PT|EN
Feminist epistemologies
Courses Master's Degree in Women Studies – Gender, Citizenship and Development
Cod: 42099
Department: DCSG
ECTS: 9
Scientific area: Social Sciences
Total working hours: 234
Total contact time: 36

The seminar is organized in 4 modules, 4 axes of theoretical discussion in which texts will be analyzed on how a certain type of technical-scientific paradigm that marked the modernity was questioned, in particular, by feminist critical theories and in them specifically by the analytical concept of gender.

It is also intended to understand this category of analysis at the intersection with other categories such as race and class and to provide theoretical and analytical tools in order to allow the understanding of the epistemological diversity of the construction of knowledge

There will also be another moment in which, from the critiques of the "universalism" of some feminist theory, to learn to recognize the differences and open to a thought of location and openness to authors "outside the center" (Ella Shoat) , possibly a course of "decolonization of knowledge", from other theoretical approaches.

In this way, this course is intended to contribute to a better understanding of the contemporary world.



 

At the end of the course the student should be able to:
•    carry out a systematic and thorough study of the matter under consideration;
•    develop critical thinking;
•    learn how to build an argumentative and critical text in the social sciences.



 

1.Epistemological issues: contemporary critical theories; feminist theories.
2. Epistemological issues: the construction of differences and inequalities.
3. Epistemological issues: knowledge "out of the center".
4. Epistemological questions: (re) thinking paths.



 

Crespo, A. I.; Ferreira, A.M.; Couto, A. G.; Cruz, I.; Joaquim, T. (org.) Variações sobre Sexo e Género. Lisboa: Livros Horizonte, 2008
hooks, b. (1984/2004), «Mujeres negras: dar forma a la teoria feminista», in hooks, b., Brah, A., Sandoval, C. & Anzaldúa, G.(Orgs.), Otras inapropriables: feminismos desde las fronteras, Madrid, T de Sueños, pp. 33-50.
Collins, P. Hill (2000) Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment, N. York: Routledge.


Franken, M; Woodward, A. and al (ed) (2009), Teaching Intersectionality:Putting Gender at the Centre, Utrecht:ATHENA
Haraway, D. (1985/2004) «Manifesto Ciborgue», in Macedo, A. G. (Orga.),Género, Identidade e Desejo: Antologia Crítica do Feminismo Contemporâneo, Lisboa, Cotovia,pp. 221-250.
Harding, S. (2004) The Feminist Standpoint Theory Reader: Intellectual and Political Controversies,   Routledge
Mohanty, Ch. T. (2003) Feminism without borders - decolonizing theory, practicing solidarity, Durham: Duke Univ.Press
Note: Further readings and audio and video resources will be recommended during the semester at the e-learning platform.



 

Evaluation is made on individual basis and it involves the coexistence of two modes: continuous assessment (60%) and final evaluation (40%). Further information is detailed in the Learning Agreement of the course unit.

Reading competence in English.