[PHI 202] Feminist Philosophy

Introduction

In this course, students will learn how to use some of the tools and techniques of philosophy, and apply them to issues of gender. Students will evaluate various feminist theories and arguments, while at the same time trying to see the gender dynamics in their everyday lives and in their society at large, from feminist perspectives.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for PHI 202: Feminist Philosophy - 3 credits. (Same as WOM 202.) An introduction to feminist philosophies through a study and critique of traditional and feminist views about women, their lives, society and knowledge, with particular attention to theories of women's oppression. This course fulfills the UWC requirement for Humanities (HU).

Specific topics include discussion of gender roles in the family and in the workplace, the politics of feminine appearance, and the relationship between feminism and multiculturalism. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation and critique of particular arguments, and the thoughtful construction of students' own arguments.

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance students' ability to

• interpret and synthesize information and ideas;
• analyze and evaluate arguments;
• construct and support hypotheses;
• select and apply scientific and other appropriate methodologies;
• integrate knowledge and experience to arrive at creative solutions;
• gather and assess information from printed sources, electronic sources, and observation;
• read, observe, and listen with comprehension and critical perception;
• communicate clearly, precisely, and in a well-organized manner;
• demonstrate a large and varied vocabulary;
• recognize and use a variety of communication forms and styles;
• use computer technologies for communication.

Department-specific proficiencies assigned to this course

By completing this course, students will be able to

• understand and evaluate different feminist theories;
• understand the debates among different approaches to feminism;
• evaluate some of the intellectual approaches that find feminism unneeded, offensive, or degrading to human society;
• make connections between various feminist theoretical outlooks and practical issues in everyday life;
• define 'feminism' and 'feminist' in a thoughtful way;
• gain insight into how multicultural issues can reinforce feminist ones, but at the same time cultural differences can create divisions among feminist thinkers;
• consider the relationship between women's oppression and the oppression of other groups based on (for example) race, class, ability, or sexuality;
• understand how one's approach to feminist issues is dictated by one's analysis of how societies function and what basic human needs are.

Requirements

Software

• Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

  The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word, PowerPoint and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader

  Some course readings are delivered as Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format) files. To access the PDF files, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is free and freely distributed software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, please download it by visiting http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

About the Instructors

• Melissa Kozma
  Associate Lecturer, Philosophy
  BA, Columbia College Chicago
  MA, University of Illinois at Chicago