DCC Gender and Sexuality Studies

Course content

Denmark has often been regarded as a pioneer in gender and sexual rights, being the first country to legalize the distribution of pornography (1969), introduce registered same-sex partnerships (1989), and grant legal gender recognition based solely on self-declaration (2014). The country has also led the way in reproductive rights, granting access to birth control (1966) and legal abortion (1973). These milestones have contributed to Denmark’s international reputation as a progressive society when it comes to gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. While feminist and LGBTQ+ movements have played a crucial role in shaping policy, tensions remain—particularly in debates on migration, racial justice, and bodily autonomy. This raises important questions: How have these legal milestones shaped contemporary understandings of gender and sexuality? Who has been included in Denmark’s vision of equality, and who has been left out? Examining these dynamics allows us to critically engage with both the successes and the ongoing struggles in the field of gender and sexuality.

Through an interdisciplinary approach that draws on feminist, queer, and cultural history, we will explore key topics such as:

  • Feminism and feminist Movements: The evolution of feminist politics in Denmark, from the fight for reproductive rights to contemporary debates on gender and equality.
  • LGBTQ+ Activism: The role of activism in securing rights for same-sex couples and trans individuals, as well as ongoing struggles for bodily autonomy and healthcare access.
  • State Regulation of Sexuality and Reproduction: The history of abortion rights, contraception, and sex education in Denmark.
  • Race, Colonialism, and Sexuality: The ways in which Denmark’s colonial history has influenced contemporary debates on gender, race, and national belonging.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of Denmark’s role as a global frontrunner in gender and sexual rights, while also recognizing the complexities and contradictions that shape these narratives. They will be encouraged to critically assess how historical and contemporary struggles over gender and sexuality continue to evolve, and to reflect on the ways in which policy, activism, and cultural discourse intersect in shaping futures for gender and sexual justice.

 

Name of Exam: HDCB01211E Gender and Sexuality
www.danishculturecourse.ku.dk

Education

Danish Culture Courses

 

www.danishculturecourses.ku.dk

Class teaching and excursions.

Texts will be available online through Absalon.

The course is only offered to exchange and fee-paying guest students at the University of Copenhagen.

Written
Individual
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
ECTS
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Type of assessment details
Written take-home assigment, optional subject, following active class participation. 11-15 standard pages.

The active class participation consists of an approved synopsis of 2-3 standard pages.

Exam in case of non-approved active class participation consists of a written-take home assignment with an optional subject. 16-20 pages.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

For students with an approved synopsis the reexamination consists of a free written take-home assignment of 11-15 pages.

 

For students without an approved synopsis the reexamination consists of a free written take-home assignment of 16-20 pages.

 

 

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 0
  • English
  • 0

Kursusinformation

Language
English
Course number
HDCB01211U
ECTS
15 ECTS
Programme level
Bachelor
Bachelor choice
Duration

1 semester

Placement
Autumn
Schedulegroup
See link under Timetable
Capacity
60
Studyboard
Study Board of Archaeology, Ethnology, Greek & Latin, History
Contracting department
  • SAXO-Institute - Archaeology, Ethnology, Greek & Latin, History
Contracting faculty
  • Faculty of Humanities
Course Coordinator
  • Michael Nebeling Petersen   (8-706764676e6b7069426a776f306d7730666d)
Teacher

Michael Nebeling Petersen

Saved on the 11-04-2025

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