Course Description
Explores gender construction and identity formation in international perspective. Case studies may be drawn from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Topics include theories and methodologies for examining gender relations in cross-cultural perspective, political and socio- economic status of women, gender ideologies and symbolic representations, women's activism.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be asked to read several additional
primary source texts, including challenging theoretical pieces
regarding the nature of transnationalism and U.S.-foreign
relations with an emphasis on how they affect women. They will
be asked to lead at least one class discussion and to present
their final papers (minimum 20 pages of publishable or near-
publishable quality) to the class.
Athena Title
Transnat Persp Wom and Gender
Undergraduate Prerequisite
WMST 1110 or WMST 1110E or WMST 1110H or WMST 2010 or WMST 2010H or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
WMST 4010 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To understand the relationship between gender, development, and the world system, including the processes of colonization and national liberation; modernization; and structural adjustment. To learn the key concepts in the study of gender and social movements. To understand the effects of globalization on men and women. To become familiar with activism around globalization and transnational feminist activism.
Topical Outline
I. Key Concepts for Studying Women and Gender in Cross-cultural Perspective II. Gender, Development, and the World System A. Colonization and National Liberation B. Modernization C. Structural Adjustment III. Gender and Social Movements A. Key Concepts in the Study of Women's Movements B. Case Studies of Gender Activism on the Political Right and Left IV. Globalization A. Effects on Men and Women B. Activism around Globalization and Transnational Feminism: Strategies for Change
Syllabus