Feminist engagement with contemporary literary and critical theories has led to the growth of gender studies and sexuality studies as important fields of inquiry in the domain of cultural studies. This subject will explore how the "positivistic" beginnings of these two fields have been radically transformed by feminism; before delving into an examination of contemporary gender theories, masculinity studies, sexuality studies, and queer theory. While working with the concepts of Freud, Lacan, Foucault, Butler, Irigaray, and Sedgwick, students will also have the chance to test out theoretical ideas through the analyses of literary texts, film, television, and other forms of art and popular culture.
Programme: ELH(HSS)
Feminist engagement with contemporary literary and critical theories has led to the growth of gender studies and sexuality studies as important fields of inquiry in the domain of cultural studies. This subject will explore how the "positivistic" beginnings of these two fields have been radically transformed by feminism; before delving into an examination of contemporary gender theories, masculinity studies, sexuality studies, and queer theory. While working with the concepts of Freud, Lacan, Foucault, Butler, Irigaray, and Sedgwick, students will also have the chance to test out theoretical ideas through the analyses of literary texts, film, television, and other forms of art and popular culture.