Title IX: Sex Discrimination in Education

1 unit

This course will use the example of Title IX-federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education-to foster students' deeper understanding of the role that civil rights laws play in addressing problems of inequality and discrimination in the United States. In particular, the objectives of this course are to cultivate deeper understandings of: Theories of equality reflected in civil rights laws like Title IX The cultural significance of such discriminatory practices as sex-segregation, imposition of gender stereotypes, sexual violence, and sex-based inequities in sport. The evolution of cultural, scientific, and legal definitions of sex and sex discrimination Congress's power to address inequality in contexts like education Similarities and differences between constitutional and statutory civil rights The role that courts play in defining the scope and meaning of statutory provisions The regulatory process and its responsiveness to political influence The interplay of judicial and regulatory enforcement Students will demonstrate mastery of these objectives by the successful completion of writing assignments, by engagement with assigned reading, and by attending and participating in class.