JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL/EC 375"
COURSE NAME: "Politics of Gender"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Moynagh
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MTWTH 9:00 AM 10:50 AM
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:

The course will first look at texts that challenge assumptions about gender’s grounding in nature and will instead consider the power relations behind the social construction of masculinity, femininity, heteronormativity, LGBTQIA+ and trans identities.  It will ask what role gender has played in Western political thought’s binary approach to Self and Other while considering the social, political, and economic implications of this.  What is the connection between gender and democracy, and can a critique of existing gendered meanings help improve our democratic institutions? The course will be largely Western in focus but attention will also be given to the global implications of gender’s meanings played out in North/South relations, the migration of global capital, the environment and climate change, and the manner in which gendered, heteronormative, transphobic stereotypes persist despite signs of real change. The course will offer critique and consider ways in which the traditional binary can be both a hindrance to social progress as well as a useful analytic tool in deconstructing existing power relations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course will teach students to analyze gender as a critical category and to appreciate the power relations behind its social construction.  Students will develop the tools to better understand the politics of gender in the Western tradition, as well as learn about the economic dimensions of gender in a global context.  The aim of the course is to hone students’ ability to critique masculinity, femininity, and heteronormativity so that they can see the connection behind gender’s ingrained meanings and the need for social and economic change.     
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participation  10%
One 3-5 page paper 25%
One take-home midterm exam  25%
One in-class group presentation 15%
One in-class final exam  25%

-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:
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.
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