Module description
This module will introduce students to the importance of gender in European politics. It will not only analyse the role of women and femininity in politics. Instead, it will take a more heuristic approach to gender and sexuality by including the study of men and masculinity and LGBTQ politics. In doing so, the proposed module will: (1) examine the key concepts and theories of gender and gender performance in politics; (2) explore the role of gender in European political institutions; (3) analyse the gender dimensions of key political processes, such as voting and campaigning; and (4) analyse social movements with a gender dimension (feminist, LGBTQ, and counter-feminist/LGBTQ movements). Throughout the module, past and present cases from across Europe will be used to study gender politics. This comparative lens will allow the students to understand and explain commonalities and differences across Europe.
If possible, we will invite UK politicians and campaigners with a high public profile on gender issues to speak to the students.
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change year to year.
Assessment details
One 15 minute group presentation (15%; students will receive a group mark) and one 3,000 word essay (85%)
Educational aims & objectives
- Introduce students to the study of gender and gender performance in politics
- Deepen the students’ understanding of the importance of gender in European politics and society
- Develop students’ understanding of the comparative approach to gender politics
- Critically evaluate political ideas, institutions, processes and movements from the gender perspective.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will:
- Show the ability to critically engage with the key concepts and theories on gender and gender performance
- Critically evaluate the importance of gender roles and norms in European political institutions, processes, and social movements.
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and conduct comparative research on gender politics in Europe
- Understand aspects of change and continuity in European gender regimes
Teaching pattern
Two hours per week, one lecture and one seminar
Suggested reading list
As this is a final-year module, the core readings mainly comprise of research articles from leading gender journals (e.g. Politics and Gender; the European Journal of Gender and Politics) as well as generalist journals (e.g. Comparative Politics; Party Politics, Government and Opposition, Journal of European Public Policy.). In addition, a number of classic and recent books are on the reading list, such as: R.W. Connell, Masculinities (2005); Judith Butler, Gender Trouble (2011); Lisa Disch and Mary Hawkesworth (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Theory; Donna Smith, Sex, Lies and Politics (2012).