This course will examine the ways in which law shapes the status and role of men and
women over time.  Readings include scholarship from several disciplines and employ
different methods, including those associated with social science and traditional
doctrinal analyses of case law.  Students will analyze cases and materials with
particular emphasis given to more recent issues that range from contractual
obligations by surrogate mothers to allegations of unequal athletic facilities in
colleges and universities.  Through readings, class discussion, and a U.S. Supreme
Court simulation, students will examine the important role played by courts and
judges who define the legal parameters for marriage and divorce, equal employment
opportunity, domestic violence, reproductive freedom, child custody, economic and
educational equity.  Students also will analyze social science scholarship that
addresses the underlying causes of gender-based legal policy shifts as well as the
policy consequences of specific reforms.

1. The Historical and Political Context
   Early Feminist legal challenges
2. Constitutional protection for gender equality
3. Contrasting theoretical perspectives advocating gender equality
   ("sameness"/difference debate)
4. Issues in the Workplace:  Title VII and employment discrimination
5. Issues in the Workplsce:  Sexual harassment, pay equity, and comparable worth
6. Issues in Education--School Sports:  Title 1X
7. Issues in Education-Admissions
8. Affirmative Action
9. Marriage:  the Divorce Revolution
10. Child Custody, Parental Rights, and Adoption
11. Issues in Reproductive Freedom:  Contraception, Abortion
12. Issues in Reproductive Freedom:  Sterilization, Criminalization of maternal 
    conduct, Surrogacy
13. Domestic violence

All academic work must meet the standards contained in "A Culture of Honesty."  
Students are responsible for informing themselves about these standards before 
performing academic work.  The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe and 
ignorance is not an acceptable defense.  Also note that the course syllabus is a 
general plan for the course and that deviations announced to the class by the 
instructor may be necessary.  (www.uga.edu/ovpi/academic_honesty/academic_honesty.htm)