Introducing Gender: Sex, Sport and Film

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Total expected time commitment is 102-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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, 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 will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides a general introduction to the field of gender studies through the study of a range of films about sport, sex and sexuality. It examines major issues in gender studies such as biological and social determinism, equality, feminism, femininity and masculinity, and sexuality as they are contextualized within sport. The subject also analyses how gender can never be studied in isolation and always intersects with other issues including ageing, class, disability, and race. Through examining sports films, gender as both a cultural and social phenomenon will be considered. Additionally, through analyses of a variety of athletic activities, including amateur and professional, and individual and team sports, such as athletics, basketball, boxing, cheerleading, soccer, surfing, and tennis, the relationship between theories about gender and material practices will be reflected on. The subject will provide a foundation in the ideas of a number of key thinkers in gender theory, film theory and sports studies. Employing sport as the backdrop against which to introduce the study of gender also provides a unique way through which to examine how cultural theory interconnects with material practices and everyday life.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• the ability to communicate an understanding of key concepts and terms from gender studies;

• demonstrated various ways in which gender theory can productively be employed in the study of visual culture;

• the skills and confidence to take the initiative in relating theoretical ideas covered on the course to culture more broadly;

• be able to organise material into coherent and convincing arguments in their written work;

• employed close reading skills in relation to both texts and images.

Written work equivalent to 4000 words consisting of a weekly journal 50% (equivalent to 2000 words due in week 12 of the semester), a research essay of 1000 words 25% (due in week six of the semester) and a take-home examination of 1000 words 25% (due in the examination period). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day.

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.