SWMS 560/SOCI 560
spring 2014
Sharon Hays, HSH 303
office hrs. M 3-4, 7-8 pm
Feminist Theory
This is a reading intensive seminar course. The course provides an overview of "classical" theoretical
approaches and contemporary trends in (Western) feminist theorizing. Consider this a brief introduction,
meant to give you a general feel for the range and sophistication of available theories of gender. More
importantly, as graduate students, this course is designed to train your theoretical eye and feminist
imagination. That is, the goal is not so much to make you a proponent of any one theoretical model, but
rather to develop your theoretical and feminist thinking skills, aiding you in the development of useful
theoretical approaches to whatever feminist issues you might chose to pursue. To that end, we will
explore in depth each type of feminist theory, examining its internal logic, implications, and critiques.
We will also consider issues of essentialism, the social construction of gender differences and gender
inequalities, and the conceptualized impact of economics, politics, culture, language, and sexualities in
shaping gender dynamics. In addition, we will analyze the importance and implications of race, class,
ethnic and national differences among women, the contributions of queer theory, and the question of what
theoretically grounded feminist political action might look like.
Class participation is a requirement for learning in this course. The material is difficult. The more you
talk about it, the better you'll understand it. To gain this practice in flexing your feminist theoretical
muscles, it is absolutely essential that you complete all the assigned readings prior to class and come
prepared for intellectual discussion.
Grades will be based on
a take-home final 60%,
a research project and presentation 20%,
and class participation, including mutual evaluation and "fem mems" 20%.
ALL Required readings will be made available for copying (to be arranged).
The readings are ordered quasi-chronologically, both within each section and overall. This does
not mean, however, that one form of theory supersedes the next. I am not trying to lead you down the
road to "ever-better" theorizing. Which theories are the "best" is a question I leave you to ponder. This
chronological arrangement will simply allow us to explore the historiography of feminist thought.
1. Introducing Ourselves, Feminism, and Theory
(January 13, 27)
(January 20 is MLK Day - no class!)
-- Faludi, Susan. 1991. "Blame It on Feminism" From Backlash: The Undeclared War Against
American Women. Crown Publishers.
-- Levy, Ariel. 2005. Female Chauvinist Pigs. Pp. 89-117 in Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women
and the Rise of Raunch Culture. Free Press.
-- Kessler, Suzanne. 2004. “Creating Good-Looking Genitals in the Service of Gender.” Pp 6471 in Michael Kimmel and Rebecca Plante, Sexualities. Oxford.
-- Lugones, Maria C. and Elizabeth V. Spelman. 1983. "Have We Got a Theory for You!.'"
Women's Studies International Forum 6 (6): 573- 581.
Feminist Theory Fall 2014
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2. Liberal Feminism
(February 3)
-- Adams, Abigail. 1776. "Remember the Ladies." (and John Adams reply) Pp. 10-11 in Alice
Rossi, ed., The Feminist Papers, Northeastern U. Press.
-- Wollstonecraft, Mary. 1792. Excerpts from A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Pp. 4153 in The Feminist Papers, op. cit., and pp. 41-46 in Feminist Theory, A Reader, edited by Wendy
Kolmar and Frances Bartkowski, Mountain View, Ca: Mayfield.
-- Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. 1848. "Declaration of Sentiments." Pp. 415-420 in The Feminist
Papers, op. cit.
--Truth, Sojourner. 1851. Speech at the Akron Convention. Pp. 426-429 in The Feminist
Papers, op.cit.
-- Mill, John Stuart. 1869. Excerpts from "The Subjection of Women." In Feminist Frameworks
and The Feminist Papers, op. cit.
-- Friedan, Betty. 1963. "The Problem That Has No Name" and "A New Life Plan for Women"
Chapters 1 and 14 from The Feminine Mystique. Dell Publishing.
-- National Organization of Women. 1984. "Bill of Rights." Pp. 120-121 in Feminist
Frameworks, op. cit.
-- The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 1995. Pp. 506-509 in Feminist Theory, A
Reader, edited by Wendy Kolmar and Frances Bartkowski. Mayfield.
3. Marxist and Socialist Feminism
(February 10)
-- Marx, Karl and Friedrich Engels. 1848. Excerpt from "Manifesto of the Communist Party."
Pp. 320-321 in Feminist Frameworks. op. cit.
-- Kollantai, Alexandra. 1909. "The Social Basis of the Woman Question." Pp. 58-73 in
Selected Writings of Alexandra Kollantai, edited by A. Holt. W.W. Norton.
-- Benston, Margaret. 1969. "The Political Economy of Women's Liberation." Pp. 240-247 in
Feminist Frameworks. op. cit.
-- Blumberg, Rae Lesser. 1984. "A General Theory of Gender Stratification." Sociological
Theory, excerpted pp 23-28, 46-57, 74-78.
-- Hartmann, Heidi. 1981. "The Unhappy Marriage of Marxism and Feminism: Towards a
More Progressive Union." Pp. 320-329 in Feminist Theory, A Reader, op cit.
