[Graduate Class: Politics of Gender]

**Course Title: The Politics of Gender: Power, Representation, and Resistance**

**Instructor: Dr. Alexandra Ramirez**

**Course Overview:**

The Politics of Gender explores the intricate intersections between gender, power
dynamics, representation, and resistance within political systems worldwide. Through a
multidisciplinary approach drawing from political science, sociology, anthropology, and
feminist theory, this course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding
of how gender shapes political structures, policies, and practices. Topics include feminist
movements, gendered policymaking, masculinity politics, LGBTQ+ rights, and global
perspectives on gender equality.

**Week 1: Introduction to Gender Politics**

- Defining gender and its significance in political contexts

- Historical perspectives on the exclusion of women from political participation

- Overview of key theoretical frameworks: feminist theory, intersectionality, and queer

theory

**Week 2: Feminist Movements and Political Activism**

- Evolution of feminist movements from suffrage to third-wave feminism

- Analysis of feminist strategies for political change

- Case studies of successful feminist campaigns and their impact on policy

**Week 3: Gender, Power, and Representation**

- Gender disparities in political representation worldwide

- Exploring the concept of the glass ceiling in politics

- Intersectionality and its influence on representation

**Week 4: Gendered Policy Making**

- Gender mainstreaming and its implementation in policymaking

- Gender impact assessments and policy evaluation

- Challenges and limitations in achieving gender-sensitive policies

**Week 5: Masculinity Politics and Patriarchy**

- Deconstruction of hegemonic masculinity in political spheres

- The role of patriarchy in shaping political institutions and norms

- Men's movements and their relationship to gender politics

**Week 6: LGBTQ+ Rights and Identity Politics**

- The politics of sexual orientation and gender identity

- LGBTQ+ movements and their impact on political landscapes

- Legislative battles for LGBTQ+ rights and challenges ahead

**Week 7: Global Perspectives on Gender Equality**

- Cross-cultural variations in gender norms and values

- International frameworks for gender equality: CEDAW, Beijing Platform for Action

- Case studies of successful gender equality initiatives in different regions

**Week 8: Gender, Violence, and Security**

- Gendered dimensions of conflict and post-conflict reconstruction

- Violence against women in political contexts

- Feminist perspectives on peace and security

**Week 9: Ecofeminism and Environmental Politics**

- Intersection of gender, ecology, and politics

- Ecofeminist critiques of environmental degradation and resource exploitation

- Women's roles in environmental activism and sustainability efforts

**Week 10: Resistance and Future Directions**

- Strategies for challenging gender inequality within political systems

- The role of social movements in advancing gender justice

- Future directions for research and activism in the politics of gender

**Required Readings:**

1. "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir

2. "Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center" by bell hooks

3. "Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity" by Judith Butler

4. "The Gendered Society" by Michael S. Kimmel

5. "The Politics of Reality: Essays in Feminist Theory" by Marilyn Frye

**Assessment:**

- Participation: 20%

- Weekly Reflection Papers: 40%

- Research Paper: 40%

**Additional Resources:**

- Documentaries: "Miss Representation," "She's Beautiful When She's Angry"

- Websites: GenderWatch, Women's Studies International Forum

- Organizations: National Organization for Women (NOW), International LGBTQ+ Rights

Organizations

**Note: This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.**