OAGD 1000 - Gender, a Global Perspective

Gender is a central analytical category in the contemporary social sciences and an indispensable lens for understanding global politics and social change. It functions simultaneously as an analytical and critical concept, a category of public action, and a site of political contestation. This course examines the multiple meanings and uses of gender and feminism in contemporary global politics. Drawing on feminist, queer, and intersectional scholarship, students will explore how gender is produced and negotiated through institutions, sexuality, labor, violence, law, culture, and knowledge production, and how these processes shape global inequalities and power relations.

Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws on political science, sociology, law, economics, anthropology, history, medicine, and other disciplines. In dialogue with these fields, the course explores how gender operates in the practices of states, international organizations, NGOs, activist networks, corporations, and transnational social movements. Topics include equality policies, feminist foreign policy, intersectionality, LGBTQI+ politics, masculinities, feminist political economy, health, and contemporary anti-gender mobilizations. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to critically assess how a gender perspective deepens our understanding of globalization, governance, citizenship, democracy, and transnational political processes, while equipping them to engage thoughtfully with contemporary social and policy debates.

The course is based on close engagement with compulsory readings, which will serve as the basis for collective discussion. Sessions are designed to be highly interactive and encourage active student participation.

Learning Outcomes:

• Reading and summing up the main ideas of a complex text
• Working in group
• A broader and more diverse approach of gender studies
• Understanding and analyzing issues from a gender perspective

Professional Skills:

• Reading and summing up the main ideas of a complex text
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Teamwork
• Writing skills: scientific writing <br<

Some basic knowledge of gender studies (readings could be recommended for those who feel they need it).

Written feedback will be given within a month following the delivery of assessments.

• 1 group presentation to be done in class 30%
• 1 in class written exam 30%
• 1 group project to be delivered as a final assignment 30%
• Student engagement during the semester (participation in class discussions during and outside of class, ability to ask questions, and class citizenship etc.) (10%)

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 4 hours a week / 60 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 1,5 hours a week / 22 hours a semester
• Preparation for Individual Exam: 1,5 hours a week / 22 hours a semester