UNIT GUIDE 2016/17
SOCI30064 Feminist Politics
Teaching Block: 2
Unit Owner:
Phone:
Email:
Office:
Unit owner
office
hours:
Weeks: 13 – 24
Dr Rose Holyoak
0117 331 7486
[email protected]
2.09, 11 Priory Road
Level:
Credit points:
Prerequisites:
Curriculum area:
H/6
20
None
N/A
Thursday 2pm-3pm
Fridays 11am-12pm
(Scheduled office hours do not run during reading weeks, though you can still contact tutors
for advice by email and to arrange individual appointments)
Timetabled classes:
Lectures: Fridays 12-1pm in 3-5 Woodland Road, Lecture Room 1
You are also expected to attend ONE seminar each week. Your online personal timetable will inform you to
which group you have been allocated. Seminar groups are fixed: you are not allowed to change seminar groups
without permission from the office.
Weeks 18 and 24 are Reading Weeks; there is NO regular teaching in these weeks.
In addition to timetabled sessions there is a requirement for private study, reading, revision and assessments.
Reading the required readings in advance of each seminar is the minimum expectation. The University
Guidelines state that one credit point is broadly equivalent to 10 hours of total student input.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Evaluate the historical and global development of feminist politics
• Apply theoretical knowledge to analyse specific traditions in feminist theory
• Demonstrate critical and detailed knowledge of the diversity of feminist political ideologies and
practices in relation to specific empirical case studies
Requirements for passing the unit:
• Satisfactory attendance at seminars
• Completion of all formative work to an acceptable standard
• Attainment of a composite mark of all summative work to a passing standard (40 or above)
Details of coursework and deadlines
Assessment:
Formative Presentation
Summative essay
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Word count:
15 mins
Weighting: Deadline:
0%
In Class
Day:
Week:
3,000 words
100%
Monday
Summer
Assessment
Period
9:30am 15 May
2017
Summative essay questions will be made available on the SOCI30064 Blackboard site.
Instructions for the submission of coursework can be found in Appendix A
Assessment in the school is subject to strict penalties regarding late submission, plagiarism and
maximum word count. A summary of key regulations is in Appendix B.
Marking criteria can be found in Appendix C.
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Feminist Politics
The module considers the development of feminism as a political ideology and a social movement through since the
20th century and explores how feminist theory, policy and activism have developed in relation to each other to
address pressing contemporary issues. The module considers specific substantive topics as a means of exploring the
application of feminist and social movement theory, the development of legislation, and the mobilisation of activism
and campaigns.
General Readings
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Breines, W. (2006) The Trouble between Us: An Uneasy History of White and Black Women in the Feminist
Movement. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Davis, A.Y. (1983) Women, Race and Class. New York: Vintage
Griffin, G. ed. (1995) Feminist Activism in the 1990s. London: Taylor & Francis
Hawkesworth, M.E. (2006) Globalization and Feminist Activism. Lanham, MA: Rowman and Littlefield
hooks, b. (1982) Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism. London: Pluto Press
Mackay, F. (2015) Radical Feminism: Feminist Activism in Movement. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Marx Ferree, M. and Tripp, A.M. eds. (2006) Global Feminism: Transnational Women’s Activism, Organizing
and Human Rights. New York: New York University Press
McBride, D.E. and Mazur, A.G. (2010) The Politics of State Feminism: Innovation in Comparative Research.
Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press
Mirza, H.S. ed. (1997) Black British Feminism: A Reader. London: Routledge
Redfern, C. and Aune, K. (2013) Reclaiming the F-Word: Feminism Today, 2nd ed. London: Zed Books
Rowbotham, S. (1992) Women in Movement: Feminism and Social Action. London: Routledge
Ryan, B. (1992) Feminism and the Women's Movement: Dynamics of Change in Social Movement Ideology
and Activism. New York: Routledge
Snow, D.A., Soule, S.A. and Kriesi, H. (eds) The Blackwell Companion to Social Movements. Oxford: Blackwell
Whelehan, I. (1995) Modern Feminist Thought: From the Second Wave to ‘Post-Feminism’. Edinburgh:
Edinburgh University Press
Useful Websites
BBC 1970s Feminism Archive: http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/70sfeminism/
Everyday Sexism: http://www.everydaysexism.com/
Spare Rib (British Library project digitising the back catalogue of an iconic feminist magazine) :
http://www.bl.uk/spare-rib
Feminist Times: http://www.feministtimes.com/
Sisterhood and After (oral history project of the Women’s Liberation Movement): http://bl.uk/sisterhood
The F Word: http://www.thefword.org.uk/
gal-dem: http://www.gal-dem.com/
MsAfropolitan: http://www.msafropolitan.com/
Gender Across Borders: http://www.genderacrossborders.com/
Women’s Resource Centre: http://www.wrc.org.uk/
Feminist Archive South (details of an archive of feminist material c.1960-2000 held as a Special Collection by
University of Bristol): http://feministarchivesouth.org.uk/
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Assessments
Formative 0% – 15 minute individual presentation (details will be provided at the first seminar)
“Provide an overview of one feminist organisation or campaign and analyse 1) how it is situated in relation to the
broader national and international feminist movement, 2) its utilisation of feminist theory and social movement and
tactics, and 3) its reception by relevant audiences e.g. policy makers/journalists/the public.”
Summative 100% – Essay
The summative essay question will be made available on the SOCI30064 Blackboard Site 4-5 weeks in advance of the
deadline.
Weekly Schedule
Week 13: Feminist Beginnings – Studying Feminism as a Social Movement
This introductory week highlights the presence of proto-feminist ideas throughout history before considering the
role of the Enlightenment in the development of feminist thought in the West. We will explore how American and
European feminist traditions have become dominant and how this has contributed to the perception of feminism as
a Western movement.
Essential readings
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Burton, A. (1992) ‘’History is Now’: Feminist Theory and the Production of Historical Feminisms.’ Women’s
History Review, volume 1, number 1, pp.25-39
Marx Ferree, M. and McClurg Mueller, C. (2007) ‘Feminism and the Women’s Movement: A Global
Perspective’ in Snow, D.A., Soule, S.A. and Kriesi, H. (eds) The Blackwell Companion to Social Movements.
