Fall 2005

GOV 335M • Women in the History of Political Thought

Course Description

Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary. This course will examine the themes of women, marriage, and the family in the history of political thought. We will consider how political philosophers views about women both reflect and illuminate their political theories. We will trace the development of feminism out of broader political and intellectual movements, and conclude with a consideration of the situation of women in America today. Some of the main questions we will try to answer are: Are there any natural differences between the sexes, and if so, are they politically relevant? What does justice mean in the context of relations between men and women? What does it mean to be a feminist in 2005? Readings will include Aristotle, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Mill, and Simone de Beauvoir.

Grading Policy

Final Exam 30% Midterm Exam 20% Paper 20% Class participation including quizzes 30%

Texts

Mill, John Stuart. The Subjection of Women. 1986. Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Women. 1989. Montesquieu. The Persian Letters. 1964/1999. Okin, Susan Moller. Justice, Gender, and the Family. 1989. deBeauvoir, Simone. The Second Sex. 1989. Aristophanes. Four Comedies. 1969. Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. Emile, or On Education. 1979.

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