PO3FPT-Feminism and Political Theory

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Goff
Email: s.c.goff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores the contributions of feminism to contemporary political theory. It begins by examining theoretical controversies surrounding the definition, subject matter, and aims of feminism. It then brings these theoretical insights to bear on a range of pressing issues in feminist politics, such as abortion, surrogacy, pornography, marriage and sexist language.

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to real-world problems raised by feminist political theorists, and to help them develop a normative and empirical understanding of these real-world problems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1. explain different theoretical approaches to feminism, such as liberal feminism, radical feminism, or black feminism;


2. analyse real-world gender-related political problems (such as abortion, surrogacy, pornography) by applying ethical concepts, theories of feminism, and empirical knowledge;


3. develop and clearly articulate arguments, written and oral, in defence of their views on this topic.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to develop students’ capacity to examine and think about challenging texts, and to collectively discuss sensitive political issues in a mutually respectful manner.

Outline content:

Topics to be addressed will notably include:

• Theories of Feminism


• Reproduction


• Pornography


• Marriage and the Family


• Sexist Language


• Appearance and the Body

This content is indicative and may be subject to minor changes.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will involve ten lectures, and ten hour-and-a-half seminars. Students will prepare for seminars by doing set readings and reflecting on a number of seminar questions. Each week, one or more students will initiate discussion with a short presentation.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		15
Guided independent study:		175
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no examination for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed by means of coursework only.

• Students will write two essays of 3,000 words, based on a list of essay topics given by the course convenor.


• The overall coursework mark will be an average of the two essay marks, with each mark being equally weighted.

Visiting students taking the course for full credit will follow the same assessment.

Formative assessment methods:

Seminar discussions and seminar presentations.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Candidates who fail their final year normally have the right to be re-examined on one further occasion at the next opportunity. These candidates will not normally be eligible for Honours (ie., only a ‘Pass’ classification would be attainable). Students who are eligible for re-assessment have the right to re-assessment in all elements even if they have previously passed one of those elements. It is expected, however, that the majority of students would probably elect not to repeat an element in which they had already passed, in which case the confirmed marks would be carried forward.



Coursework: Failed or missing coursework should be re-submitted on Blackboard within the specified deadline. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. The textbook for this course is: Lorna Finlayson, An Introduction to Feminism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016.  RRP £20


2. Specialist equipment or materials:


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:


4. Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.


5. A Reading Pack costing approximately £5.00 may be available to buy. Please ask the module convenor for further details.


6. Computers and devices with a particular specification:


7. Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 22 September 2022