Oxford: Blackwell
Motta, A. et al (2011) ‘Editorial: Feminism, Women’s Movements and Women in Movement.’ Introduction to
Special Issue of Interface: A Journal for and About Social Movements, volume 3, number 2, pp.1-32 [online:
http://interfacejournal.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Interface-3-2-Full-PDF.pdf]
Further readings
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Amos, V. and Parmar, P. (1984) ‘Challenging Imperial Feminism.’ Feminist Review, volume 17, pp.3-19
Carroll, B.A. (1989) ‘“Women Take Action!” Women’s Direct Action and Social Change.’ Women’s Studies
International Forum, volume 12, number 1, pp.3-24
Culley, M.R. and Angelique, H. L. (2003) ‘Women's Gendered Experiences as Long-Term Three Mile Island
Activists.’ Gender & Society, volume 17, number 3, pp.445
Eduards, M.L. (1994) ‘Women’s Agency and Collective Action.’ Women’s Studies International Forum,
volume 17, number 2/3, pp.181-186
Lerner, G. (1994) The Creation of Feminist Consciousness: From the Middle Ages to Eighteen-Seventy.
Oxford: Oxford University Press Chapter 10, pp.220-246
Molyneux, M. (1998) ‘Analysing Women’s Movements.’ Development and Change, volume 29, number 2,
pp.219-245
Offen, K. (1988) ‘Defining Feminism: A Comparative Historical Approach.’ Signs, volume 14, number 1,
pp.119-157
Rowbotham, S. (1992) Women in Movement: Feminism and Social Action. London: Routledge
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Staggenbord, S. (1998) ‘Social Movement Communities and Cycles of Protest: The Emergence and
Maintenance of a Local Women's Movement.’ Social Problems, volume 45, number 2, pp. 180-204
Taylor, V. (1999) ‘Gender and Social Movements: Gender Processes in Women's Self-Help Movements.’
Gender & Society, volume 13, number 1, pp.8-33
Taylor, V. and Rupp, L. (1993) ‘Women's Culture and Lesbian Feminist Activism: A Reconsideration of Cultural
Feminism.’ Signs, volume 19, number 1, pp.32-61
Taylor, V. and Whittier, N. (1992) ‘Collective Identity in Social Movement Communities: Lesbian Feminist
Mobilization’ in Nardi, P.M. and Schneider, B.E. eds (1998) Social Perspectives in Lesbian and Gay Studies: A
Reader. Abingdon: Routledge
Week 14: Feminist Continuances – Feminist Waves and Revivals
This week provides an overview of the development of the women’s Liberation Movement in the UK and assesses
claims of the demise and revival of feminism in the years since. We will explore how feminist mobilisations have
been conceptualised in successive ‘waves’ and consider what these ideas mean for the study of feminist activism.
Essential readings
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Bagguley, P. (2002) ‘Contemporary British Feminism: A Social Movement in Abeyance?’ Social Movement
Studies, volume 1, number 2, pp.169-185
Evans, E. (2015) ‘What Makes a (Third) Wave?: How and Why the Third-Wave Narrative Works for
Contemporary Feminists’. International Feminist Journal of Politics, volume 18, number 3, pp.409-428
Thompson, B. (2002) ‘Multiracial Feminism: Recasting the Chronology of Second Wave Feminism.’ Feminist
Studies, volume 28, number 2, pp.336-360
Further readings
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Cullen, P. and Fischer, C. (2014) ‘Conceptualising Generational Dynamics in Feminist Movements: Political
Generations, Waves and Affective Economies.’ Sociology Compass, volume 8, number 3, pp.282-293
Dean, J. (2012) ‘On the March or On the Margins? Affirmations and Erasures of Feminist Activism in the UK’.
European Journal of Women’s Studies, volume 19, number 3: 315-329
Dean, J. (2010) Rethinking Contemporary Feminist Politics. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Dean, J. (2009) ‘Who’s Afraid of Third Wave Feminism? On the Uses of the ‘Third Wave’ in British Feminist
Politics.’ International Journal of Feminist Politics, volume 11, number 3, pp.334-352
Evans, E. (2015) The Politics of Third Wave Feminisms: Neoliberalism, Intersectionality and the State in
Britain and the US. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Evans, E. and Chamberlain, P. (2015) ‘Critical Waves: Exploring Feminist Identity, Discourse and Praxis in
Western Feminism.’ Social Movement Studies, volume 14, number 4, pp.396-409
Evans, J. (1995) Feminist Theory Today: An Introduction to Second-Wave Feminism. London: Sage
Lal, J. et al (2010) ‘Recasting Global Feminisms: Toward a Comparative Historical Approach to Women's
Activism and Feminist Scholarship.’ Feminist Studies, volume 36, number 1, pp.13-39
Snyder, R.C. (2008) ‘What is Third-Wave Feminism? A New Directions Essay.’ Signs, volume 34, number 1, pp.
175-196
Spender, D. (1983) There Has Always Been a Women’s Movement This Century. Pandora Press
Taylor, V. (1989) ‘Social Movement Continuity: The Women’s Movement in Abeyance.’ American Sociological
Review, volume 54, number 5, pp.761-775
Whelehan, I. (1995) Modern Feminist Thought: From the Second Wave to ‘Post-Feminism’. Edinburgh:
Edinburgh University Press
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Week 15: Feminist Challenges and Coalitions – Intersectional Interventions
Building on last week’s exploration of feminist activism and theory in the 20th and 21st century, this week considers
the most recent developments in global feminist movements and explores how intersectionality has come to play a
critical role in feminist work and writing.
