Annotation
This course focuses on several currently and cross-nationally debated topics related to gender and sexuality, both as aspects of personal identity politics as well as theoretical, institutional, political and social questions. The main purpose and goal of the course is to offer an opportunity for Czech and international students of gender and sexuality to meet together in a formal academic setting and discuss the institutional, legal, social, political and personal aspects of the chosen topics.
Purposefully, the four selected topics are conceived quite broadly in order to facilitate an in-depth discussion of definitions and diverse positions and experiences within each theme. All chosen issues have been in recent years pushed to the front of media attention and covered from a variety of viewpoints, with differing outcomes and consequences in different countries and contexts, giving the students the opportunity to discuss the comparative dimensions of these topics.
The course is designed for master-lever and advanced bachelor students who have already taken at least basic courses in feminist theory, sociology of gender, and/or gender and sexuality studies. There are no written assignments in this course, all requirements relate to a student’s ability to read and understand the assigned texts, independent preparation for and regular attendance of the seminar, and willingness to actively share and discuss one’s arguments and opinions in the seminar itself.
Topics: I. Anti-Gender Campaigns and Anti-Feminist Attacks: Arguments - Responses - Strategies II.
Gender and Sexual Violence, Violence against Women: Causes and Consequences - Victims and Perpetrators - Campaigns #MeToo III. Pornography, Prostitution, Sex Work Industry: Definitions, positions, dimensions - Prohibition, regulation, emancipation - Reality, virtuality, digitality IV.
Transgender and (non)Binary World: Issues and Questions - Threats and Challenges - Hopes and Possibilities