Course Description
Examination of the relationship between conflict and gender, how gender is constructed through the military and conduct of conflict, and how the norms and practices of conflict are dependent upon ideas about gender.
Athena Title
War and Gender
Prerequisite
INTL 3200 or INTL 3200E or INTL 3300
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will learn how to use both gender and feminist frameworks to analyze international conflict. The course will begin by examining why, despite the variety in conflict types and genders, women have historically been absent from combat. We will consider various theories to explain this outcome, cases that refute this relationship, and evaluate the recent increase in women’s combat participation around the world. Students will examine how norms about gender and violence shape the behavior of warring parties during conflict, in terms of how they treat civilians as well as soldiers. Students will also consider the role of gender in conflict resolution and how international norms and laws about equality have affected the establishment and maintenance of peace.
Topical Outline
Using a Gendered Lens in Studying International Relations *What is gender? How does it differ from sex? *What types of issues in International Affairs does a gendered lens reveal? The Use of Gender Within Wars *Mobilizing for War - Militarized Masculinities *The Presence of Women in Combat *Gendered Norms of War *Just War and the Civilian Immunity Principle *Gender-Based Violence During War Political Violence Beyond War *Rebel Groups *Terrorism and Suicide Terrorism *Gender and Conflict Resolution (including UNSCR 1325)
Syllabus