Essential readings
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Cole, E.R. (2008) ‘Coalitions as a Model for Intersectionality: From Practice to Theory.’ Sex Roles, volume 59,
issue 5, pp.443-453
Lépinard, E. (2014) ‘Doing Intersectionality: Repertoires of Feminist Practices in France and Canada.’ Gender
& Society, volume 28, number 6, pp.877-903
Roth, B. (2003) Separate Roads to Feminism: Black, Chicana, and White Feminist Movements in America's
Second Wave. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Introduction: The Emergence and Development of
Racial/Ethnic Feminisms in the 1960s and 1970s
Further readings
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Ackerly, B. and True, J. (2010) ‘Back to the Future: Feminist Theory, Activism, and Doing Feminist Research in
an Age of Globalization.’ Women’s Studies International Forum, volume 33, issue 5, pp.464-472
Breines, W. (2006) The Trouble Between Us: An Uneasy History of White and Black Women in the Feminist
Movement. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Bunjun, B. (2010) ‘Feminist Organizations and Intersectionality: Contesting Hegemonic Feminism.’ Atlantis,
volume 34, number 2, pp.115-126
Crenshaw, K. (1991) ‘Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women
of Color.’ Stanford Law Review, volume 43, number 6, pp.1241-1299
Davis, A.Y. (1983) Women, Race and Class. New York: Vintage
Gulbrandsen, C.L. and Walsh, C.A. (2012) ‘It Starts With Me: Women Mediate Power Within Feminist
Activism.’ Affilia, volume 27, number 3, pp.275-288
hooks, b. (1982) Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism. London: Pluto Press
Kerner, I. (2016) ‘Relations of Difference: Power and Inequality in Intersectional and Postcolonial Feminist
Theories.’ Current Sociology, DOI: 10.1177/0011392116665152
Milevska, S. (2011) ‘Solidarity and Intersectionality: What Can Transnational Feminist Theory Learn From
Regional Feminist Activism.” Feminist Review, volume 98(1), pp.e52-e61
Naples, N.A. (2008) ‘Crossing Borders: Feminism, Intersectionality and Globalisation.’ Hawke Research
Institute Working Paper Series No 36. Magill, AUS: Hawke Research Institute for Sustainable Societies
[Online] http://w3.unisa.edu.au/hawkeinstitute/publications/downloads/wp36.pdf
Week 16: Spaces of Feminist Politics
This week explores the organisational and institutional contexts in which feminist politics are done, looking at the
formal and informal spaces of parliament, civil society and social movements. It provides an overview of the way in
which organisational culture can contribute to or impede feminist progress and influence women’s participation.
Essential readings
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Markowitz, L. and Tice, K.W. (2002) ‘Paradoxes of Professionalization: Parallel Dilemmas in Women’s
Organizations in the Americas.’ Gender & Society, volume 16, number 6, pp.941-958
Walby, S. (2011) The Future of Feminism. Polity Press: Cambridge. Chapter 4, pp.52-79
Yancey Martin, P. (1990) ‘Rethinking Feminist Organizations.’ Gender & Society, volume 4, number 2,
pp.182-206
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Further readings
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Alpízar Durán, L., Payne, N.D. and Russo, A. (eds) (2007) Building Feminist Movements and Organizations:
Global Perspectives. London: Zed Books
Bhattacharjya, M. et al (2013) ‘Why Gender Matters in Activism: Feminism and Social Justice Movements.’
Gender & Development, volume 21, number 2, pp. 277-293
Chappell, L. (2002) ‘The ‘Femocrat’ Strategy: Expanding the Repertoire of Feminist Activists.’ Parliamentary
Affairs, volume 55, number 1, pp. 85-98
Jones, S. Charles, N. and Davies, C.A. (2009) ‘Transforming Masculinist Political Cultures? Doing Politics in
New Political Institutions.’ Sociological Research Online, issue 14, number 2/3
Katzenstein, M.F. (1998) ‘Stepsisters: Feminist Movement Activism in Different Institutional Spaces’ in
Meyer, D.S. and Tarrow, S. (eds) The Social Movement Society: Contentious Politics for a New Century.
Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. Chapter 9, pp.195-216
Lovenduski, J. and Norris, P. (2003) ‘Westminster Women: The Politics of Presence.’ Political Studies, volume
51, number 1, pp.84-102
Mendez, J.B. and Wolf, D.L. (2001) ‘Where Feminist Theory Meets Feminist Practice: Border-Crossing in a
Transnational Academic Feminist Organization.’ Organization, volume 8, number 4, pp.723-750
Ricciutelli, L. et al (eds) (2005) Feminist Politics, Activism and Vision: Local and Global Challenges. London:
Zed Books
Roth, B. (2004) ‘Thinking About Challenges to Feminist Activism in Extra-Feminist Settings.’ Social Movement
Studies, volume 2, number 2, pp.147-166
Stall, S. and Stoecker, R. (1998) ‘Community Organizing or Organizing Community? Gender and the Crafts of
Empowerment.’ Gender & Society, volume 12, number 6, pp.729-756
Thomas, J.E. (1999) ‘“Everything About Us is Feminist”: The Significance of Ideology in Organizational
Change.’ Gender & Society, volume 13, number 1, pp.101-119
Week 17: Men in Feminism
The topic of men in feminist movements has long been contentious in spite of their contribution to feminist theory
through history. This week we consider the motivations behind men’s exclusion from women-only feminist
organising in the 20th century, and the legacy of this for contemporary feminist activism.
