European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) invites students of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) to take part in the intensive international course “Gender and Politics,” which is designed to critically analyze contemporary politics through the perspective of gender and power relations.
The course starts from current anti-gender campaigns in different parts of the world. Based on this context, three main thematic directions will be explored:
• theories and concepts (gender and intersectionality, biopolitics, sexual democracy);
• academic debates (sexual nationalism, the sexual politics of neoliberalism);
• social controversies (the MeToo movement, the Islamic veil, the rise of transphobia).
The course will be enriched by guest speakers – both academics and activists – with special attention to feminist perspectives. Students will actively participate in the learning process: they will prepare short oral summaries, 15-minute presentations on books, events, or figures, and will also collectively shape the program of the final sessions.
The aim of the course is to provide students with critical conceptual tools to understand gender as “a primary way of signifying relationships of power” (Joan W. Scott) and to recognize anti-gender campaigns as an important component of contemporary anti-democratic politics.
Assessment will take place in two stages:
- an oral presentation or a 3-page written review;
- a final 10-page research paper or an in-class written exam on the last day of the course.
The course is open to 20 ERUA students. Although there are no specific prerequisites, basic knowledge of political theory, social sciences, or gender studies will be an advantage.
Applications must be submitted by January 16, 2026. Together with the application, a CV and a cover letter are required. Selected students will be informed by January 26 and will also receive information about travel and accommodation funding.
This is a great opportunity for MRU students to engage in international academic discussions, deepen their knowledge of gender and politics, and broaden their study experience.
Registration for the course is available here.
More information is available here.