LAW 7261

Feminist Jurisprudence

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2015-2016.

This seminar examines the role of law, and, more generally, the role of the state, in perpetuating and remedying inequities against women. After studying the historical emergence of sexual equality law in the United States, we discuss a number of paradigmatic feminist legal theories, including formal equality, MacKinnon's "dominance" theory, relational feminism, pragmatic feminism, and various anti-essentialist theories (e.g., critical race feminism and intersectionality). We then proceed to apply these analytical structures to various substantive areas of law of particular concern to women, including but not limited to rape and other types of violence against women; pornography; prostitution; abortion, surrogacy and other reproductive rights issues. Students present their own research on other issues to the class. Grade based on paper and class participation.

When Offered Fall.

Permission Note Limited enrollment.

Satisfies Requirement Satisfies the writing requirement.

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