Gender and Development in Southeast Asia

This course is designed to introduce students to issues of gender and development in Southeast Asia in comparative context. Development debates are currently in flux with important implications for the practice and analysis of gender and development. Some argue for market-driven, neo-liberal solutions to gender equality, while others believe that equitable gender relations will only come when women (and men) are empowered to understand their predicaments and work together to find local solutions to improve their lives. Empowerment and human rights approaches are popular among development practitioners, particularly those concerned with gender equity. This course uses the context of development in Southeast Asia to critically engage with issues important to development planners, national leaders and women’s groups throughout Southeast Asia. This course is designed for maximum student participation, engagement and community learning. While the course will be taught remotely during Fall 2020, student attendance and participation throughout the semester is expected. There will be options to make up work for the occasional missed class due to technology mishaps, personal illness, or family emergencies. However, more than three (3) missed classes will significantly affect students’ grades. Please do not enroll this term if you anticipate difficulties in being able to actively participate via Zoom during the assigned class time.