-- Joseph, Gloria. "The Incompatible Menage a Trois: Marxism, Feminism, and Racism." Pp.
91-107 in Women and Revolution edited by Lydia Sargent. Boston: South End Press.. op. cit.
-- Bettie, Julie. 2003. Women Without Class: Girls, Race, and Identity. (imperfect) excerpts pp.
41-49, 61-196. U. of California Press.
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Feminist Theory Fall 2014
** February 17 is Presidents' Day -- no class!! **
4. Radical Feminism___________________________________________________________
(February 24)
-- Maxim. 2003. "How to Cure a Feminist."
-- Bunch, Charlotte. "Lesbians in Revolt." Pp. 144-148 in Feminist Frameworks. op. cit.
-- Bunch, Charlotte. 1981. "Not for Lesbians Only." Pp. 319-325 in A Reader in Feminist
Knowledge, edited by Sneja Gunew. New York: Routledge.
-- MacKinnon, Catharine A. 1982. "Feminism, Marxism, Method, and the State: An Agenda for
Theory." Signs 7: 515-544 (excerpts 515-18, 524-33, 542-44).
-- MacKinnon, Catharine A. 1987. "Not a Moral Issue." Pp. 146-162 in Feminism Unmodified.
Harvard University Press.
-- Rich, Adrienne. 1983. "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence." Pp. 177-205 in
Powers of Desire: Politics of Sexuality, edited by Ann Snitow et al. Monthly Review Press. [Originally
published in Signs 5 (40), 1980.
-- Nestle, Joan. 1981. "My Mother Liked to Fuck." Pp. 120-122 in A Restricted Country, by
Joan Nestle. Firebrand Books.
-- Willis, Ellen. 1979. "Feminism, Moralism, and Pornography." Pp. 460-467 in Powers of
Desire, op cit.
-- Hall, Jacquelyn Dowd. 1983. "The Mind that Burns in Each Body: Women, Rape, and Racial
Violence." Pp. 328-349 in Powers of Desire, op cit.
-- hooks, bell. 1993. "Seduced by Violence No More." Pp. 333-335 in Theorizing Feminisms,
edited by Elizabeth Hackett and Sally Haslanger, Oxford.
*** March 3: Research Presentation Plan Due ***
5. Psychoanalytic and Difference/Cultural Feminism_________________________________
(March 3)
-- Chodorow, Nancy. 1978. "The Sexual Sociology of Adult Life." Chapter 11 in The
Reproduction of Mothering. University of California Press.
-- Gilligan, Carol. 1982. "Woman's Place in Man's Life Cycle" and "Images of Relationship"
Chapters 1 and 2 from In a Different Voice. Harvard University Press.
-- Christ, Carol P. 1978. "Why Women Need the Goddess." Pp. 211-219 in Theorizing
Feminisms, op cit.
continued…
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Feminist Theory Fall 2014
-- Young, Iris M. 1985. "Humanism, Gynocentrism, and Feminist Politics." Pp. 174-187 in
Theorizing Feminisms, op. cit.
-- Connell, R.W. 1987. "Hegemonic Masculinity and Emphasized Femininity." Pp. 183-188 in
Gender and Power. Stanford.
-- MacKinnon, Catherine. 1987. "Difference and Dominance: On Sex Discrimination." Pp. 3245 in Feminism Unmodified. op. cit.
6. The "Multicultural"/Multiple Intersecting Voices of Women__________________________
(March 10)
-- hooks, Bell. 1984. "Black Women: Shaping Feminist Theory." From Feminist Theory: From
Margin to Center. Boston, Mass.: South End Press.
-- McIntosh, Peggy. 1988. "White Privilege and Male Privilege." Pp. 344-352 in Intersections
of Gender, Race, and Class, Segal and Martinez, eds. Roxbury.
-- Anzaldua, Gloria. 1983. "La Prieta." Pp. 198-209 in This Bridge Called My Back, edited by
Cherrie Moraga and Gloria Anzaldua. Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press.
-- Morales, Aurora Levins and Rosario Morales. 1986. "I Recognize You" & "I am the
Reasonable One." Pp. 145-149 in Getting Home Alive. Trumansburg, NY: Crossing Press.
-- Villapando, Venny. 1989. "The Business of Selling Mail-Order Brides."
Pp. 318-326 in Making Waves, edited by Asian Women United of California. Beacon.
-- Lorde, Audre. 1984. "Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference." Pp. 288293 in Feminist Theory, A Reader, edited by Wendy Kolmar and Frances Bartkowski. Mayfield.
-- Asch, Adrienne and Michelle Fine. 1997. "Nurturance, Sexuality, and Women with
Disabilities." Pp. 241-255 in The Disability Studies Reader. Routledge.
-- Collins, Patricia Hill. 1986. "Learning from the Outsider Within: The Sociological
Significance of Black Feminist Thought." Social Problems 33 (6).
