Introduction to Gender Studies

This course gives basic introductory knowledge about Women's and Gender Studies, an interdisciplinary academic field that explores critical questions about dynamic nature of gender in society. The course will offer brief introductions to critical theories in order to illustrate the basic approaches through intersections between gender and race, sexuality, social class and other modes of social difference.

This class will be composed of lectures and class/group discussions based on the material that is assigned for each class. Previous studies in gender studies are not required. This course will use a variety of teaching and learning tools including lectures, discussions, group work, presentations and related media. Students will be expected to complete the required readings prior to class and to come to each lecture prepared with questions and comments on the assigned materials.

 Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• To identify and explain key terms and core concepts that are central to feminisms and gender theory
• To examine and understand the processes of social construction of gender
• To understand the links among relationships between gender, sexuality, class, race, and other forms of difference and how power and social location affects oppression and resistance
• To distinguish between individual attitudes and institutionalized forms of discrimination
• To apply the concepts and theories of women’s studies to one’s life experiences

 Overview of the main topics:

• Social construction of gender
• Feminism and activism for a social change
• Queer and intersectional criticism
• Representations in the media
• Sexism and power relations