Introducing Gender: Sex, Sport and Film

This subject is not offered in 2014.

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/

Our world is thoroughly gendered. The prism of gender is fundamental to the way we understand others and ourselves, how we organize communities and institutions, and how we conduct ourselves in everyday life. But what is gender? Is it biological or cultural? How do gender norms and stereotypes emerge and what effect do they have on the lives of actually existing men and women? This subject introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of gender studies using case studies from sport, film and popular culture. Drawing from the variety of traditions that inform gender studies – including feminist and queer theory, phenomenology and sociology – students will be introduced to major concepts in gender studies, including: biological determinism, social constructionism, gender inequality, hegemonic femininities and masculinities, sexuality, bodies and embodiment. We will look at film, sport and other examples from popular culture as case studies through which to introduce the critical examination of how gender operates in both visual representation and in people’s embodied, everyday lives.

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.