-- Mohanty, Chandra. 1988. "Under Western Eyes: Feminist Scholarship and Colonial
Discourses" Feminist Review 30: 60-88.
*** March 17-22 -- Spring Break !!! (enjoy.) ***
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Feminist Theory Fall 2014
7. Postmodern Feminism, Discourse and Deconstruction_______________________________
(March 24)
-- Cixous, Helene. 1975. "The Laugh of the Medusa."
-- Irigaray, Luce. 1980. "When Our Lips Speak Together." Signs 6 (1): 205-218.
-- Wittig, Monique. 1978. "The Straight Mind." Pp. 299-303 in Feminist Theory, A Reader,
edited by Wendy Kolmar and Frances Bartkowski. Mayfield.
-- Scott, Joan W. 1988. "Deconstructing Equality-Versus-Difference: Or, the Uses of
Poststructuralist Theory for Feminism." Feminist Studies 14 (4): 33-49.
-- Butler, Judith. 1990. "Subjects of Sex/Gender/Desire." Pp. 1-34 in Gender Trouble.
Routledge.
-- Haraway, Donna. 1991. "A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism
in the Late Twentieth Century." Pp. 149-161, 180-181 in Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The
Reinvention of Nature. Routledge.
8. Feminist Epistomology and Feminist Methodology_______________________________
(March 31)
-- Harding, Sandra. 1986. "From the Woman Question in Science..." and "Valuable Tensions
and the New 'Unity' Of Science," From The Science Question in Feminism. Cornell U. Press.
-- Haraway, Donna. 1988. "Situated Knowledges: The Science Question in Feminism and the
Privilege of Partial Perspective." Feminist Studies 14 (3): 575-599.
-- Alcoff, Linda. 1991. "The Problem of Speaking for Others." Pp. 78-91 in Theorizing
Feminisms, op. cit. [Orginally published in Cultural Critique (Winter): 5-32.]
-- Collins, Patricia Hill. 1990. "Towards an Afrocentric Feminist Epistemology" Pp. 201-220 in
Black Feminist Thought. Routledge.
** April 7: Final Essay Assigned **
9. Queer Theory, Identity Politics, and Multiple-Intersecting Differences_______________
(April 7)
-- Foucault, Michel. 1980. "The Perverse Implantation." Pp. 36-49 in The History of Sexuality.
New York: Vintage Books.
-- Lorber, Judith. 1994. Excerpts from "How Many Opposites? Gendered Sexuality" and "Men
as Women and Women as Men: Disrupting Gender." Pp. 55-63, 80-89, 95-96 in Paradoxes of Gender.
Yale University Press.
continued…
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Feminist Theory Fall 2014
-- Butler, Judith. "Bodily Inscriptions, Performative Subversions." Pp. 134-141 in Gender
Trouble. Routledge, 1990.
-- Butler, Judith. 1993. "Critically Queer." Pp. 226-242 in Bodies That Matter. New York:
Routledge.
-- Duggan, Lisa. 2001. "Making it Perfectly Queer." Pp. 215-231 in Theorizing Feminism,
edited by Anne C. Hermann and Abigail J. Stewart, Westview.
-- Gamson, Joshua. 1996. "Must Identity Movements Self-Destruct?: A Queer Dilemma." Pp.
395-420 in Queer Theory/Sociology, edited by Steve Seidman. Blackwell.
-- Halberstam, Judith/Jack. "On Bathroom Behavior," from Female Sexuality, Duke.
-- Stoler, Ann Laura. "Carnal Knowledge and Imperial Power: Gender, Race, and Morality in
Colonial Asia." Pp. 13-36 in The Gender sexuality Reader, op.cit.
10. Feminist Politics, the Third Wave, & Further Food for Thought_____________________
(April 14)
-- Reagon, Bernice Johnson. 1983. "Coalition Politics: Turning the Century." Pp. 356-368 in
Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology, op. cit.
-- Fraser, Nancy. 1997. "From Redistribution to Recognition?" Pp. 11-39 in Justice Interruptus.
Routledge.
-- Duggan, Lisa. 2003. Introduction, from The Twilight of Equality.
-- Walker, Rebecca. 2004. "We Are Using This Power to Resist." Pp. xi-xx in The Fire This
Time: Young Activists and the New Feminism, edited by Vivien Labaton and Dawn Lundy Martin.
Random House.
-- Baumgardner and Richards. 2004. "Feminism and Femininity: Or How We Learned to Stop
Worrying and Love the Thong." Pp. 59-68 in Anita Harris, ed., All About the Girl. Routledge.
-- McRobbie, Angela. 2009. The Aftermath of Feminism. Pp. 1-28, 156-159. Sage.
11. Our Conclusions, Presentations (yay!), and Spill-over Day (if we need it)______________
(April 21, 28)
-- Presentations of Research Projects
*** Research Outlines Due on day of presentation***
*** Final Essays Due: Wednesday, May 7 by 5pm ***