MA Gender, Sexuality in Global Politics (Online)

This module is at the intersection between feminist/queer and political analysis. It prioritizes critical feminist approaches to knowledge production and feminist and queer interventions in the study of global political and socio-economic processes.

This module provides an overview of the major contemporary issues in gender and social inequality, which cut across all areas of policy and development practice in both the developed and developing world. The module examines definitions, concepts and theories of sex, gender and identity; it examines the historical emergence and evolution of various types of feminism; and it examines the ways in which gender inequality can be addressed - and sustainable development promoted - through policy and in practice.

This module offers insight into key issues in the study of gender and conflict in the Middle East. It provides a focus for students interested in women’s studies, feminism, sexuality and gender, while also offering a gendered approach to the study of conflict in the Middle East.

This module will examine how the primary functions of the sovereign state such as governance and security and the most visible manifestations of state security, war and militarism, both construct and are sustained by specific masculinities and femininities. By exploring feminist theoretical interventions on normative understandings of security, the connections between feminist knowledge production, policy influencing and praxis will be articulated. Through interactive seminars, students will develop a critical approach to gender and security through the examination of emerging approaches to thinking about safety and security by feminist movements in Africa. The role of these approaches in shifting both normative understandings of security and contributing to expanding existing feminist theories on gender and security beyond the human security framework will be explored. This module offers a unique blend of both theoretical approaches, policy interrogation and a focus on theory building from below through an emphasis on movements working on the frontline of contemporary security challenges in Africa. As the only gender and security module with a focus on Africa on offer at SOAS, this is a bespoke introductory module for students seeking to develop a critical perspective on gender and security and African feminist interventions.

Gender and Security in Africa module video with Akino Okech

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

1. Critically analyse key theories on gender and security
2. Assess the theoretical contributions of women’s movements to theorising peace and security in Africa
3. Develop innovative research projects on gender and security with a focus on Africa
4. Acquire knowledge on relevant policy frameworks, approaches and interventions on gender and security in Africa

Scope and syllabus

Topic list

1. Gender and Security
2. Women and Security
3. Militarised Masculinities
4. Human Security
5. Feminist Peace Activism (Part 1)
6. Feminist Peace Activism (Part 2)
7. Security Sector Reform
8. Contemporary Security Challenges
9. Collective Protection and Security

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules

This module addresses a crucial element of contemporary Diplomacy and international affairs, the role of digital technologies in practices, processes and language of diplomacy. As such, it will respond to rapidly changing environments for diplomacy and international relations. It will ask whether, how and in which days does the use of digital technologies in public diplomacy, soft power, propaganda, influence and persuasion and link these questions to trends and changes in policies and decision making. In addition, it will adopt a holistic view of processes and practices, considering how both state and non-state actors are using the expanding digital spaces and platforms and what these mean for conventional understanding of diplomacy.

Global Diplomacy: Global Citizenship and Advocacy.

Muslim Minorities in a Global Context (Online)

This module will tackle the important topic of Cultural Diplomacy, an increasingly vital component of public diplomacy and international relations. The module will investigate the role of culture as a soft power tool to be used as a solution for bridge building and international dialogue, with the consideration that the 21st Century world’s challenges, such as migration, radicalization and climate change are largely culture based.

The module will address the theories of culture and diplomacy and their relationship to one another, whilst asking the questions: ‘how has globalization changed the way in which diplomacy is practiced?’ and ‘how can the use of culture foster more effective diplomatic practices?’.

The Cultural Diplomacy module will focus on a study of the key traditional building blocks of cultural diplomacy – public diplomacy, propaganda and soft power – to enable students to gain an in depth understanding of where cultural diplomacy fits within the larger international affairs arena, and to equip them with the skills they need to develop as cultural diplomacy practitioners.

Students will additionally gain an understanding of the non-state actor led practice of cultural relations and the key actors engaged in this field, including artists, citizens, NGOs, corporates and academics, allowing students to develop a well rounded academic foundation in the complex field of cultural diplomacy.

All modules are subject to availability and are subject to change from session to session.

Suggested reading

Bound, K, Briggs, R, Holden, J and Jones, 2007. Cultural Diplomacy. London. Demos. Available from: www.demos.co.uk/publications/culturaldiplomacy
Nye, J.S. 2008. Public Diplomacy and Soft Power. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 616. Public Diplomacy in a Changing World pp. 94-109

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules

This module provides an overview of the major contemporary issues in gender and social inequality, which cut across all areas of policy and development practice in both the developed and developing world. The module examines definitions, concepts and theories of sex, gender and identity; it examines the historical emergence and evolution of various types of feminism; and it examines the ways in which gender inequality can be addressed - and sustainable development promoted - through policy and in practice.