Course syllabus - Gender and Politics

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to give the students an insight into gender theory with a connection to the political science field and to give an orientation on political representation linked to gender and in gender equality policy. Furthermore, the course aims to translate gender and political science theory into practice and increase the student's understanding of the conditions of gender equality policy.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
1. Explain some of the central theories and concepts in gender theory that relate to feminism, citizenship, political representation, political leadership and political communication.
2. Describe women's representation in politics and the development of gender equality policy and its implementation

Skills and ability
3. Apply gender theories in a practical political science context
4. Independently formulate and report reflections when course content is discussed at seminars or in written assignments
5. Demonstrate skills in academic writing and good linguistic presentation

Evaluation ability and attitudes
6. Reflect on the relationship between gender theory and its practical applications
7. Show in-depth and applied scientific critical approach

Course content

The course gives students basic tools to analyze both theoretical and empirical questions about gender and politics from a historical and global comparative perspective, with a certain emphasis on Sweden. Students are offered an introduction to central theories and concepts in gender theory relating to feminism, citizenship, political representation, political leadership and political communication, with a focus on power and influence at both societal and individual levels. The empirical parts of the course give the students concrete examples of how such concepts and theories can be used to analyze politics from a gender perspective. For example, we examine the representation of women in terms of its historical development and significance for the development of democracy and politics, as well as global trends in how female politicians are portrayed in the media. In addition, we discuss various policy instruments (family policy, quotas, etc.) to achieve gender equality.

Specific requirements

60 credits of which 30 credits are in Political Science

Examination

Paper (PM01), 5.5 credits, grades: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) Learning outcomes 1-7.

Written assignment (INL1), 1 credits, grades: Fail (U) or Pass (G) Learning outcomes 1-7.

Seminar (SEM1), 1 credits, grades: Fail (U) or Pass (G) Learning outcomes 1-7.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail