WMST-Women-s-Studies

Prerequisites: PHIL 2010 or WMST 2010. Queer theory is concerned with the power of the strange, the non-normative, and the upsetting to open up new possibilities for thought and practice. The central claim of Queer Theory is that selves and identities are products of social practices and power relations. This powerful claim allows us to ask questions that are impossible when identities are taken as simple or natural. This class will focus both on sexual identity and on race, class, gender, and ability. We will pay special attention to the history of the LGBT rights movement.

Prerequisites: PHIL 2010 or WMST 2010. Feminist philosophy comprises a wide range of approaches which aim to critically engage with concepts such as sex, gender, personhood, and difference; to rethink the history of philosophy through the lens of gender; and to bring philosophical tools and insights to bear on contemporary issues of gendered justice. This course will provide a broad overview of methods, topics, concepts, and debates in several areas of feminist philosophy. Students will cover core texts in feminist metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political theory. The course will consider the diversity of methods and perspectives represented in feminist philosophy, with a particular focus on the intersections of gender, race, class, ability, and sexuality.