This course is organized as a demonstration of the vitality and importance of feminist work--most, though perhaps not all of it related to law and public policy--that is intended to affect the welfare of women through instrumental engagement with the quality and status of their lives. It aims to foster a generous, comparative, and critical appraisal of writings on subjects as to which feminist thought has made transformative contributions. These are a part of feminist theory's functioning legacy.
This legacy continues to evolve, as do the directions of women's lives. We expect to explore work that is aimed in one or more of these new and evolving directions, through material that may be as controversial as the issues it evokes. To endow each of the major areas of course coverage with a reasonable opportunity for reading, reflection, analysis, and discussion as well as with the potential for additional research, each major area of coverage will be pursued for approximately three weeks. This year's subjects are likely to include the political, social, and cultural dimensions of women's citizenship; physical and decisional autonomy; and economic justice.
The course will be offered jointly by Professor Jane Cohen of the University of Texas School of Law and by Professor Kathryn Abrams, The University of California at Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall). Meetings will take place simultaneously on both campuses and will be telecast to the two classes simultaneously over a global satellite hook-up.
It is contemplated that the members of Professor Cohen's class will travel to Berkeley for a pair of extended class sessions and accompanying meetings between the two professors and all enrolled students. The trip-at no expense to the students--is being planned to take place over one weekend early in the term. The trip is optional. However, it is recommended that those who enroll in the class plan to go.
Class members will write a paper or papers in lieu of taking an exam. Both professors will encourage students to collaborate with members attending the "other" school for purposes that may not only include discussion in and outside of the class, but research and writing, as well.
This course is open to first-year students.
Cohen, Jane M.