Unit information: Feminist Philosophy in 2018/19

Unit name	Feminist Philosophy
Unit code	PHIL30123
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Everett
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	N/A
Co-requisites	N/A
School/department	Department of Philosophy
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will examine a range of core issues in feminist philosophy including the philosophical issues surrounding injustice to women, the nature of gender and identity, epistemic injustice, the ethics of care, and methodological issues for feminism including the phenomenon of false consciousness. We will also explore feminist appropriations and criticisms of the classical western philosophical tradition.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the core issues in feminist philosophy,

(2) demonstrate sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the core literature on these issues,

(3) present, critically engage with, and philosophically analyze, these issues and the relevant core literature, in a manner appropriate to level H/6,

(4) demonstrate skills in philosophical writing, analysis, and argument, appropriate to level H/6.

(5) demonstrate skills in philosophical research appropriate to level H/6.

Teaching Information

One 2-hour lecture + one 1-hour seminar each week.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment:

• Essay (2,200 words) 40%. Designed to test ILOs (1)-(5)
• Exam (2 questions in 2 hours) 50%. Designed to test ILOs (1)-(4)
• Weekly journal 10%. Designed to test ILOs (1)-(4) Students will be asked to submit 10 entries in total over the course of the term, generally on a weekly basis prior to seminars. Entries should be 300-500 words. The student should use the journal entries to give a brief summary of one of the week’s readings, and then to reflect freely on the reading. For instance, in what ways is the author’s argument persuasive, and in what ways is it unpersuasive? What further questions does it raise, and how does it fit in with other material from the course?

Formative assessment: No formative essays – instead, the instructor will use the weekly journal as a chance to give feedback on progress.

Reading and References

Saul, J., 2003, Feminism: Issues and Arguments, OUP.

Fricker, M. and Hornsby, J., 2000, The Cambridge Companion to Feminism. Cambridge University Press.

Butler, J., 2006, Gender Trouble, (2^nd edition) Routledge.

Cudd, A. E., and R. O. Andreasen (eds.), 2005, Feminist Theory. A Philosophical Anthology, Blackwell Publishing.

Wittig, M., 1971, Les Guerilleres, Peter Owen.