| An introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies

The main purpose of this course is to engage in a close study and critique of theories of gender and sexuality and how these in turn inform and shape our individual understanding of the society in which we live.

The course will trace how gender and sexuality interact with other markers like caste, race, class, religion, nationality, age, ethnicity, and ability in order to reproduce and reinforce unequal power structures, oppressive institutions, and unjust practices. Particularly, we will examine how feminists and queer theorists challenge the mainstream ideas of gender and sexuality and construct their own versions. At each stage, we will try to trace the gap between precept and practice. We will also analyse how these varied constructions, narratives, and theories find their way into judicial decisions and lawyers’ arguments in landmark cases from various jurisdictions around the world. Consequently, we will be able to understand the practical implications of construing gender and sexuality in such diverse and distinct ways.

This course is interdisciplinary in nature and will have readings from diverse fields like medical science, psychology, sociology, history, political philosophy, religious studies, literature, human rights and law. We will use intersectionality as the lens to read the course material.

Our interactions will only be beneficial if you read the assigned materials in advance and actively participate in the classroom discussions.