Introduction to Feminist Theory

This course explores the history of feminist political thought. It provides an overview of the dominant approaches to feminist theory, and to the emergence and development of feminist movements in the U.S. and elsewhere. We will pay particular attention to the way intersectional feminist thinkers have challenged the centrality of gender in feminist analysis, and will assess the future of feminist praxis and theorizing. The course is organized around significant themes and debates within feminist theory, including but not limited to: early feminist approaches (such as liberal, Marxist, radical, and standpoint feminism); the theoretical implications of critiques of early feminist theory by black, indigenous and other intersectional feminists; and contemporary feminist formations such as trans and abolition feminisms.