PHIL 221 Feminist Theories

What is feminism?  How have classic and contemporary authors understood gender differences, the unequal treatment of women, and the role of gender in an ideal society?  What contemporary issues face women today, and how have feminists deepened our understanding of these issues? This course will offer an introduction to theories of feminism, gender, and intersectionality.  After laying a theoretical groundwork, the course will turn to applied issues, which may include sexual assault/violence against women, transsexual lives, pay inequity for women, work-life balance and the "second shift," pornography, reproductive rights, and impossible ideals for the feminine body.