Time Schedule:
Rachel A Cichowski
EURO 490
Seattle Campus
Class description
The purpose of this course is to critically examine how women's rights developed in the European Union (EU). In the first part, we will explore the evolution of EU sex equality policy with particular critical attention to the economic origins of EU women’s rights. Next we turn to the law and politics of EU women’s rights. In this part, we will move beyond a discussion of the formal legal rules governing this policy domain and examine the main factors influencing this evolution. What was the role of national governments, EU institutions and women activists in this evolution? How has this impacted the balance of power in EU policy processes and changed the level of legal protection available to women at the national level? In particular, we will focus on the development of equality rights through the case law of the European Court of Justice. Finally, in the last part of the course, we will reflect on the limitations of EU women’s rights and assess the possible success of future directions and expansion of these rights.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Group discussion with some brief lectures.
Recommended preparation
Good analytic and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to conduct research.
Class assignments and grading
Take home essay midterm, in class writings, research paper and in class presentation of research.
Participation and brief writings:15% Mid-term paper:30% Class presentation:15% Final research paper: 40%
