Module Code - Title:
PO6032
-
GENDER & POLITICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module introduces students to a variety of Feminist debates in the context of Global Politics. Responding to an increasing focus on 'mainstreaming' of gender-based issues across political institutions, the module connects theory and practice in various contexts. In particular, it introduces students to intersectionality and the overlapping power structures of gender, race, class, and sexuality. We will discuss not only women's diverse experiences of politics (as victims, combatants, representatives, peacekeepers, migrants etc.), but also the role of masculinities within political cultures and institutions. The module prioritises reflexive practice, asking students to apply Feminist principles of reflection in preparation for future responsible work/study.
Syllabus:
Theme 1: Introduction: What is Gender?; Intersectional Feminist Theory; Gender & Representation: Quotas and Inclusion
Theme 2: Military Masculinities and Femininities; Perspectives on Violence; Gendered Forms of Justice
Theme 3: Social Movements & Transnational Activism; Feminism & Peace
Theme 4: Gendering Political Economy, Migration & Development
Theme 5: Human Rights; Environmentalism
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Analyse topical theoretical and empirical political issues raised by intersectional Feminist theory and Gender Studies
2. Critically evaluate the political implications of gender as relevant to the fields of Politics, International Studies, Development Studies, and Peace and Conflict Studies
3. Develop an approach to understanding global Politics through the lens of gender/Feminist theory
4. Evaluate relevant information from a range of primary and secondary source materials
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Develop a critical and reflective disposition in relation to their own work and participation in line with principles of Feminist and reflexive practice
2. Engage actively in participatory and leadership roles
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The teaching strategy for this module includes preparation of module readings each week prior to the seminar, which incorporates lecture content and group discussion. Students will be encouraged to develop leadership skills throughout the module and will have the opportunity to engage in seminar-leading. Embedded throughout the module content and assessment strategy are values of research responsibility and reflection, which draw on contemporary debates in critical and Feminist approaches to Politics. The module is research-led and incorporates recent topical developments in the field including Feminist social movements such as Ni Una Menos and #MeToo, ideas surrounding cultural militarisation, and emotion/embodiment as key approaches to understanding world politics.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Sjoberg, L. (Ed.). (2009)
Gender and international security: feminist perspectives.
, Routledge.
Shepherd, L. J. (Ed.). (2023)
Gender matters in global politics: a feminist introduction to International Relations.
, Routledge.
Shekhawat, S. (Ed.) (2018)
Gender, conflict, peace, and UNSC Resolution 1325
, Lexington Books
Other Relevant Texts:
Ahmed, S. (2017)
Living a Feminist Life
, Duke University Press
D'Ignazio, C. and Klein, L. F. (2020)
Data Feminism
, The MIT Press
Krook, M. L. (2010)
Quotas for women in politics gender and candidate selection reform worldwide
, Oxford University press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAPDSTTPA - PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
MAINSTTFA - INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
MAPDSTTFA - PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
MAPOLITFA - POLITICS
MAEPGOTFA - EUROPEAN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
MSPSGMTFA - PSYCHOLOGY OF GLOBAL MOBILITY, INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY IN SOCIETY (ERASMUS MUNDUS)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
emma.dolan@ul.ie