DSOC 25A37 - Sociology of Gender

Why have gender and sexuality been on the public spot since the emergence of new social movements in the second half of the 20th century? How has gender integrated the vocabulary of social sciences? What is the importance and the meaning of the word “gender” when mobilized as a social category in sociological research? These questions motivate the debates that will animate this course and will serve as a critical guide to organize our reflections through the semester. This course is dedicated to the understanding and the interpretation of the categories of “sexuality” and “gender” in different epistemological conceptions of the feminist theory.

No fixed prior requirement is needed for this course. However, students must have basic notions of sociology (concepts such as class, domination and social structure). They must have a particular interest for issues on sex/gender and sexual diversity.

This course will be taught in a seminar format. Each section will start will a group presentation of the text that is supposed to be formerly read and noted, followed by a general discussion of how the theoretical analysis of the main text might reflect today’s reality. The second part of the class will be guided by the professor who is entitled to bring different bibliographic references to illustrate the discussions and is going to propose reflexive questions to motivate the group discussion.

Group presentation of 30 minutes based on a mandatory reading (20% of final mark).

Final individual presentation of 10 minutes during which the student must present to the group their research question and the main argument as well as the methodology employed to develop their thinking (20% of final mark).

Final research paper of 3500-4000 word in in the format of a scientific essay (50% of final mark). Students will be individually guided in their choice of subject and formulation of problematique.

Participation in class and engagement in the group debates (10% of final mark).