Gender in Hispanic Cultures

This subject is not offered in 2016.

170 hours

Spanish 4, Spanish 6 or equivalent

• General knowledge of the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking countries;
• General knowledge of basic notions of gender and sexuality

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

Issues related to gender and sexuality are key to understand social and cultural practices in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. In this subject such issues are explored in relation to their representation in cultural texts – including fiction literature, film and TV. Major themes to be explored include gender violence, gay marriage legislation, gender reassignment legislation, post-colonial feminisms, new masculinities, and sexism in language.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• understand the significance of gender relations in contemporary Spanish-language societies;
• understand indigenous, local and regional notions of gender and sexuality in Latin America and Spain;
• be able to critically analyse contemporary representations of gender and sexuality in literature, film and TV;
• recognise and identify instances of sexism in the Spanish language;
• continue to expand Spanish-language reading and writing skills.

• 4 x 500-word written assignments (in Spanish) due in weeks 3, 5, 7 and 9 [50%]
• 2000-word essay (in Spanish) due at the end of the semester [50%]

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

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 Music
• 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.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• acquire particular generic skills;
• develop an understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness / openness to the world: through the contextualisation of judgements and knowledge, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and new aspects of Spanish culture, and by formulating arguments;
• be able to communicate intelligibly and economically: through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussions and class presentations;
• develop public speaking and confidence in self-expression: through tutorial participation and class presentations.