WMST1002 Gender, Power and Change: Introducing Feminist Debates

This topic presents an introduction to contemporary feminist thought, and provides a basis for Women's Studies topics at upper levels. The topic addresses, as its core themes, feminist debates about the nature of gender, the way that gender shapes relations of power, and the ways that gender relations do and might change. The topic surveys a broad range of debates within and about feminism, illustrating and contextualising feminist thought with reference to a number of contemporary issues and debates about the changing circumstances of gender relations in Australia and globally. Critical thought about various strands of feminist theory will be encouraged. The topic will enhance students' oral and written communication skills and provide a useful introduction to Women's Studies topics at second and third year level.

This topic presents an introduction to contemporary feminist thought, and aims to provide a sound basis for Women's Studies topics at upper levels. The topic offers opportunities to survey a range of debates within and about feminism, illustrating and contextualising feminist thought with reference to a number of contemporary issues and debates. The topic addresses, as its core theme, feminist debates concerning equality and difference. Critical thinking about the relevance and meaning of various strands of feminist theory will be encouraged.

1. Identify and evaluate the relevance and usefulness of different feminist approaches
2. Develop an informed view of what constitutes feminist thought, and speculate on its effects and potential
3. Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of competing feminist perspectives in their own lives
4. Structure a coherent critical argument about feminism
5. Use appropriate sources of scholarly information about feminist thought to support an adopted position
6. Promote and facilitate discussions on issues arising from debates relating to feminism