This module engages with important contributions to philosophy from feminist philosophers, addressing issues that concern the positions of women in society. Topics covered include: justice, the workplace and the family; sexual harassment; abortion; multiculturalism; feminist perspectives on philosophy of science; and feminist epistemology.

The module aims to develop student's analytical skills in constructing, presenting and examining arguments and to introduce students to a number of important contributions to philosophy from feminist philosophers.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the philosophical issues raised by philosophers concerned with gender equality
• Demonstrate a grasp of the issues that are of current concern to feminist philosophers, and an understanding of how feminist concerns might apply in other areas of philosophy or political thought.

Weekly lectures plus seminars as arranged. Handouts will be provided as appropriate.

Students are encouraged to prepare fully and contribute to seminars. Whilst you will not be assessed on your contributions, developing your ideas and arguments in this forum can help to significantly improve the quality of your work.

Students will be expected to do one group presentation during a seminar session.

The module will be taught using printed books, a printed Course Reader, journal articles available from the library or available online (e.g. via Learning Central) and material available on the web.

Timetabled sessions will be supplemented with written material in the form of a skeletal outline of the session content, questions and/or instructions for discussion, a list of new vocabulary, acronyms or subject-specific terminology and a list of further reading. This supplementary material will be provided on the board and via slides during the sessions, in printed handouts distributed during the session and on Learning Central. Any supplementary material in a permanent form (e.g. a paper handout or downloadable document) will be made available 24 hours before the session.

Still images or diagrams will be used in this module to supplement or illustrate points which are also presented verbally (e.g. in text or by means of a caption).

Images, sound, video or other multimedia resources will not be used in this module.

Students will practise and develop the following skills:

Intellectual Skills

• the ability to reconstruct and critically appraise arguments.

• the ability to engage in reasoned debate over these arguments.
• the ability to justify the conclusions reached, by presenting reasoning and argumentation.
• the ability to communicate clearly views about these issues in speech and in writing.

Discipline Specific Skills

• the ability to analyse and construct philosophical arguments

• the ability to deploy appropriate philosophical vocabulary
• the ability to use appropriately and independently a variety of textual sources.

Transferable Skills

• the ability to analyse, construct and assess arguments

• the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written work
• the ability to form independent views and to argue for them.

Students will develop employability skills which include the ability to synthesise information, operate in group-based discussions which will involve negotiating ideas, and will be able to produce clear, informed arguments in a professional manner.

The formative assessment for this module takes the form of one essay (of not more than 1,500 words) to be submitted midway through the semester, which will be returned to students with feedback.

The summative assessment for this module takes the form of a portfolio of two essays of not more than 2,000 words each.

This module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Course Guide. There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

Gender justice: the family and the workplace

The workplace, sexual harassment, women's advancement

Marriage and the State

Abortion and Parental responsibility

Gender difference and essentialism

Feminism and multiculturalism

Feminist men

Feminist epistemology and justice

Course Reader

Saul, J. (2003) Feminism. Issues & Arguments, Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Course Reader

Saul, J. (2003) Feminism. Issues & Arguments, Oxford University Press, Oxford.