This interdisciplinary course offers an in-depth exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity within the European context, with a particular focus on Berlin and Germany. Drawing on historical, political, and social sciences, as well as film, news reports, essays, biographies, and field trips, we will critically examine the construction and evolution of the sex/gender system in Europe. Through an intersectional analysis, students will engage with key theories in Women’s and Gender Studies, investigating how various identities — shaped also by race, class or nationality — interact with and challenge traditional understandings of gender and sexuality.

Our exploration will reveal both the inherent instability of the sex/gender system and the socio-political forces that have contributed to its persistence over time. Special attention will be given to Berlin as a microcosm of broader European dynamics, highlighting how historical events, cultural shifts, and contemporary struggles in this city reflect and influence larger trends in gender and sexual politics across the continent.