Essential readings
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Baily, J. (2014) ‘Contemporary British Feminism: Opening the Door to Men?’ Social Movement Studies,
volume 14, number 4, pp.443-458
Crowe, J. (2011) ‘Men and Feminism: Some Challenges and a Partial Response.’ Social Alternatives, volume
30, number 1, pp.49-53
Hester, M. (1984) ‘Anti-Sexist Men: A Case of Cloak-and-Dagger Chauvinism.’ Women’s Studies International
Forum, volume 7, number 1, pp. 33-37
Further readings
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Ashe, F. (2004) ‘Deconstructing the Experiential Bar: Male Experience and Feminist Resistance.’ Men and
Masculinities, volume 7, number 2, pp.187-204
Bojin, K. (2013) ‘Feminist Solidarity: No Boys Allowed? Views of Pro-Feminist Men on Collaboration and
Alliance-Building with Women’s Movements.’ Gender & Development, volume 21, number 2, pp363-379
Browne, K. (2009) ‘Womyn’s Separatist Spaces: Rethinking Spaces of Difference and Exclusion’. Transactions
of the Institute of British Geographers, volume 34, number 4, pp.541-556
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Digby, T. (ed) (1998) Men Doing Feminism. New York: Routledge
Hebert, L.A. (2007) ‘Taking ‘Difference’ Seriously: Feminisms and the ‘Man Question’.’ Journal of Gender
Studies, volume 16, number 1, 31-45
Holmgren, L.E. and Hearn, J. (2009) ‘Framing ‘Men in Feminism’: Theoretical Locations, Local Contexts and
Practical Passings in Men's Gender-Conscious Positionings on Gender Equality and Feminism.’ Journal of
Gender Studies, volume 18, number 4, pp.401-418
Hurtado, A. and Sinha, M. (2008) ‘More than Men: Latino Feminist Masculinities and Intersectionality.’ Sex
Roles, volume 59, number 5, pp.337-349
Jardine, A. and Smith, P. eds (1987) Men in Feminism. London: Routledge
Messner, M.A. (2000) Politics of Masculinities: Men in Movements. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press
Pleasants, R. K. (2011) ‘Men Learning Feminism: Protecting Privileges through Discourses of Resistance.’ Men
and Masculinities, volume 14, number 2
Porter, D. (1992) Between Men and Feminism. London: Routledge
Prichard, E.D. (2012) ‘Yearning to Be What We Might Have Been: Queering Black Male Feminism.’
Palimpsest: A Journal on Women, Gender and the Black International, volume 1, number 2, pp.179-200
Seidler, V. J. (1991) Recreating Sexual Politics: Men, Feminism and Politics. London: Routledge
Taylor, J. (1998) ‘Feminist Tactics and Friendly Fire in the Irish Women's Movement.’ Gender & Society,
volume 12, number 6, pp.674-691
Week 18: Reading Week
Week 19: The Feminist Politics of Pornography
Pornography has proved to be one of the most contentious issues for feminism in the last 40 years, with pro- and
anti-pornography feminists at odds over questions of sexual freedom, sexual violence, and censorship. We will
explore how feminist activists have campaigned for and against censorship of pornography, and consider the
ideological reasoning behind these positions.
Essential readings
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Rubin, G. (1993) ‘Misguided, Dangerous and Wrong: An Analysis of Anti-Pornography Politics’ in Assiter, A.
(ed) Bad Girls and Dirty Pictures: The Challenge to Reclaim Feminism. London: Pluto Press. Chapter 1, pp.1740
Russo, A. (1987) ‘Conflicts and Contradictions among Feminists Over Issues of Pornography and Sexual
Freedom.’ Women’s Studies International Forum, volume 10, number 2, pp.103-112
Shrub, W. (2010) ‘Lavender, Menaced: Lesbianism, Obscenity Law, and the Feminist Antipornography
Movement.’ Journal of Women’s History, volume 22, number 3, pp.83-107
Further readings
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Assiter, A. (1989) Pornography, Feminism and the Individual. London: Pluto
Attwood, F. (2004) ‘Pornography and Objectification: Re-Reading “The Picture That Divided Britain”.’
Feminist Media Studies, volume4, number 1, pp.7-19
Avedon, C. (1994) Nudes, Prudes and Attitudes: Pornography and Censorship. Cheltenham: New Clarion
Press
Boyle, C. (2000) ‘The Pornography Debates: Beyond Cause and Effect.’ Women’s Studies International
Forum, volume 23, number 2, pp.187-195
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Bronstein, C. (2011) Battling Pornography: The American Feminist Anti-Pornography Movement, 1976–1986.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Chancer, L.S. (2000) ‘From Pornography to Sadomasochism: Reconciling Feminist Differences.’ The Annals of
the American Academy of Political and Social Science, volume 571, number 1, pp.77-88
Cornell, D. (ed) (2002) Feminism and Pornography. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Day, A. (2009) ‘Feminism and Pornography after the Sex Wars: Diversifying Pornography.’ Thinking Gender
Papers [online] http://escholarship.org/uc/item/61k265vv
Dworkin, A. (1981) Pornography: Men Possessing Women. London: Women’s Press
Itzin, C. ed. (1992) Pornography: Women, Violence and Civil Liberties, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Jensen, R. (2007) Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity. New York: South End Press
Long, J. (2012) Anti-Porn: The Resurgence of Anti-Pornography Feminism. London: Zed Books
Paasonen, S. (2007) ‘Strange Bedfellows: Pornography, Affect and Feminist Reading.’ Feminist Theory,
volume 8, number 1, pp.43-57
Rodgerson, G. and Semple, L. (1990) ‘Who Watches the Watchwomen? Feminists against Censorship.’
Feminist Review, volume 38, pp.19-24
Russell, D.E.H ed. (1993) Making Violence Sexy: Feminist Views on Pornography. Buckingham: Open
University Press
Segal, L. (1998) ‘Only the Literal: The Contradictions of Anti-Pornography Feminism.’ Sexualities, volume 1,
number 1, 43-62
Sigel, L.Z. (2005) International Exposure: Perspectives on Modern European Pornography, 1800–2000. New
Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press
Tankard Reist, M. and Bray, A. (2011) Big Porn Inc.: Exposing the Harms of the Global Pornography Industry.
North Melbourne: Spinifex Press
West, C. (2003) ‘The Free Speech Argument against Pornography.’ Canadian Journal of Philosophy, volume
33, number 3, pp.391-422
Week 20: Politicising Women’s Bodies
Linking to the previous week’s examination of pornography, this week explores how the body has often been the
primary site of feminist battles as women have resisted the attempts of men and the State to exert symbolic and
political control over it. In considering feminist campaigns around issues such as reproductive rights, body image,
and women’s health, we will assess feminist theories of embodiment and consider how feminist have used their
bodies to enact a gendered form of protest.
