GENDER AND SEXUALITY

This module is an introduction to the contemporary debates on gender and sexuality. Students will be guided through most relevant interdisciplinary debates in this field of study. Students will also learn about the ways in which a focus on gender and sexuality, along with ethnicity/nationality, class, and disability, can contribute to developing theories and methodologies in different fields of study such as human rights, work, families, migration, inequalities, identities. 
The course will combine theoretical discussions from feminist, queer and critical race theories and methodologies with examples from empirical studies and everyday realities. Students will be invited to reflect on their own perspectives as well as to develop the necessary analytical skills to understand the meaning of gender and sexuality in different contexts.

As a result of this module students will be able to critically discuss the relationship between gender and sexuality and society, and analyze different ways to think intersectionally about forms of oppression, discrimination and inequality related to gender and sexuality. Moreover, the module will provide students with specific knowledge on how research can be done drawing on feminist and queer epistemologies and methodologies.

No previous knowledge is needed.

Part 1: Theories of law, gender and sexuality
1. Feminist theories
2. Queer theories
3. Critical race theory
Part 2: Criminalisation
4. Decriminalization of homosexuality
5. Consent, sexual violence and the law
6. Hate crime
7. The legal regulation of sex work
8. Pornography and expression
Part 3: Rights and Dissent
9. Transgender jurisprudence
10. Relationship recognition
11. Parenthood and assisted reproduction
12. Abortion
14. Care, identity and the workplace

Chris Ashford, Alexander Maine (eds.), Gender, Sexuality and Law: A Textbook, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2024.
Additional readings will be provided in class.

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge in relation to the topics of the course:
Chris Ashford, Alexander Maine (eds.), Research Handbook on Gender, Sexuality and Law, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2020.

Evaluation will be based both on class participation and on a presentation on the last week of classes (to be performed individually or in groups) and on a short written assessment on the presentation. Details will be provided on the first day of class.

written

Evaluation of the final exam
18-21:
- sufficient knowledge and understanding of the interactions between gender, sexuality and the law;
- limited ability to detect legal issues relating to gender and sexuality
- sufficient communication skills, using specific language
22-24:
- fair knowledge and understanding of the interactions between gender, sexuality and the law;
- fair ability to detect legal issues relating to gender and sexuality
- fair communication skills, using specific language
25-27:
- good knowledge and understanding of the interactions between gender, sexuality and the law;
- good ability to detect and explain legal issues relating to gender and sexuality;
- appropriate communication skills, using specific language.
28-30
- very good knowledge and understanding of the interactions between gender, sexuality and the law;
- very good ability to detect and explain legal issues relating to gender and sexuality;
- fully appropriate communication skills, using specific language.
Honours will be awarded in the presence of applied knowledge and understanding with reference to the syllabus, ability to connect legal concepts and communication skills, excellent.

The module uses a combination of lectures and interactive and co-creative methods. Active participation in class is highly recommended and welcomed.

The course is part of the Minor in Gender Studies.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development