GSSA 4001 - Hons Gender Studies & Social Analysis Theory

This course aims to provide a general introduction to the major theoretical perspectives that have shaped the fields of Gender Studies and Sociology. It offers grounding in important concepts, for instance the social construction of everyday life, including gender; feminist and qualitative epistemologies; and intersectional approaches to gender, class and ethnicity. Explored throughout the course are the tensions between agency and constraint, ideas and experience, continuity and change. Concepts and debates are placed in the context of traditions in social theory in general, encouraging students to develop and define their own theoretical `location' and interests. Participation is based on oral presentations, discussions and debates directed to set readings.