Essential readings
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Johnston, J. and Taylor, J. (2008) ‘Feminist Consumerism and Fat Activists: A Comparative Study of
Grassroots Activism and the Dove Real Beauty Campaign.’ Signs, volume 33, number 4, pp.941-966
Puwar, N. (2004) ‘Thinking About Making a Difference.’ British Journal of Politics and International Relations,
volume 6, number 1, pp.65-80
Sasson-Levy, O. and Rapoport, T. (2003) ‘Body, Gender, and Knowledge in Protest Movements: The Israeli
Case.” Gender & Society, volume 17, number 3, pp.379-403
Further readings
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Alexandre, M. (2006) ‘Dance Halls, Masquerades, Body Protest and the Law: The Female Body as a
Redemptive Tool Against Trinidad's Gender-Biased Laws.’ Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy, volume 13,
pp.177
Borah, R. and Nandi, S. (2012) ‘Reclaiming the Feminist Politics of ‘SlutWalk’.’ International Feminist Journal
of Politics, volume 14, number 3, pp.415-421
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Bordo, S. (2003) Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture and the Body, California: University of
California Press.
Davis, K. (2007) ‘Reclaiming Women’s Bodies: Colonialist Trope or Critical Epistemology?’ The Sociological
Review, volume 55, number s1, pp.50-64
Eileraraas, K. (2014) ‘Sex(t)ing Revolution, Femen-izing the Public Square: Aliaa Magda Elmahdy, Nude
Protest, and Transnational Feminist Body Politics.’ Signs, Volume 40, number 1, pp. 40-52
Grosz, E.A. (1994) Volatile Bodies: Toward a Corporeal Feminism. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press
Gwynne, J. (2012) ‘Slutwalk, Feminist Activism and the Foreign Body in Singapore.” Journal of Contemporary
Asia, volume 43, issue 1, pp.173-185
O’Keefe, T. (2014) ‘My Body is My Manifesto! SlutWalk, FEMEN and Femmenist Protest.’ Feminist Review,
volume 107, pp.1-19
Orbach, S. (2009) Bodies. London: Profile Books
Orbach, S. (1984) Fat is a Feminist Issue. London: Hamlyn
Parkins, W. (2000) ‘Protesting Like a Girl: Embodiment, Dissent and Feminist Agency.’ Feminist Theory,
volume 1, number 1, pp.59-78
Parkins, W. (1997) ‘Taking Liberty’s, Breaking Windows: Fashion, Protest and the Suffragette Public.’
Continuum, volume 11, number 3, pp.37-46
Salime, Z. (2014) ‘New Feminism as Personal Revolutions: Microrebellious Bodies.’ Signs, Volume 40, number
1, pp.14-20
Silliman, J. et al, eds. (2004) Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organize for Reproductive Justice.
Cambridge, MA: South End Press
Sutton, B. (2007) ‘Naked Protest: Memories of Bodies and Resistance at the World Social Forum.’ Journal of
International Women’s Studies, volume 8, number 3, pp.139-148
Week 21: Violence Against Women
Feminist organising against violence against women was a central part of Second Wave feminism and both the
violence and feminist campaigns against it continue to be highly visible on a global scale. In exploring how feminists
framed the problem of men’s violence against women, we consider how grassroots activism has influenced policy
and legislation at the national and international level.
Essential readings
•
•
•
Bush, D.M. (1992) ‘Women’s Movements and State Policy Reform Aimed at Domestic Violence against
Women: A Comparison of the Consequences of Movement Mobilization in the U.S. and India.’ Gender &
Society, volume 6, number 4, pp.587-608
Emerson Dobash, R. and Dobash, R.P. (1992) Women, Violence and Social Change. London: Routledge.
Chapter 2: The Rise of The Movement: Orientations and Issues
Richie, B.E. (2000) ‘A Black Feminist Reflection on the Antiviolence Movement.’ Signs, volume 25, number 4,
pp.1133-1137
Further readings
•
•
•
Benford, R.D., (1997) ‘An Insider's Critique of the Social Movement Framing Perspective.’ Sociological
Inquiry, volume 67, number 4, pp.409-430
Benford, R.D. and Snow, D.A. (2000) ‘Framing Processes and Social Movements: An Overview and
Assessment.’ Annual Review of Sociology, volume 26, pp.611-639
Bevacqua, M. (2000) Rape on the Public Agenda: Feminism and the Politics of Sexual Assault. Northeastern
University Press
9
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Charles, N. (1995) ‘Feminist Politics, Domestic Violence and the State.’ The Sociological Review, volume 43,
number 4, pp.617-640
Gruenbaum, E. (2005) ‘Feminist Activism for the Abolition of FGC in Sudan.’ Journal of Middle East Women's
Studies, volume 1, number 2, pp.89-111
Gupta, R. (ed) (2003) From Homebreakers to Jailbreakers: Southall Black Sisters. London: Zed Books
Hester, M et al (eds) (1996) Women, Violence and Male Power: Feminist Research, Activism and Practice.
Buckingham: OUP
Schechter, S. (1982) Women and Male Violence: The Visions and Struggles of the Battered Women’s
Movement. Cambridge, MA: South End Press
Schiffman, J. and Edwards, M (eds) (2007) Gender Violence: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2nd edition. New
York: New York University Press
Weldon (2004) The Dimensions and Policy Impact of Feminist Civil Society Democratic Policymaking on
Violence against Women in the Fifty US States.' International Feminist Journal of Politics, volume 6, number
1, pp.1-28
Weldon, S.L. (2002) Protest, Policy, and the Problem of Violence against Women: A Cross-National
Comparison. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press
Weldon, S.L. and Htun, M. (2013) ‘Feminist Mobilisation and Progressive Policy Change: Why Governments
Take Actions to Combat Violence Against Women.’ Gender & Development, volume 21, number 2, pp. 231247
Week 22: Ecofeminism and the Politics of the Environment
This week explores how feminists have linked women’s oppression under patriarchy to the exploitation and
degradation of the environment. Considering social and cultural ecofeminist traditions, we explore how issues of
maternity, poverty and spirituality figure in women’s environmental theory and activism.
