Gender in American Politics and Law

Course Description

This course examines the influence of gender in politics and the law. Students will analyze current legal and political debates on gender by studying the influence of womenís participation in politics and the role of the judiciary in shaping the status of women. We will cover the principles of feminist legal theory and the substantive issues of gender discrimination, reproductive rights, affirmative action, poverty, Title IX, pornography, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights, the interaction between race and gender movements, as well as the Supreme Court¥s interpretation of the equal protection clause as it relates to gender. Students will also examine women candidates and womenís issues as they are emerging in the upcoming 2004 election cycle. Through these issues, the course will examine the continued relevance of feminism and feminist jurisprudence and reflect on whether policies based on equality under law or fairness will best advance gender equality. Note: Accelerated (ACTRAC) option: qualified University College students have the option of taking this class for 4 units. For more information, contact University College (314) 935-6700, www.artsci.wustl.edu/~ucollege/ACTRAC.html.

Required Texts:

Lynne E. Ford, Women and Politics: The Pursuit of Equality, Houghton Mifflin, New York, 2002

Chamallas, Martha, Introduction to Feminist Legal Theory, 2^nd Ed., Aspen Publishers, 2003

Harriett Woods, Stepping Up to Power: The Political Journey of American Women, Westview Press 2001

Additional readings, excerpts and articles as posted on the class website and assigned in class

Recommended: Kleindienst, Kris, This is What Lesbian Looks Like, Firebrand Books, 1999

Grading:

1. Class Attendance and participation in discussion (20%): You are expected to attend class prepared to discuss the readings with your fellow classmates. During class we will also discuss current controversies so you should be prepared to extend the readings to new situations and participate in the discussions. Class attendance and active participation is critical to the development and understanding of the issues discussed in class.

2. Presentation to class (10%): Each student make a presentation to the class corresponding with the issues in the syllabus. Your presentation will be based on the readings for that class date, and include your perceptions, analysis and critiques of the readings. In addition, your presentation should include questions to the class designed to facilitate a discussion of the issue. On several subjects, two students can sign up to present the issue in the form of a debate examining competing perspectives on the topic. A sign up will be distributed in class.

3. Two short papers (20% each):You will be asked to research and prepare 2 short (5 page) papers, one relating to the impact of political participation and one relating to the impact of the courts and the law on gender. You will be asked to discuss your findings in class. Detailed paper descriptions and suggested paper topics will be distributed in class and will be on the class website. Click here for information on paper 1. Click here for information on Paper 2.

4. One Final Paper(30%): In this longer paper (approximately 10 pages), you will analyze the political and legal implications of a policy or law that impacts gender. This can be a local or national issue or current legal debate. Provide the history and background of the issue, its legal status and how courts have interpreted gender equality in this area, and the role of women as elected officials and/or as activists in advancing the issue. Does the issue best described under the Fairness Doctrine or the Equality Doctrine? Which is the more effective philosophy for understanding the issue? Describe the tactics and strategies used by the womenís movement in advancing the issue. If applicable, how did the issue play out in the Nov. 2002 elections? What was the impact of gender on the issue. How did women impact the issue? What obstacles existed to their participation? What were the differences in how men and women perceived the issue? Paper topics must be approved by the instructor.

Standards on writing papers: http://people.uis.edu/plang1/onwriting.html

Grades will be based on an average of the above as follows: