PHILOSOPHY 219A

Feminist Philosophy

Wilfrid Laurier University

Course Description:

This is a wide-ranging introductory survey course that investigates important contemporary debates in feminist philosophy. This course is not historically complete or exhaustive of the present field; however, it does offer a conceptual topography of feminist philosophy. In this course we will 1) investigate key concepts that have arisen from feminist philosophy and 2) critique the philosophical canon through a feminist lens.

We will begin the course with important organizing concepts in feminist philosophy such as oppression, sexism, gender, intersectionality, sexuality, and power. Once we have an appreciation for and an understanding of these key conceptswe will bring them to bear on the canon of philosophy. We will take up contemporary feminist debates in ontology, epistemology, ethics, social-political theory, and the philosophy of language.Finally, we will conclude the course by discussing the future of feminist philosophy.

Course Objectives:

  • Become familiar with feminist philosophy generally and with key concepts in feminist philosophy specifically
  • Critically engage with feminist contributions to the philosophical cannon in the areas of epistemology, philosophy of language, ethics, ontology, social-political theory, critical race theory, sexuality
  • Appreciate the richness of woman-acknowledging philosophical thought
  • Refine your ability to write and think critically about topics in feminist philosophy
  • Become an expert in one area of feminist philosophy

Philosophy is a complex enterprise of study that requires sound and coherent analytical skills. Students are therefore required to complete the weekly assigned readings before attending class. Further, since philosophy is concerned with well-reasoned arguments students are strongly advised to expect rigorous analysis of any topic discussed in class, despite the level of controversy it bears in the eyes of the general public.

Required Text:

  • Course pack available at the Laurier Bookstore (and on reserve at library)
  • Web Articles linked on My Learning Space(in Course Readings or ARES)

Assignments and Evaluation:

Participation / 10%
Exegeses (4 @ 15% each) / 60%
Final Exam / 30%

Class Environment:

Given the content of this course there will be differing ideas and disagreement between students. It is your job to be aware of how other students are reacting to your comments, and to treat your colleagues and instructor with respect. Learning to negotiate differing ideas in a productive and respectful manner is an integral aspect of our course content and thus, we will all be expected to use this space to refine and strengthen our own skills in this area. Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ablist, and other oppressive language or behaviour will not be tolerated in class. If you feel that you are being silenced, please speak to me.

Mobile Devices:

Mobile devices of any kind are permitted in class provided they are not taking away from the instruction of the course and the learning of other students (e.g., noise level, disturbing/distracting content). Both the instructor and the students are responsible for administering this rule. Students who do not feel comfortable approaching another student can email or talk to me in person. Students who fail to comply with this policy will receive a verbal warning first before being asked to leave the classroom for all or part of the course.

Grade Appeal Policy:

See Grade Appeal Procedure on MLS.

Academic Misconduct(as per university guidelines):

Students are required to know Laurier's Academic Misconduct policy and procedures. See:

Missed Exam:

If a student knows ahead of time that s/he will be absent for the final exam for legitimate reasons, s/he must contact the instructor beforehand and a deferred exam will be arranged. In addition, if a student misses the exam for legitimate reasons and can provide the corresponding documentation, a deferred exam will be arranged. If a student misses the exam and has no legitimate reason, s/he will receive a mark of zero. The legitimacy of such reasons is determined by the instructor, and is in line with university policy. See Faculty of Arts Policy on Academic Responsibility.

COURSE OUTLINE: READINGS and IMPORTANT DATES

Sep.5: Introduction to Feminist Philosophy

  • Lisa Maria Hogeland, "Fear of Feminism: Why Young Women Get the Willies"

~Fundamental Concepts in Feminist Philosophy~

Week 1:Sexism

  • Ann E. Cudd and Leslie E. Jones, "Sexism"
  • Kate Millet, "Theory of Sexual Politics"
  • Documentary:MissRepresented

Week 2: Oppression

  • Marilyn Frye, "Oppression"
  • Sandra Lee Bartky, "On Psychological Oppression"
  • Iris Marion Young, "Five Faces of Oppression"

Week 3: The Sex/Gender Distinction

  • Simone de Beauvoir, "Introduction" to The Second Sex
  • Judith Butler, "Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenological and Feminist Theory"
  • Documentary: Juggling Gender