Essential readings
•
•
Kraus, C. (1993) ‘Women and Toxic Waste Protests: Race, Class and Gender as Resources of Resistance.’
Qualitative Sociology, volume 16, issue 3, pp.247-262
Moore, N. (2008) ‘Eco/Feminism, Non-Violence and the Future of Feminism.’ International Feminist Journal
of Politics, volume 10, number 3, pp.282-298
Further readings
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Adams, C.J. ed. (1993) Ecofeminism and the Sacred. New York: Continuum
Adams, C.J. and Gruen, L. eds. (2014) Ecofeminism: Feminist Intersections with Other Animals and the Earth.
New York: Bloomsbury
Bell, S.E. and Braun, Y.A. (2010) ‘Coal, Identity, and the Gendering of Environmental Justice Activism in
Central Appalachia.’ Gender & Society, volume 24, number 6, pp.764-813
Gaard, G. (2011) ‘Ecofeminism Revisited: Rejecting Essentialism and Re-Placing Species in a Material Feminist
Environmentalism.’ Feminist Formations, volume 23, number 2, pp.26-53
Godfrey, P. (2005) ‘Diane Wilson vs Union Carbide: Ecofeminism and the Elitist Charge of Essentialism.’
Capitalism Nature Socialism, volume 16, number 4, pp.37-56
Hunt, K.P. (2014) ‘“It's More Than Planting Trees, It's Planting Ideas”: Ecofeminist Praxis in the Green Belt
Movement.’ Southern Communication Journal, volume 79, number 3, pp. 235-249
Leach, M. (2007) ‘Earth Mother Myths and Other Ecofeminist Fables: How a Strategic Notion Rose and Fell.’
Development and Change, volume 38, number 1, pp.67-85
MacGregor, S. (2004) ‘From Care to Citizenship: Calling Ecofeminism Back to Politics.’ Ethics & the
Environment, volume 9, number 1, pp.56-84
10
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•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
Mallory, C. (2006) ‘Ecofeminism and Forest Defense in Cascadia: Gender, Theory and Radical Activism.’
Capitalism Nature Socialism, volume 17, number 1, pp.32-49
Mies, M. and Shiva, V. (2014) Ecofeminism. London: Zed Books
Moore, N. (2011) ‘Ecofeminism and Rewriting the Ending of Feminism: From the Chipko Movement to
Clayoquot Sound.’ Feminist Theory, volume 12, number 3, pp.3-21
Nightingale, A. (2006) The Nature of Gender: Work, Gender and Environment.’ Environment and Planning D:
Society and Space, volume 24, pp.165-185
Perkins, T.E. (2012) ‘Women’s Pathways Into Activism: Rethinking the Women’s Environmental Justice
Narrative in California’s San Joaquin Valley.’ Organization & Environment, volume 25, number 1, pp.76-94
Phillips, M. and Rumens, N. eds. (2015) Contemporary Perspectives on Ecofeminism. London: Routledge
Stearney, L.M. (1994) ‘Feminism, Ecofeminism, and the Maternal Archetype: Motherhood as a Feminine
Universal.’ Communication Quarterly, volume 42, number 2, pp.145-159
Sturgeon, N. (1997) Ecofeminist Natures: Race, Gender, Feminist Theory and Political Action. London:
Routledge
Warren, K.J. (1997) Ecofeminism: Women, Culture, Nature. Indiana University Press
Week 23: Everyday Sexism and New Feminist Responses
In recent years the rise of social media and new internet technologies have been used by feminists to highlight
ongoing gender inequalities, in particular by crowdsourcing testimonies of experiences of ‘everyday sexism’. In this
final week we will explore how feminists are utilising online platforms for consciousness-raising and campaigning,
and the problems they have encountered as a result.
Essential readings
•
•
Fotopoulou, A. (2014) ‘Digital and networked by default? Women’s Organisations and the Social Imaginary of
Networked Feminism.’ New Media & Society doi: 10.1177/1461444814552264
Skalli, L.H. (2014) ‘Young Women and Social Media against Sexual Harassment in North Africa.” The Journal
of North African Studies, volume 19, number 2, pp.244-258
Further readings
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
http://www.everydaysexism.com/
Bates, L. (2014) Everyday Sexism. London: Simon & Schuster
Keller, J.M. (2012) ‘Virtual Feminisms: Girls’ Blogging Communities, Feminist Activism and Participatory
Politics.’ Information, Communication & Society, volume 15, number 3, pp.429-447
Knappe, H. and Lang, S. (2014) ‘Between Whisper and Voice: Online Women’s Movement Outreach in the UK
and Germany.’ European Journal of Women’s Studies, volume 21, number 4, pp.361-381
Loza, S. (2014) ‘Hashtag Feminism, #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen, and the Other #FemFuture.’ Ada: A Journal
of Gender, New Media & Technology, issue 5 [online] http://adanewmedia.org/2014/07/issue5loza/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=issue5-loza
Marx Ferree, M. and Pudrovska, T. (2006) ‘Transnational Feminist NGOs on the Web: Networks and
Identities in the Global North and South’ in Marx Ferree, M. and Tripp, A.M. (eds) Global Feminism:
Transnational Women's Activism, Organizing, and Human Rights. New York: New York University Press
Megarry, J. (2014) ‘Online Incivility or Sexual Harassment? Conceptualising Women’s Experiences in the
Digital Age.’ Women’s Studies International Forum, volume 47, part A, pp.46-55
Mowles, J.M. (2008) ‘Framing Issues, Fomenting Change, ‘Feministing’: A Contemporary Feminist Blog in the
Landscape of Online Political Activism.’ International Reports on Socio-Informatics, volume 5, issue 1, 29-49
Munro, E. (2013) ‘Feminism: A Fourth Wave?’ Political Insight, volume 4, issue 2, pp.22-25
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Nuñez Puentea, S. (2011) ‘Feminist Cyberactivism: Violence Against Women, Internet Politics, and Spanish
Feminist Praxis Online.’ Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, volume 25, number 3, pp.333-346
Rapp, L. et al (2010) ‘The Internet as a Tool for Black Feminist Activism: Lessons from an Online Antirape
Protest.’ Feminist Criminology, volume 5, number 3, pp.244-262
Schuster, J. (2013) ‘Invisible Feminists? Social Media and Young Women’s Political Participation.’ Political
Science, volume 65, number 1, pp.8-24
Week 24: Reading Week
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Appendix A
Instructions for how to submit essays electronically
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Log on to Blackboard and select the ‘SPAIS Undergraduate Administration’ unit. If you cannot see it, please e-mail
[email protected] with you username and ask to be added.
