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Module ........

The module aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the history of gender political thought from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives, with particular attention to the genealogies of the body, care, and the politics of life; to the grammar of power understood as discourse analysis and constituent writing; and to the history of philanthropy and women’s institutions in the Mediterranean between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The module is designed to provide students with the conceptual, lexical, and methodological tools necessary to critically interpret the categories of gender political thought, analyse the relationship between subjectivity, bodies, dispositifs of power, and governmental institutions, and reconstruct women’s political, philanthropic, and institutional agency between the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries.

According to the Dublin Descriptors, by the end of the module students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes.

Knowledge and understanding

Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principal currents and categories of feminist political thought (emancipationism, separatism, liberal and Marxist feminism, gender studies, cyborg feminism, postmodern, postcolonial, and queer feminism); the genealogies of the body, care, and the politics of life in contemporary thought; the forms and lexicons of power from a gender perspective, through the tools of discourse analysis and the critique of constituent writings; and the history of philanthropy and women’s institutions as laboratories of political subjectivity and practices of citizenship within the Mediterranean context.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to apply the competencies acquired to the collection and analysis of bibliographical materials and specific sources concerning gender, care, rights, and women’s philanthropy; analyse political, constitutional, and institutional texts through the tools of discourse analysis; formulate explanatory hypotheses and research projects; provide information and possible solutions for decision-makers operating within institutional, governmental, or third-sector contexts on issues related to gender, care, rights, and intercultural dialogue; and participate in decision-making, executive, and organisational processes within institutions and civil society organisations.

Making judgements

Students will be able to develop independent critical judgement concerning dispositifs of power, politics of the body and care, and governmental institutions from diachronic, comparative, and gender perspectives; problematise contemporary political scenarios through the categories of feminist thought and critical genealogy; evaluate, from a historical-political perspective, experiences of women’s philanthropy, representation, and citizenship in the Mediterranean; formulate well-argued positions on controversial issues; and independently design research projects.

Communication skills

Students will acquire mastery of the scientific vocabulary of gender political philosophy and discourse analysis, and will be able to simplify it without trivialising its complexity; prepare oral presentations, papers, and multimedia materials; participate in and contribute to conferences, seminars, and scientific networks; and draft and discuss their Master’s degree final dissertation.

Learning skills

Students will be able to critically read and understand scholarly texts (monographs, journal articles, conference proceedings, and working materials) as well as archival and institutional sources; independently update their knowledge in response to rapidly changing social realities; decode facts and events through the interpretative categories of the discipline; and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue with other social sciences and humanities

1. S. Mazzone, Genealogie della cura. Donne, corpi e politica del vivente, Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2026.

2. G. Caruso, La grammatica del potere. Genere e pensiero politico tra analisi del discorso e scritture costituenti, Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2026.

3. A.G. Cerra, Siete contente di essere donna? Esperienze di filantropia e istituzioni femminili nel Meridione d'Italia (XIX-XX sec.), Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2024.

An intermediate oral examination will focus on the first part of the syllabus (thematic units 1–3 and the principal currents of feminist thought).

The final oral examination will cover the remaining part of the syllabus, also through the presentation of a short individual in-depth study on a topic agreed upon with the instructor. Assessment may also be conducted online if circumstances require it.

Non-attending students will be required to present the full syllabus during the final examination. The oral examination will include at least three questions concerning different categories/currents of gender political thought. Students will be expected to demonstrate adequate understanding, mastery of the subjects discussed, and clarity of exposition.

The average duration of the oral examination is approximately 30 minutes.

In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting to arrange possible compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, according to the educational objectives and specific needs involved. Students may also contact the departmental representative of CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders).

Grading Criteria

Fail

Serious deficiencies and significant inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. Insufficient analytical and synthetic skills. Frequent generalisations and inappropriate use of references.

18–20

Imperfect knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, at a barely sufficient level. Analytical and synthetic skills not yet adequately developed. References used only at a basic appropriate level.

21–23

Slightly more than sufficient knowledge of the topics covered. Coherent arguments, although not particularly original. Appropriate use of references at a standard level.

24–26

Good knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. Good analytical and synthetic skills. Coherent presentation of the topics. Appropriate use of references at a standard level.

27–29

More than good knowledge of the topics covered. Remarkable analytical and synthetic skills. Use of references above the standard level through further independent study and in-depth analysis.

30–30 cum laude

Excellent knowledge and understanding of the topics covered. Outstanding analytical and synthetic skills. Use of references well beyond the standard level through substantial independent insights and advanced in-depth study.