Sylabus
Charles University: Block Course
May 2015
WOMEN AND POLITICS
Instructor: Dr. Christine Day
The University of New Orleans
In this course we will study women in politics-as participants and political leaders-as well as women and politics-their representation in political systems and political issues of special concern. Class readings and discussions are grounded in various approaches to feminist theory. While the primary focus is on women in theU.S. andEurope, we will also study the political role and status of women globally. Major objectives of the course include: a stronger understanding of feminism and feminist theory, knowledge of the role of gender in politics and of women’s political achievements, and appreciation for cross-national and cross-cultural differences in gender relations and the status of women.
Each class will be a mix of lecture and discussion. Do not hesitate to ask questions in class about any of the lectures or readings.
Course grades are based on the final examination. Class attendance and participation may determine borderline grades.
Following is a list of daily readings and topics of discussion. All readings are provided on line.
Tuesday, May 12, 15:30-16:50
Feminism and Political Theory
Lynne E. Ford, Women and Politics, 3rd ed., chapter 1: "Two Paths to Equality" (2011).
Thursday, May 14, 12:30-13:50
Social Movements for Women’s Rights
Akhil Reed Amar, "How Women Won the Vote," Wilson Quarterly 29:3 (2005).
Jirina Siklova’, Foreword to Zora Butorova et al., She and He in Slovakia (1996).
Rebecca Houston, "Feminism - Czech’s Dirty Word," Prague TV/Prague Wanderer (2013).
Bonnie McNee, "Understanding Feminism Across Borders: Emergence of Eastern European Radicals" (2013).
Friday, May 15, 12:30-13:50
Women and Political Representation
Pippa Norris and Mona Krook, "Women in Elective Office Worldwide: Barriers and Opportunities," in Sue Thomas and Clyde Wilcox, eds., Women and Elective Office: Past Present, and Future 3rd ed. (2014).
Leonie Huddy and Erin Cassese, "On the Complex and Varied Political Effects of Gender," in The Oxford Handbook of American Public Opinion and the Media (2013).
[Susan Howell and Christine Day, "Complexities of the Gender Gap," Journal of Politics 62:3 (2000) (this one is optional)].
Monday, May 18, 14:00-15:20
Issues: Employment and Economic Equality
"Why Welfare?" The Economist,March 13, 2004.
Angelika von Wahl, "Liberal, Conservative, Social Democratic, or … European?" Social Politics 12:1 (2005).
Tuesday, May 19
Session 1, 15:30-16:50
Issues: Sexuality, Human Trafficking, and Reproductive Rights
Joyce Outshoorn, "The Political Debates on Prostitution and Trafficking of Women," Social Politics 12:1 (2005).
Deborah McFarlane and Kenneth Meier, "Contraception and Abortion: A Historical Overview," ch. 2 in The Politics of Fertility Control (2001).
Session 2, 17:00-18:20
Multicultural and Global Gender Issues
Tabassum F. Ruby, "Listening to the Voices of Hijab," Women’s Studies International Forum 29:1 (Jan.-Feb. 2006).
Wednesday, May 20, 12:30-13:50
Gender and World Politics
Anne Sisson Runyan and V. Spike Peterson, Global Gender Issues in the New Millennium, 4th ed. (Westview, 2014), pages 1-8 and 73-97.
Thursday, May 21, 12:30-13:50
Final Examination
Friday, May 22, 12:30-13:50
Distribution of grades
Note: All sessions will be held in Room 3014 except for Fridays, when we will be in Room 4019.