MWG-101 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for MWG-101: Theories of Women’s & Gender Studies

MWG-101: Theories of Women’s & Gender Studies is a foundational course under IGNOU’s Master of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies (MAWGSR), designed to critically engage with the evolution of feminist thought, gender theory, and social movements. This course explores the historical trajectories of women’s liberation movements, intersectional feminist critiques, queer liberation paradigms, and the epistemological challenges posed by feminist epistemologies. Through structured academic analysis, students dissect the theoretical frameworks that underpin gender studies, preparing them to apply these insights to contemporary socio-political contexts. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary rigor, ensuring students develop a nuanced understanding of gender as a dynamic construct shaped by power, culture, and institutional structures.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: History of Movements: This unit traces the origins and evolution of women’s rights movements globally, from first-wave suffrage campaigns to contemporary feminist activism, analyzing key milestones such as the Seneca Falls Convention and the UN Fourth World Conference on Women.
• Block-2: Women and/in Movements: Examines the complex intersections of gender, class, race, and caste within social movements, evaluating how marginalized women’s experiences have redefined feminist agendas and strategies.
• Block-3: Queer Liberation: Focuses on queer theory and activism, exploring the challenges to heteronormative frameworks, the politics of identity, and the intersections of sexuality, gender, and liberation movements.
• Block-4: Feminist Critiques of Knowledge: Critically assesses the production of knowledge within patriarchal systems, analyzing epistemological gaps and the role of feminist methodologies in reshaping academic and policy discourses.
• Block-5: Feminist Theories: Provides an in-depth study of major feminist theoretical schools—liberal, Marxist, postcolonial, and postmodern—while evaluating their applicability to contemporary gender issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for MWG-101 assignments, and how much weight do they carry in the final evaluation?
A: Assignments in MWG-101 account for 30% of the total marks, with each assignment graded on clarity of analysis, theoretical engagement, and adherence to academic writing standards. The remaining 70% is allocated to the term-end examination.

Q: Are there any specific pass marks required for MWG-101 assignments, and how are they evaluated?
A: Assignments must score at least 40% to be considered passed, with evaluation based on coherence, critical thinking, and proper citation of theoretical frameworks. Late submissions are penalized by a deduction of 5 marks per day.