LAW 7137 :
Gender and the Law

This course will address the philosophical, doctrinal, and practical aspects of gender and the law. The course will be taught in three equal parts, by three different professors, each adopting distinct perspectives for addressing the general topic of gender and the law. Part One: The Philosophy of Gender and the Law (Professor Dempsey) This part will address the philosophical issues concerning gender and the law (e.g. What is gender? What is law? What is sex discrimination? What is sexism? What is misogyny? How can considerations of intersecting structural inequalities, such as racism and heterosexism, illuminate our understanding of gender and the law?). Reading for the first part of the course will consist of primarily philosophical texts. Part Two: The Law of Gender and the Law (Professor Juliano) This part will address doctrinal issues concerning gender and the law (e.g. How has the law contributed to and/or remedied the construction and enforcement of gender, sex discrimination, sexism, and misogyny? How has the law addressed claims of intersectional discrimination?). Readings for the second part of the course will consist mostly of caselaw, statues, and legal commentary. Part Three: Gender and the Law in Practice (Professor Testy) This part will address practical issues concerning gender and the law (e.g. What are the challenges to and opportunities of advancing gender equity through law? What leadership and practical issues arise across a variety of intersecting identities? What challenges and opportunities arise within particular practice settings?). This part of the course will provide an opportunity to interact with several guest speakers and readings will consist primarily of shorter articles/essays drawn from the fields of law, business, and leadership studies. Students will take a final exam and may be required to write up to 3 short papers (5 pages or less) during the semester. Stude