Sex, Gender and Culture: An Introduction

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Our world is thoroughly gendered. But what is gender? Is it biological or cultural? How do gender norms and stereotypes emerge and how do they impact on the lives of actually existing men and women? Using case studies that may include television, pop music, film, social media, politics, and sport, this subject analyses how gender operates both in representation and in people’s embodied everyday experience. The subject also analyses how gender intersects with other categories that may include sexuality, age, class, disability, race, and religion. Drawing from a range of disciplines across the humanities and social sciences, students will be introduced to major concepts in gender studies that may include biological determinism, social constructionism, gender inequality, hegemonic femininities and masculinities, sexuality, and gendered embodiment.

On completion of the subject students should:

• Demonstrate an introductory knowledge and understanding of contemporary gender theories;
• Have developed a foundational appreciation of the significance of gender in contemporary culture;
• Have laid the foundations of relevant research skills including use of the library, e-research skills, and appropriate referencing and presentation of written work;
• Appreciate national and international debates on specific contemporary issues and complex problems connected with sex and gender in contemporary societies;
• Grasp the importance of an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
• Have developed a foundation of relevant knowledge and methodologies, both critical and theoretical, on which to base further studies in Gender Studies.

• A reflective Journal, equivalent to 1500, due throughout the semester (40%)
• A 1500 word research essay due in week 6 (35%)
• A 1000 word take home exam due in the examination period (25%)

Hurdle requirement: Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 80% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A Subject Reader will be available.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subjects students will :

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• cultivate written communication skills;

• develop an understanding of cultural and social contexts;

• be skilled at managing time and resources effectively.

This subject is compulsory for students undertaking the major or minor in Gender Studies New Gen BA degree.