Gender: Representations and Histories

This subject is not offered in 2012.

10 hours per week: total time commitment 120 hours

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history (or in a relevant program) or enrolment in a relevant coursework Masters program

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

What is gender and why does it matter? In this seminar we will explore how this concept emerged and the multiple meanings it has taken on in academic inquiry and everyday life. Representations of gender will be examined in both theoretical and historical contexts. We will look at the categories of race, sexuality, and the body, and how these are central to any historical or contemporary construction of gender. At the same time these categories will be examined in the context of feminist debates around representation, subjectivity, Western images of the "other", language, desire and identity. We will also consider how these categories operate within a range of cultural expressions including film, literature and television. Through various theoretical paradigms and frameworks students should develop an understanding of how gender representations are constructed, as well as how and why these change over time.

• gain an understanding of how gender representations are constructed and how and why these change over time.
• have explored these aspects through various theoretical paradigms and provide frameworks through which to interpret gender.

A research essay proposal 300 words (due mid-semester). a research essay of 4700 words (due end of semester) 90%. and seminar participation 10%

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working 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 is not available as a breadth subject.

• be able to show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area.
• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline.
• develop an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.