Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject is about the theoretical and political problems in studying and writing about particular women's and feminist issues across cultural boundaries. Students are introduced to how these boundaries are constructed in diverse ways through gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, religion, nationality, and historical events (such as colonialism), and the differences these may make to feminist analyses and activism. Topics are examined from the perspective of immigrant, `third world' and post-colonial critics of `western' feminists, as well as those of `western' feminists who engage in cross-cultural research. Students are expected to develop knowledge about specific debates and issues generated amongst diverse feminists (eg the role of the state in women's lives, the politicisation of cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, the representation of women and Islam).
Assessment Written (9000 words): 90% + Participation: 10%.