POL361 Gender and Politics

(POL361A – Autumn)

Level: 6

Credits: 15 credits

Semester: A

Contact: Professor Rainbow Murray

Overlap: None

Prerequisite: POL100  or POL110

Compulsory for: None

Description: 

This course looks at the theory and practice of politics from a gendered perspective.  It considers feminist debates concerning women’s and men’s role in the public and private spheres and notes the repercussions of gender imbalances in politics.  It then looks at gender differences in involvement in politics and considers a range of explanations as to why women are under-represented, and possible solutions.  It considers diversity and difference amongst and between women and men.  The course offers new perspectives on the political process, both formal and informal, and sheds light on the way that power is unevenly distributed within society.

Assessment: 1 x 2,500 Essay (40%) and one 2 hour Examination (60%)