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Academic Year 2001/2002


Introduction to Feminist Philosophy
PHIL 254 FA

In this course we will explore some of the challenges recently posed by feminist philosophers both to traditional philosophical notions of subjectivity and to some influential earlier approaches within feminist philosophy itself. The senses of subjectivity to be examined are multifaceted, involving such questions as the identity of the supposedly generic subject of traditional philosophical theories; the ethical norms of conduct and modes of relationship between subjects; ways in which knowledg e and subjective activities of knowing are conceptualized; and the complexities of subjective identity. Throughout the course--and particularly in its concluding section--we will be paying attention to the ways in which theorizing on such topics has been challenged by and responded to the past decade's demand that the implications of racial, cultural, and sexual diversity be fully incorporated into feminist philosophical thought. While there is no single feminist perspective to be discovered in this cou rse, our focus will be on the many ways in which it has been argued that gendered social structures have produced partial or inaccurate understandings of human subjectivity. Reconceptualizing culturally as well as philosophically pervasive categories of thought will hence be a major dimension of philosophical activity in this course. Its success will greatly depend on students' reflective reading and class discussion of the material.

MAJOR READINGS

Larry May, ed., RETHINKING MASCULINITY
Marilyn Frye, THE POLITICS OF REALITY
Diana Meyers, ed., FEMINIST ETHICS AND SOCIAL THEORY

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly response papers (1-2 pp.), short papers (5-7 pp.), final take-home exam (10-12 pp.)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

A previous philosophy course is recommended.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS PHIL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002


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