The aim of this course is to introduce and frame the concept of ‘intersectionality’ within the context of "fourth-wave feminism", which is widely accepted to have started at the turn of the 21st century. Following an overview of the social and political developments that gave way to the evolution of the fourth-wave of feminism, discussion of the issues central to the fourth wave and how issues such as race, class, gender and oppression are analysed within the intersectional feminist literature of the fourth wave will be the focus. Towards this end, selected literary texts as well as articles and essays as secondary sources will be studied and discussed in class.

Lectures, group discussions, student presentations.

An overview of the first three waves of feminism: social and political backgroundIntroduction to the fourth wave of feminism  Intersectionality in  feminismIntersectional feminist literature:discussion and analysis of selected literary texts by authors such as Debbie Tucker Green, Bernardine Evaristo, Frances Poet and essential secondary literature by Kimberlé Crenshaw.

None.

Successful completion of "Introduction to Literary Studies II".

Secondary Sources:1. Blevins, K. 2018. “bell hooks and Consciousness-Raising: Argument for a Fourth Wave of Feminism.” In Mediating Misogyny Gender, Technology, and Harassment.  Eds. Jacqueline Ryan Vickery and Tracy Everbach. Palgrave, London: 91-108.2. Chamberlain, P. 2017. The Feminist Fourth Wave: Affective Temporality. London: Palgrave.3. Cochrane, K. 2013. All the Rebel Women: The Rise of the Fourth Wave of Feminism (Guardian Shorts).  London: Guardian Books.4. Crenshaw, K.W. 1989. “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique  of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics.” In The University of  Chicago Legal Forum 8, 139-67.5. Nash, J. 2008. “Re-thinking Intersectionality.” Feminist Review 89, 1-15.6. Rivers, N. 2017. Postfeminism(s) and the Arrival of the Fourth Wave-Turning Tides. London: Palgrave.7. Zimmerman, T. 2017. “#Intersectionality: The Fourth Wave Feminist Twitter Community.” Atlantis 38 (1): 54-70.

Class presentations, participation in class discussions, written exam.

Everything within the coverage of the course.

 Class participation     20%                                                                                                    Class presentations   30%                                                                                                              Final exam                     50%   In order to pass the course, students must receive a passing grade in the final exam.