Feminism and Gender Relations

Should we completely reject philosophies and views of the past? Or should we accept past theories and apply gender-related criteria to them? How should sex and gender be understood? What are sexual acts? Why sexuality is linked to power relations? Through the consideration of these and other related questions, the course aims at introducing students to core issues in feminism and gender relations. It will provide them the tools to critically understand the major topics and debates in feminist philosophy and gender theory, e.g., sexism and misogyny, the nature of sex, race, sexual orientation, sexual agency, and the moral status of abortion. The course will offer an introduction to feminist and gender theories and principle explaining how these are relevant for social justice in the current context. It will draw on a range of selected texts from feminist figures such as Angela Davis, Nancy Fraser, Judith Butler, and Seyla Benhabib. Students are expected to critically engage with all the readings assigned and contribute to class discussions.