Course content

The course offers an introduction to gender theory and presents the main ideas in Norwegian and international social scientific and humanistic research on gender, based on various theoretical and disciplinary traditions. The objective is to provide the students with a theoretical basis for further work with gender-related issues for their MA theses, related to subjects such as migration, ethnicity, globalization, gender equality, sexuality and reproduction.
The course gives an introduction to the various approaches within feminist theory and an overview of the modern history of women's studies and gender research. The course also includes questions that have been essential within feminist critique of science.
The students will read original texts from earlier and contemporary literature. There is emphasis on practical work in identifying various theoretical positions and in using theory in the student's own analytical work with their chosen subject of study.

Learning outcome

The aim is to provide the students with a broad theoretical basis for further work on gender related issues.

Learning methods and activities

In addition to the theoretical training, research methods and methods of analysis will be emphasized. Participation in the class is seen as an important part of course and the students have to attend at least 75% of the lectures. To be allowed the right to take the final exam, the student must have passed 1 oral presentation and 1 written (3-4 pages). The final exam is a two week’s assignment (essay 10-12-pages). The essay will be marked with grades A-F. Instead of attendance of 75% of the lectures it is possible to take an extra exam.

Compulsory assignments

• An oral and a written exercise

Recommended previous knowledge

Completed bachelor's degree or equivalent.