Sexing the Self

Subject 671-354 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week, 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 50 points of first year subjects.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Contact

Assoc Prof Mary Patterson

marycp@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject explores the construction of gender and sex in a variety of the world's societies. On completion of the subject students should have gained a knowledge of gender-based systems of social classification in non-Western societies; have acquired a knowledge of contemporary critiques of the representation of women's and men's lives in ethnography; and have explored the anthropology of sexual reproduction.
Objectives:
  • have an understanding of the construction of sex, gender and reproduction in a variety of the world's societies;
  • have gained a knowledge of gender-based systems of social classification in non-Western societies;
  • have acquired a knowledge of contemporary critiques of the representation of women's and men's lives in ethnography.
Assessment: A research essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester), a tutorial assignment 500 words 10% (due one week after presentation in week chosen by student) and a take-home examination of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester).
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have practice in conducting research and speaking articulately;
  • have practice in writing clearly in a variety of formats and reading with attention to detail;
  • have experience of systematically evaluating a body of empirical data and identifying its theoretical context;
  • have experience of methods of critical inquiry and argument leading to improved analytical skills;
  • have acquired awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication.
Notes: This subject will be offered in alternate years.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology
Anthropology
Anthropology & Social Theory
Development Studies Major
Gender Studies

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