Feminist Foundations This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of gender, sexuality, and feminist studies. Focusing on the histories of feminism in the U.S., from the nineteenth century to the present, the course reveals the importance of gender and sexuality as analytical categories to understand social reality and to comprehend important areas of culture. Examining gender and sexuality always in conjunction with the categories of race and class, the course foregrounds how inequalities are perpetuated in different fields of human activity and the creative ways in which feminist movements have resisted these processes.

Social Feminism What is the relationship of patriarchy to class oppression? We will examine how feminists and the left have attempted to answer this question, from the 19th century to the present-day. We will do so through an exploration of socialist feminist theories like dual systems theory and social reproduction theory. We will also consider socialist feminist practice, through the at-times vexed relationship between feminist and left-wing movements in the First, Second, and Third Worlds. In other words, we will read Marx and Engels, but we will also read revolutionaries and writers like Alexandra Kollontai, Ding Ling, Claudia Jones, and Domitila Chúngara. Finally, we will look at contemporary writing on labor and reproduction to conceptualize what a socialist feminist platform for the 21st century might look like.

Cynthia Gao

Reviews and ratings for Cynthia Gao at Middlebury College.Cynthia Gao teaches Feminist Foundations, Socialist Feminism and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Cynthia Gao good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I love the way Professor Gao teaches. This course incorporates a lot of readings that are related to historical and societal events that serve as the foundation of modern feminist movement. I really enjoy this course and I've learnt a lot.

Each class usually consisted of discussing the readings that were assigned. It's pretty informative about the history of different feminist movements and what they stood for and is not very theory heavy. 

loved this class and this professor! my most valuable class at Middlebury. connected to all my other areas of study. Prof. Gao is enthusiastic, funny, and creative. everyone should take this class!!!!