Week 4: Intersectionality

  • Exegesis #1 Due(Monday, September 29th by 10:30 am in MLS DropBox)
  • Elizabeth V. Spelman, "Gender & Race: The Ampersand Problem in Feminist Thought"
  • Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, "Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics and Violence Against Women of Colour"

Week 5: Sexuality

  • Catherine MacKinnon, "Sexuality"
  • Adrianne Rich, "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence"

Reading Week

~Rethinking the Canon~

Week 6: Feminist Ontologies

  • Exegesis #2 Due(Monday, October 20th by 10:30 am in MLS DropBox)
  • Ann J. Cahill, "A Phenomenology of Fear: The Threat of Rape and Feminine Bodily Comportment"
  • Susan Wendell, "Toward a Feminist Theory of Disability"

Week 7: Political Philosophies

  • Marilyn Friedman, "Autonomy, Social Disruption, and Women"
  • Susan Okin, "Vulnerability by Marriage"
  • Iris Marion Young, "Difference and Social Policy: Reflections in the Context of Social Movements"

Wednesday, November 5, 2014:Last day to drop or withdraw from course without an academic penalty (failure). If both Exegeses were submitted on time and according to instructions, you can expect to know at least 20% of your grade.

Week 8: Feminist Ethics

  • Carol Gilligan, "Woman's Place in Man's Life Cycle"
  • Sandra Lee Bartky, "Feeding Ego and Tending Wounds: Deference and Disaffection in Women's Emotional Labor"

Week 9: Philosophy of Language

  • Exegesis #3 Due(Monday, November 10th by 10:30 am in MLS DropBox)
  • Miranda Fricker, "Powerlessness and Social Interpretation"
  • LindaAlcoff, "The Problem of Speaking for Others"

Week 10: Feminist Epistemologies I

  • Lorraine Code, "Taking Subjectivity into Account"
  • Sandra Harding, "Rethinking Standpoint Epistemology: What is 'Strong Objectivity?"
  • Uma Narayan, "The Project of Feminist Epistemology: Perspectives from a Non-Western Feminist"

Week 11:Feminist Epistemologies II

  • Nancy Tuana, "Coming to Understand: Orgasm and the Epistemology of Ignorance"
  • Documentary: Passion and Power: The Technology of Orgasm

Week 12: Toward Liberation and Conclusion to Feminist Philosophy

  • Exegesis #4 Due (Monday, December 1, 2014 by 10:30 am in the MLS DropBox)
  • Catharine A. MacKinnon, "Difference and Dominance: On Sex Discrimination"

Final Exam scheduled during the Fall Examination Period by the Registrar's Office

Participation

I don’t expect you to say something brilliant in every class, but I do want everyone to participate in the discussion. Philosophy is best understood through dialogue; we must struggle with the ideas and arguments that are presented, challenge them, and seek clarification. By joining the conversation you will enhance your own learning experience, and also the learning experience of everyone in the seminar. In order to do this students are expected to be present, have read the texts assigned for that week, to have thought about the articles critically. At the end of the course, you will be asked to assign yourself a mark for class involvement based on the said criteria. This grade will be averaged with the mark I will also assign you to determine your final grade for class participation. Please note that missing a number of lectures may result in a reduction of your final mark.

Exegeses

Due: September 29, October 20, November 10, and December 1by 10:30 am (in the appropriate Exegesis DropBox on MLS)

*Note that only documented illnesses and family emergencies will be considered for extensions. For this, you must contact the instructor as soon as possible. No late Exegesis will be accepted otherwise.

Weight: 15% each for a total of 60% of your final grade

Length: 500-750 words, double-spaced, 12 pnt. Times New Roman font, standard margins

Instructions:An exegesis is a short text in which you explain what a piece of text means in your own words. This does not mean simply giving me your personal interpretation or opinion of the text. Using your analytical and critical skills, you will decipher the meaning of the provided quote. The quote will be given to you in lecture one week prior to the due date. In your explanation of the quote you must refer to and make philosophically meaningful connections to the material that we have studied in Feminist the course without quoting any of our readings, lectures, or slides.

*Keep a virtual copy of your exegesis until you receive your marked copy.*

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