Click on the "Essay Submissions" option on the left hand menu. You should now see a list of the units that you are
taking.
Select the correct unit and assessment.
Select ‘view/complete’ for the appropriate piece of work. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have selected
both the correct unit and the correct piece of work.
The screen will display ‘single file upload’ and your name. Enter your candidate number as a submission title, and
then select the file that you wish to upload by clicking the ‘browse’ button. Click on the ‘upload’ button at the bottom.
You will then be shown the essay to be submitted. Check that you have selected the correct essay and click the
‘Submit’ button. This step must be completed or the submission is not complete.
You will be informed of a successful submission. A digital receipt is displayed on screen and a copy sent to your
email address for your records.
Important notes
• You are only allowed to submit one file to Blackboard (single file upload), so ensure that all parts of your work
– references, bibliography etc. – are included in one single document and that you upload the correct version.
You will not be able to change the file once you have uploaded.
• Blackboard will accept a variety of file formats, but the School can only accept work submitted in .rtf (Rich Text
Format) or .doc/.docx (Word Document) format. If you use another word processing package, please ensure
you save in a compatible format.
• By submitting your essay, you are confirming that you have read the regulations on plagiarism and confirm that
the submission is not plagiarised. You also confirm that the word count stated on the essay is an accurate
statement of essay length.
• If Blackboard is not working email your assessment to [email protected] with the unit code and title in the
subject line.
How to confirm that your essay has been submitted
• You will have received a digital receipt by email and If you click on the assessment again (steps 1-4), you will
see the title and submission date of the essay you have submitted. If you click on submit, you will not be able
to submit again. This table also displays the date of submission. If you click on the title of the essay, it will open
in a new window and you can also see what time the essay was submitted.
13
Appendix B
Summary of Relevant School Regulations
(Further information is in the year handbook)
Attendance at classes
SPAIS takes attendance and participation in classes very seriously. Seminars form an essential part
of your learning and you need to make sure you arrive on time, have done the required reading and
participate fully. Attendance at all seminars is monitored, with absence only condoned in cases of
illness or for other exceptional reasons.
If you are unable to attend a seminar you must inform your seminar tutor, as well as email [email protected]. You should also provide evidence to explain your absence, such as a selfcertification and/or medical note, counselling letter or other official document. If you are unable to
provide evidence then please still email [email protected] to explain why you are unable to
attend. If you are ill or are experiencing some other kind of difficulty which is preventing you from
attending seminars for a prolonged period, please inform your personal tutor, the Undergraduate Office
or the Student Administration Manager.
Requirements for credit points
In order to be awarded credit points for the unit, you must achieve:
• Satisfactory attendance in classes, or satisfactory completion of catch up work in lieu of poor
attendance
• Satisfactory formative assessment
• An overall mark of 40 or above in the summative assessment/s. In some circumstances, a mark
of 35 or above can be awarded credit points.
Presentation of written work
Coursework must be word-processed. As a guide, use a clear, easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times
New Roman, in at least 11pt. You may double–space or single–space your essays as you prefer. Your
tutor will let you know if they have a preference.
All pages should be numbered.
Ensure that the essay title appears on the first page.
All pages should include headers containing the following information:
Formative work
Name: e.g. Joe Bloggs
Unit e.g. SOCI10004
Seminar Tutor e.g. Dr J. Haynes
Word Count .e.g. 1500 words
Summative work
**Candidate Number**: e.g. 12345
Unit: e.g. SOCI10004
Seminar Tutor: e.g. Dr J. Haynes
Word Count: e.g. 3000 words
Candidate numbers are required on summative work in order to ensure that marking is anonymous.
Note that your candidate number is not the same as your student number.
Assessment Length
Each piece of coursework must not exceed the stipulated maximum length for the assignment (the
‘word count’) listed in the unit guide. Summative work that exceeds the maximum length will be subject
to penalties. The word count is absolute (there is no 10% leeway, as commonly rumoured). Five marks
will be deducted for every 100 words or part thereof over the word limit. Thus, an essay that is 1 word
over the word limit will be penalised 5 marks; an essay that is 101 words over the word limit will be
penalised 10 marks, and so on.
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The word count includes all text, numbers, footnotes/endnotes, Harvard referencing in the body of the
text and direct quotes. It excludes, the title, candidate number, bibliography, and appendices.
However, appendices should only be used for reproducing documents, not additional text written by
you.
Referencing and Plagiarism
Where sources are used they must be cited using the Harvard referencing system. Inadequate
referencing is likely to result in penalties being imposed. See the Study Skills Guide for advice on
referencing and how poor referencing/plagiarism are processed. Unless otherwise stated, essays must
contain a bibliography.
Extensions
Extensions to coursework deadlines will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. If you want to
request an extension, complete an extension request form (available at Blackboard/SPAIS_UG
Administration/forms to download and School policies) and submit the form with your evidence (e.g.
self-certification, medical certificate, death certificate, or hospital letter) to Catherine Foster in the
Undergraduate Office.
Extension requests cannot be submitted by email, and will not be considered if there is no supporting
evidence. If you are waiting for evidence then you can submit the form and state that it has been
requested.
All extension requests should be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the assessment deadline. If the
circumstance occurs after this point, then please either telephone or see the Student Administration
Manager in person. In their absence you can contact Catherine Foster in the UG Office, again in
person or by telephone.
