Feminist Philosophies and Queer Theories module (PI31023)

In this module, we will explore how recent feminist and queer thinkers, writers and artists have transformed philosophy.

Through a combination of interactive lectures and tutorials, you will explore the importance of embodied experiences, situated knowledges and the meaning of terms such as sex and gender, performativity, precarity, oppression, distributed agency, pedagogy, intersectionality and community.

Throughout the module, we will explore questions such as:

• What is it to live a feminist or queer life?
• Are there forms of reproduction that don't just 'reproduce the same'?
• Who gets to be a philosopher?
• What is it to think from the margins rather than the centre?
• Are sites, styles and modes of doing philosophy, just as important as theories and concepts?
• How do the personal, the political, the ecological and technological cross over?
• What new kinds of critique, creative practice and collective action have feminist and queer philosophers helped open up?

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about key debates, concepts, theories, methods, and approaches at the intersection of philosophy, queer theory, and feminism
• develop your own critical voice within these discussions
• work collaboratively with peers
• develop the skills to undertake independent research using appropriate primary and secondary sources

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• engage critically and creatively with feminist and queer theories of embodiment and situated knowledges
• explore experimental ways of doing philosophy
• understand key texts and movements at the intersection of philosophy, queer theory, and feminism
• exercise autonomy and initiative
• work collaboratively with peers to foster debate and reflection in interdisciplinary contexts

Assignments / assessment:

• weekly class exercises - 30%
• long essay (2,500 words) OR creative project with accompanying scholarly reflection (1,500 words) - 70%

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable:

Teaching in this module will be through lectures and tutorials.

Independent study is a requirement, encouraging increased participation and deeper involvement in the learning journey.