoires of different gendered communities to protect their rights and interests and promote equality. The course is organized around a variety of topics, blending issues of exclusion and empowerment. The course begins by laying out debates surrounding gender and key themes used to examine the topic in psychology, biology, sociology and economics. We then move to examine specific synergies between gender and politics, exploring the issues of political representation, political participation, public policy, the body politic, the political economy, development, violence, rights, political mobilization and transnational issues. Using case studies, as well as lessons from practitioners, the course surveys a variety of issues and debates related to gender and politics.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course explores the ways in which the social and cultural constructions of gender influence the nature and practice of political life. The course revolves around two themes – exclusion and empowerment – and examines the practices, policies and structures that exclude different genders, as well as the strategies and repertoires of different gendered communities to protect their rights and interests and promote equality. The course is organized around a variety of topics, blending issues of exclusion and empowerment. The course begins by laying out debates surrounding gender and key themes used to examine the topic in psychology, biology, sociology and economics. We then move to examine specific synergies between gender and politics, exploring the issues of political representation, political participation, public policy, the body politic, the political economy, development, violence, rights, political mobilization and transnational issues. Using case studies, as well as lessons from practitioners, the course surveys a variety of issues and debates related to gender and politics.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

From the onset students will learn the key issues in the current debate. Students will enrich their knowledge and skills in a way that will help them taking part in discussions about some of the most salient topics of our times and becoming more empowered and informed citizens. 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The New Politics of Gender EqualityJudith SquiresRed Globe Press9780230007703 ebook: 781137036537     
Unfinished Business WOMEN MEN WORK FAMILYAnn Marie SlaughterPenguin Random House9780812984972     
Women, Political Leaders and the MediaDonatella CampusPalgrave Mac Millan978-1-349-33046-1 Students can also buy the ebook edition   
Gender and International RelationsJill SteansWiley 978-0-745-66279-4 students can buy ebook   
Women, Gender and PoliticsMona Krook and Sarah ChildsOxford University Press9780195368819 Students can buy ebook edition   
Handbook on the International Political Economy of GenderJuanita Elias Adrienne RobertsEdward Elgar978 1 78347 883 5     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
ii 
Class attendance and participationClass Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance and active participation in class is required. Students are expected to do the readings and be able to discuss them in class. They are also expected to regularly research and check news related to the field of study.10
Class presentationsIn-class Presentation(s): Students are required to give a 10’ individual presentation on a topic approved by the instructor and related to the class program, and an individual press review of daily news relevant to the study of gender politics. The 10' presentation related to the class programme will be well-organized, concise, and include (when opportune) audiovisual and electronic materials. The student and the professor will agree on a title for the presentation. A draft outline of the presentation must be submitted to the instructor five days before presenting in class. An electronic version of the presentation must be uploaded on Moodle after revisions by the instructor. 15
Mid term examThe exam consists of ten questions concerning the part of the programme covered in the first part of the course15
   
Final EssayFinal essay: The final essay (max 3,000 words) will be on any topic of the student’s choice related to the class program. The topic should be precisely defined and worthy of investigation. An electronic version of the project must be sent to the instructor before a the end of week 12. No materials will be accepted past the deadline. To produce the final essay, students will receive further instructions in class. During the semester, students will show the instructor their work in progress and receive checks. Portfolio: In order to produce their final papers, students will keep a portfolio of research materials during the semester. The portfolio will be shared with, and evaluated by the instructor. 30
Final examThe exam consists of two parts of equal value. The first part is an essay related to the textbook. The second part of the exam consists of ten questions to be concisely defined.30

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Class Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance and active participation in class is required. Attendance requirements: A maximum of three absences are allowed throughout the semester. Any additional absence will result in a penalization of one grade level (e.g.: from B+ to B for five absences, B+ to B- for six ab-sences, B+ to C+ for seven absences, etc.). Two latenesses count for one absence. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class by calling students’ names. Students not answering will be marked absent. Students arrived late will ask the instructor to be marked late at the end of the class, after which attendance records will not be modified. Use of Computers in class: The use of personal computers and technological devices in class is not permitted except for taking notes, or contributing to class activity during designated times. Students not respecting the rule will be penalized by getting no points in the Class Participation requirement (worth 10% of the final grade). Recording and filming in class is not allowed.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

 

WEEKLY LESSON PLAN

Week 1 Defining Gender  

Session 1 Course Introduction

Session 2 Gender as a concept in contemporary Political Science and Law

Week 2 Historical and geographical perspectives on gender and sexuality  

Session 3 The evolving conception of gender

Session 4 Gender in the Western world and elsewhere

Week 3 Gendered Social Movements

Session 5 Women Rights movements

Session 6 LGBTQ+ Social Movements  

 

Week 4 The Political Economy of Gender

Session 7 Feminist Economics

Session 8 Gender and Work

 

Week 5 The political Economy of Gender - Continued

Session 9 Gender and Sex Work

Session 10 Researching Gender - Session with Library Staff

 

Week 6 Gender and Politics

Session 11 Gender and the State

Session 12 Gender and Political Participation

Week 7 Gendered Welfare

Session 13 Gender and Reproductive Health

Session 14 Gender and Social Protection

 

Week 8 Gender Violence       

Session 15 Repertoires of Gender Violence

Session 16 Addressing Gender Violence

Week 10 Contemporary Evolutions of Equality Policy

Session 17 Antidiscrimination Policy

Session 18 The Quota Dilemma and its prospects

Week 11 Contemporary evolutions of Equality Policy

Session 19 Comparing State Programmes

Session 20 Gender and International Institutions

 

Week 12 Gender and the Media System   

Session 21 Communicating Gender

Session 22 Gender in the Media

 

Week 13 Gender in traditionally male dominated sectors

Session 23 Women in International Relations

Session 24 Gender and the Military

Week 14 The Backlash: Anti-women and anti-gender campaigns

Session 25 Rights of Men and Mobilization

Session 26 Populism and gender 

Week 15 Reflections and Course Review

Session 27 Presentation of Essays

Session 28 Course review

 

Week 16 Final Examination