Extensions can only be granted by the Student Administration Manager. They cannot be granted by
unit convenors or seminar tutors.
You will receive an email to confirm whether your extension request has been granted.
Submitting Essays
Formative essays
Summative essays
Unless otherwise stated, all formative essay
submissions must be submitted electronically
via Blackboard
All summative essay submissions must be
submitted electronically via Blackboard.
Electronic copies enable an efficient system of receipting, providing the student and the School with a
record of exactly when an essay was submitted. It also enables the School to systematically check
the length of submitted essays and to safeguard against plagiarism.
Late Submissions
Penalties are imposed for work submitted late without an approved extension. Any kind of
computer/electronic failure is not accepted as a valid reason for an extension, so make sure you back
up your work on another computer, memory stick or in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive or Dropbox). Also
ensure that the clock on your computer is correct.
The following schema of marks deduction for late/non-submission is applied to both formative work
and summative work:
Up to 24 hours late, or part thereof
For each additional 24 hours late, or
part thereof
Assessment submitted over one week
late
Penalty of 10 marks
A further 5 marks deduction for each 24 hours,
or part thereof
Treated as a non-submission: fail and mark of
zero recorded. This will be noted on your
transcript.
15
•
•
•
The 24 hour period runs from the deadline for submission, and includes Saturdays, Sundays,
bank holidays and university closure days.
If an essay submitted less than one week late fails solely due to the imposition of a late
penalty, then the mark will be capped at 40.
If a fail due to non-submission is recorded, you will have the opportunity to submit the essay
as a second attempt for a capped mark of 40 in order to receive credit points for the unit.
Marks and Feedback
In addition to an overall mark, students will receive written feedback on their assessed work.
The process of marking and providing detailed feedback is a labour-intensive one, with most 2-3000
word essays taking at least half an hour to assess and comment upon. Summative work also needs to
be checked for plagiarism and length and moderated by a second member of staff to ensure marking
is fair and consistent. For these reasons, the University regulations are that feedback will be returned
to students within three weeks of the submission deadline.
If work is submitted late, then it may not be possible to return feedback within the three week period.
Fails and Resits
If you fail the unit overall, you will normally be required to resubmit or resit. In units where there are
two pieces of summative assessment, you will normally only have to re-sit/resubmit the highestweighted piece of assessment.
Exam resits only take place once a year, in late August/early September. If you have to re-sit an exam
then you will need to be available during this period. If you are not available to take a resit examination,
then you will be required to take a supplementary year in order to retake the unit.
16
Appendix C
Level 6 Marking and Assessment Criteria (Third / Final Year)
1st (70+)
o
o
o
o
o
2:1 (60–69)
o
o
o
o
o
2:2 (50–59)
o
o
o
o
o
3rd (40–49)
o
o
o
o
o
Excellent comprehension of the implications of the question and critical
understanding of the theoretical & methodological issues
A critical, analytical and sophisticated argument that is logically structured
and well-supported
Evidence of independent thought and ability to ‘see beyond the question’
Evidence of reading widely beyond the prescribed reading list and creative
use of evidence to enhance the overall argument
Extremely well presented: minimal grammatical or spelling errors; written in a
fluent and engaging style; exemplary referencing and bibliographic formatting
Very good comprehension of the implications of the question and fairly
extensive and accurate knowledge and understanding
Very good awareness of underlying theoretical and methodological issues,
though not always displaying an understanding of how they link to the
question
A generally critical, analytical argument, which shows attempts at
independent thinking and is sensibly structured and generally well-supported
Clear and generally critical knowledge of relevant literature; use of works
beyond the prescribed reading list; demonstrating the ability to be selective in
the range of material used, and the capacity to synthesise rather than
describe
Very well presented: no significant grammatical or spelling errors; written
clearly and concisely; fairly consistent referencing and bibliographic
formatting
Generally clear and accurate knowledge, though there may be some errors
and/or gaps and some awareness of underlying theoretical/methodological
issues with little understanding of how they relate to the question
Some attempt at analysis but a tendency to be descriptive rather than critical;
Tendency to assert/state opinion rather than argue on the basis of reason
and evidence; structure may not be entirely clear or logical
Good attempt to go beyond or criticise the ‘essential reading’ for the unit; but
displaying limited capacity to discern between relevant and non-relevant
material
Adequately presented: writing style conveys meaning but is sometimes
awkward; some significant grammatical and spelling errors; inconsistent
referencing but generally accurate bibliography.
Limited knowledge and understanding with significant errors and omissions
and generally ignorant or confused awareness of key theoretical/
methodological issues
Largely misses the point of the question, asserts rather than argues a case;
underdeveloped or chaotic structure; evidence mentioned but used
inappropriately or incorrectly
Very little attempt at analysis or synthesis, tending towards excessive
description
Limited, uncritical and generally confused account of a narrow range of
sources
Poorly presented: not always easy to follow; frequent grammatical and
spelling errors; limited attempt at providing references (e.g. only referencing
direct quotations) and containing bibliographic omissions.
17
Marginal
Fail
(35–39)
o
o
o
o
o
Outright
Fail
(0–34)
o
o
o
o
o
Unsatisfactory level of knowledge and understanding of subject; limited or no
understanding of theoretical/methodological issues
Very little comprehension of the implications of the question and lacking a
coherent structure
Lacking any attempt at analysis and critical engagement with issues, based
on description or opinion
Little use of sources and what is used reflects a very narrow range or are
irrelevant and/or misunderstood
Unsatisfactory presentation: difficult to follow; very limited attempt at providing
references (e.g. only referencing direct quotations) and containing
bibliographic omissions
Very limited, and seriously flawed, knowledge and understanding
No comprehension of the implications of the question and no attempt to
provide a structure
No attempt at analysis
Limited, uncritical and generally confused account of a very narrow range of
sources
Very poorly presented: lacking any coherence, significant problems with
spelling and grammar, missing or no references and containing bibliographic
omissions
18