Feminist theory
Elizabeth Grosz (coordinator) and Rose Lucas
8 or 12 points * 2 hours per week * First semester * Clayton
The subject aims to provide an introduction to the basic terms and concepts necessary to an understanding of the current state of contemporary feminist theory. The subject aims to provide a grounding from which to work productively within other graduate subject options offered by the Centre for Women's Studies. In the seminars we explore what power is (or how it has been understood); what oppression and subordination entails; the notion of social structures constituting individual positions, if not subjects; how `patriarchy' produces a systematic effect on men and women independent of their awareness; a theoretical understanding of the kinds and pervasiveness of power which subordinates women's value to men's; and a view which accounts for the denigration of women's value but which does not simply assume that women are the passive victims of patriarchy.
Assessment: 8 points
Written (6000 words): 100%
Assessment: 12 points
Written (9000 words): 100%
Recommended texts
Barrett M and Phillips A Destabilising theory Polity Press, 1992
Butler J Gender trouble Routledge, 1990
Nicholson L (ed.) Feminism/postmodernism Routledge, 1990