This course provides a comprehensive exploration of gender as a fundamental organizing principle of political life. We will examine how gender shapes power relations, political institutions, public policies, and media representations across diverse global contexts. Drawing on feminist, queer, and intersectional theoretical frameworks, the course will analyze the historical evolution of gender and politics research, contemporary issues in political communication, media representation, and the ongoing struggles for gender equality in public policy Specific Instructional Goals: Conceptual and Theoretical Mastery: To enable students to define and distinguish core concepts in gender politics (e.g., gender vs. sex, patriarchy, misogyny). To facilitate the critical understanding and application of diverse theoretical frameworks, including various feminisms, Queer Theory, and Intersectionality, to analyze political phenomena. Analytical Skills Development: To develop students' ability to critically analyze media representations and narratives from a gendered perspective, identifying stereotypes, biases, and political implications. To train students in the basic principles of discourse analysis, enabling them to deconstruct political communication for hidden gendered meanings and power dynamics. To foster skills in applying theoretical and analytical tools to real-world political issues, policies, and communication. Knowledge of Global and National Gender Politics: To provide a historical understanding of key moments in global gender policy (e.g., Beijing Conference) and its evolution. To inform students about global developments and challenges in specific gender policy areas (rights, health, education, representation). To familiarize students with the concept and practice of gender mainstreaming in public policy. To raise awareness about current challenges and backlash against gender equality advances globally. Critical Engagement and Independent Thinking: To encourage students to engage critically with contemporary debates and challenges within the field of gender politics. To cultivate independent research skills and the ability to construct well-supported, analytical arguments in written form. To foster active participation, discussion, and the respectful consideration of diverse perspectives within the classroom environment.

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to: knowledge and understanding: understanding gender equality main issues as policies, actors, strategies Students achieve this basic knowledge through the class attendance and the study of the texts discussed in the classroom Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: learning how to apply a gender perspective to the analysis of politics; to be able to apply different theoretical frameworks and analytical toolkits using case studies and focused comparisons, compare and contrast gender issues, and reflect critically on the strengths and weaknesses of comparative analysis. Skills acquired through workshops in the classroom Judgement skills: to be able to critically assess the arguments for and against greater gender equality across various institutions, and the mechanisms for achieving this; critically evaluate the impact of gender on politics This ability must be applied in the classroom discussion with the teacher and colleagues, during the exercises and in the preparation of the final exam Communication skills: students are called to interact in the classroom through questions, exchanges with classmates, drafting short presentations during the exercise. Skills that are practiced in the classroom with the organization of moments of discussion and exercise Learning skills: students are asked to adopt a critical learning method capable of connecting theoretical skills and empirical analysis, orienting themselves to the specification of an autonomous thought. Skills to be strengthened thanks to the argumentation with the teacher and with the classmates.

Module 1: Introductory Concepts & Theories Definition of "gender politics" (distinction from "sex") Core concepts: patriarchy, misogyny, gender norms Key theoretical frameworks: Various feminisms (liberal, radical, Marxist/socialist, poststructuralist, Global South) Queer Theory (challenging heteronormativity, performativity) Intersectionality (multiple overlapping identities) Evolution of gender and politics research Module 2: Media & Gender Representation Gender stereotypes in traditional and digital media LGBTQI+ visibility and representation in media Global media narratives and framing of gender issues Online activism and media strategy (e.g., #MeToo) Module 3: Political Communication and Discourse Analysis Introduction to discourse analysis: language, power, ideology Analysis of gender in political speeches and campaign discourse Gendered communication styles and media performances of political figures Case studies of international political figures Module 4: Gender & Public Policies Historical overview: 1995 Beijing Conference and Platform for Action Global developments in gender policy: Rights (CEDAW, reproductive rights) Health, education, and political representation National policy strategies and gender mainstreaming Challenges and backlash against gender policy advances ("anti-gender movements")

- Articles and didactical materials provided by the teacher

Interactive Lectures: Presenting core concepts with frequent opportunities for questions and brief discussions. Socratic Seminars and Guided Debates: Facilitating in-depth discussions and structured arguments on key readings and contested topics. Small Group Work and Collaborative Activities: Engaging students in practical application of concepts through peer-to-peer learning (e.g., case studies, policy design challenges, media analysis). Case Study Analysis: Applying theoretical frameworks and analytical tools to real-world political events, policies, and media representations. Media and Discourse Deconstruction: Actively analyzing various media texts to understand gendered messages and their political implications. Inclusive Pedagogy: Prioritizing the creation of a safe, respectful, and reflective learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.

•Intermediate Evaluation 1 (Theoretical Foundations): 15% •Intermediate Evaluation 2 (Media, Communication, and Policy): 15% •In-Class Activities and Participation: 10% (This includes active engagement in discussions, thoughtful contributions to group activities, and preparation for in-class exercises like Gender Newsroom and Policy Design Challenge) •Final Essay: 60%

The topics are proposed to and discussed with the teacher. The thesis work will be supervised by the teacher. The main ( but not exclusive ) macro fields will be communicated through the course's website. Requirements: - Interest in the course's topics. - Capacity to read books and essays in English. It is required to submit a written research design, including methodology, draft table of contents and basic reference The citation system to use is the HARVARD SYSTEM: a concise guide to this system is available in the teacher's official website.