Course

OPEN ELECTIVES-UG (Arts , Humanities and Commerce)

Unit 1

Introduction to Gender Studies

Introduction to Gender Studies as an academic discipline, Historical perspectives on gender roles and expectations, Key concepts: sex, gender, sexuality, and intersectionality, Feminist theories and their contributions to gender studies.

Unit 2

Gender and Identity

Social construction of gender identities, Gender socialization and its impact on individuals, Transgender and non-binary identities, Intersectionality: Gender, race, class, and sexuality.

Unit 3

Gender and Power

Patriarchy and its manifestations, Gender inequality in education, employment, and politics, Violence against women and LGBTQ+ individuals, Feminist activism and resistance movements.

Unit 4

Gender, Media, and Culture

Gender stereotypes in advertising and the media, Gender representations in film, television, and literature, The role of social media in shaping gender identities and perceptions, Queer culture and LGBTQ+ representation in media.

Unit 5

Gender in Global Contexts

Globalization and its impact on gender roles and relations, Gender and development: Empowerment vs. exploitation, Feminist perspectives on global issues such as poverty, migration, and environmental justice, Transnational feminism and solidarity movements.

Course Objective:

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts, theories, and issues within gender studies. Through interdisciplinary approaches, students will explore the social, cultural, historical, and political dimensions of gender, with a focus on understanding how gender shapes individuals’ experiences, identities, and societies.

Course Outcomes:

CO 1: Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and theories within gender studies.

CO 2: Analyse the intersections of gender with other social categories such as race, class, sexuality, and nationality.

CO 3: Evaluate historical and contemporary issues related to gender inequality and social justice.

CO 4: Develop critical thinking skills through the examination of gendered representations in

media, literature, and popular culture.

CO 5: Apply gender theories to real-world contexts and contemporary debates.

CO 6: Communicate effectively about gender-related topics through written and oral presentations.

References:

1. Judith Butler – Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity – Routledge
2. Kimberlé Crenshaw – Intersectionality – The New Press
3. Simone de Beauvoir – The Second Sex – Vintage Classics
4. Bell Hooks – Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics – Routledge
5. Julia Serano – Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity – Seal Press
6. Bonnie Smith – Global Feminisms Since 1945 – Taylor & Francis
7. Michael Kimmel – The Gendered Society – Oxford University Press