Gender Studies

Semester 1 · 47212 · Master in Critical Creative Practices · 6CP · EN

This course examines the historical origins and contemporary implications of gender through an interdisciplinary perspective combining archaeology, anthropology, political theory, and feminist philosophy.
We begin from the premise that understanding gender relations requires investigating the emergence of patriarchal social structures. Particular attention will be devoted to the hypothesis of the Indo-European origins of patriarchal societies. The foundational works of Marija Gimbutas and Riane Eisler will provide the principal framework for this historical and archaeological discussion. Their interpretations will be examined critically alongside broader debates in archaeology and social theory.
Students will explore how different models of social organization shaped concepts of power, kinship, and gender.
The course will then trace the long-term development of patriarchal institutions across history. This historical foundation will serve as the basis for analyzing contemporary gender politics. Special emphasis will be placed on the relationship between patriarchy, power, and social reproduction. We will examine major currents in feminist thought that challenge traditional gender hierarchies.
Particular attention will be given to the radical feminism of Carla Lonzi. Lonzi’s critique of patriarchal culture will be discussed in relation to political autonomy and sexual difference.
The course will then address contemporary debates on the definition and construction of gender.
The work of Donna Haraway will introduce questions concerning technology, embodiment, and posthumanism.
The theories of Judith Butler will provide a framework for understanding gender performativity.
The writings of Paul B. Preciado will be explored in relation to biopolitics, identity, and contemporary subjectivity.
Throughout the course, students will compare different theoretical approaches to gender and sexuality. Attention will be paid to the points of convergence and disagreement among these perspectives. The aim is to provide students with the analytical tools needed to critically evaluate competing theories of gender. By integrating historical, archaeological, and philosophical perspectives, the course offers a comprehensive introduction to key debates in Gender Studies.

Lecturers: Marcello Barison

Teaching Hours: 30
Lab Hours: 0
Mandatory Attendance: not compulsory but recommended

Course Topics
• Foundations of Gender Studies • Gender and Power Dynamics in Society • Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Gender • Gender, Identity, and Everyday Life • Gender Representation in Art and Media

Teaching format
The course will be delivered through frontal lectures, complemented by collective classroom discussions. Students will also participate in seminar-style sessions, preparing individual or group presentations on selected topics and assigned readings. These presentations will serve as the basis for critical discussion and collective analysis, fostering active participation, independent research, and the development of analytical and argumentative skills.

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding Knows ecocritical theories and their applications in visual arts and design; Have specific knowledge of artistic and design techniques that promote environmental sustainability; Understand the processes of interaction between artistic practices and natural contexts, analysing them while considering the connections with other fields of knowledge, such as philosophy, sociology and environmental sciences. Applying knowledge and understanding Conceive and implement artistic and design projects that respond to contemporary environmental challenges, using sustainable materials and ecological techniques; Develop initiatives that involve local and global communities, promoting greater awareness and action towards environmental sustainability; Collaborate with scientists, activists and other professionals to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge into artistic and design projects. Making judgements Collect and interpret cultural and material data from the fields of art, design, technology and spatial and curatorial practices, demonstrating the ability to place events, works and production operations in the historical context and current trends; Grasp the authority and evaluate the reliability of the various available sources; Reflect and express an independent judgement, including on social, ethical and political-cultural issues; Interpret specific facts and events, within subject of their field of study. Communication skills Writing scientific and technical articles and reports with clarity and effectiveness; Presenting projects and ideas verbally in a professional and convincing manner. Learning skills The strengthening of the critical and operational autonomy of student; The development of their ability to choose, compare and adapt to new knowledge and technologies.

Assessment
Assessment will be based on an oral examination covering the topics discussed throughout the course. Students will also be evaluated on their seminar presentations, their active participation in classroom discussions, and the timely completion and submission of assigned coursework. Particular attention will be paid to their ability to engage critically with the course materials, develop coherent arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively in both oral and written form. N.B. ALL THE STUDENTS ATTENDING THE EXAM AS “OPT” OR AS NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS MUST AGREE UPON THE CONTENTS WITH THE TEACHER.

Evaluation criteria
The final evaluation is based on the following criteria: - Critical knowledge of the course topics: Students are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical, archaeological, philosophical, and theoretical issues discussed throughout the course, together with the ability to establish connections among the different approaches and authors examined. - Knowledge of the mandatory readings and course materials: Students are required to demonstrate an analytical understanding of the compulsory bibliography as well as the materials presented during lectures (including slides and other resources made available on the course platform). They should be able to reconstruct the main arguments of the assigned texts and discuss them critically and independently. - Seminar presentations and coursework: Assessment will take into account the quality of students' seminar presentations, their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, their engagement in classroom discussions, and the timely completion and submission of assigned coursework. - Oral examination: The final oral examination will assess students' critical understanding of the course content, their capacity for independent reflection and argumentation, and their ability to relate historical, philosophical, and contemporary perspectives on gender. Academic communication skills: Successful completion of the course requires the ability to express ideas clearly, accurately, and persuasively, demonstrating an appropriate command of academic language and argumentation consistent with university-level standards.

Required readings

Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. New York: Routledge, 1990.
Eisler, Riane. The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1987.
Gimbutas, Marija. The Civilization of the Goddess: The World of Old Europe. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1991.
Haraway, Donna J. A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century. In Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature, 149–181. New York: Routledge, 1991.
Lonzi, Carla. Let's Spit on Hegel and Other Writings. Translated by Stella Sandford and Lucy Riall. London: Seagull Books, 2021.
Preciado, Paul B. Testo Junkie: Sex, Drugs, and Biopolitics in the Pharmacopornographic Era. Translated by Bruce Benderson. New York: The Feminist Press at CUNY, 2013.

Supplementary readings

Additional readings, supplementary materials, and bibliographical resources will be provided and discussed throughout the course.

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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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