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CREDIT HOURS: 1

This course will explore the relationship between laws, genders and sexualities. Starting with a conceptual history of feminist and queer work on sex, gender and sexuality, we will focus on key ideas such as heteronormativity (the social and legal predominance of heterosexual family and social structures) and intersectionality (the complex and simultaneous interaction of seemingly separate forms of oppression and discrimination such as race, sexuality, gender, class, ability). We will then relate these theories to current legal and policy dilemmas: same-sex marriage; transgender equality; sexuality and religion; and diverse family formations. Throughout these discussions we will ask the following questions: What do we mean by equality in this area? Should we use the law to change socio-political relations and discourses around genders and sexualities? How inclusive is a rights based approach? Whom does law exclude and why? What other options are open to us, beyond law, to achieve change? The course, in both process and substance, will enable students to challenge how law regulates the lives of GLBTQ folk, and the social, cultural and economic impact of this regulation.

By the end of the course students should be able to: understand the key critical concepts and contributions of queer and feminist theory on sex, gender and sexuality; appreciate the significance of feminist and queer theory and activism for understanding current legal and political issues such as transgender equality, same sex marriage, diverse family formations, and the interaction of sexuality and religious rights claims; engage with critiques of, and alternatives to, rights-based claims by activists and other social actors in gender and sexuality mobilising; understand the complex relationship between law and society, with respect to hegemonic ideas about gender and sexuality; think critically about the role that legal education plays in the adequate preparation of legal advocates.

Prerequisite(s):Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð.
Co-requisite(s):Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð.
Assessment Method: This course will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. To receive a pass, students must prepare for, attend, and participate in each class session, and complete (to a satisfactory level) a short written assignment (an assignment sheet with details will be distributed on the first day of class).
Restrictions:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð.