AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In particular, the “Law and Gender” module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the main feminist perspectives within the legal domain, as well as the principal legal instruments adopted at the international, European, and national levels to address the structural barriers that, to this day, in all parts of the world, restrict women’s access to paid employment, political participation, and leadership positions. Adopting an intersectional approach that examines gender in relation to other categories (such as class, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and so on), the course will also address pressing contemporary issues, including gender-based violence and the rights of LGBTQ individuals.

Through independent study, and attendance and active participation in the proposed learning activities, students will be able to:

• develop a solid understanding of the core concepts of the discipline and appreciate the significance of the gender dimension in legal analysis;

• identify the key social factors underlying gender-based and sexual orientation-based discrimination, and acquire familiarity with the legal frameworks and mechanisms designed to address such discrimination;

• enhance their ability to critically analyse and interpret complex social phenomena arising from gender inequalities and, more broadly, from discriminatory practices;

• gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further studies with heightened awareness of gender stereotypes and the asymmetric power relations that shape our societies and are often reproduced within the law.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be the main method of teaching. Additionally, seminars focusing on specific topics may be organized to encourage in-class discussion, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of students’ argumentative skills.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher (Isa.Fanlo@unige.it) and the Department's disability liaison officer (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at the beginning of the course to agree on any teaching methods that, in accordance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning styles.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will address the following thematic areas:

1. Equality, difference, and gender equality in law;

2. Feminist movements and rights: historical developments and contemporary perspectives;

3. Intersectional discrimination;

4. Same-sex parenting and the rights of LGBTQI individuals.

Lectures will also include additional in-depth explorations of selected topics.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Required readings for students attending classes:

a) Lecture notes
b) Three articles in scientific journals, which will be indicated in class and made available on AulaWeb.

Required readings for students not attending classes:

a) Eight essays of the student’s choice from Th. Casadei (ed.), Donne, diritto, diritti. Prospettive del giusfemminismo, Giappichelli, 2015; or, alternatively, Th. Casadei, Diritto e (dis)parità. Dalla discriminazione di genere alla democrazia paritaria, Aracne, 2017 (Introduction and all four chapters).

b) Three articles in scientific journals, which will be made available on AulaWeb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will be held in the second semester (February–May 2026). More detailed information will be provided on Aulaweb starting from early February 2026.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will be conducted orally, through an interview aimed at assessing the candidates’ understanding and critical reworking of the course content, as well as their ability to present, argue, and make connections between the various topics covered.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For attending students, an active participation during the lectures will be evalutated positevely. During the exam, students are expected to comprehend and critically rework the topics covered in class and to present them using appropriate language.

Non-attending students are expected to understand and critically rework the topics addressed in the readings, and to present them using appropriate language.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any questions regarding the module "LAW AND GENDER", students may contact Professor Isabel Fanlo Cortés at this address: Isa.Fanlo@unige.it

Students are strongly encouraged to register for the course’s Aulaweb page, which will be activated in early February 2026.

Students who, due to disabilities, specific learning disorders ("DSA"), or special educational needs ("BES"), require compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures - either for exam preparation (materials, educational support, individuales meetings, etc.) or during the examination (e.g., use of mind maps, additional time, etc.) - are invited to communicate their needs to Prof.ssa Fanlo Cortés, in order to agree on the most appropriate arrangements.

For information on the services offered by UNIGE to students with disabilities, DSA or BES, and to access compensatory and/or dispensatory measures during examinations, please refer to the guidelines available on the university website: here