50485 Gender, Culture and Power

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Social Inquiry
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Handbook description

Students undertake a rigorous and detailed analysis of the notions of sex, gender and sexuality in a wide variety of cultural and political contexts, including in cultures other than 'First World', 'White' and 'Western' ones. Students examine in-depth how social and political institutions function to regulate sex, gender and sexuality in a broad range of cultures. In its approach to the comparative study of social and personal regulatory processes in these areas, this subject uses a range of theoretical frameworks, which may include social constructivism and performativity approaches.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject, students are expected to have:

investigated theories and social practices relating to gender and identity within a transnational context
presented ideas, both verbally and in writing, engaging with theories of gender, culture and power through issue-centred debates
formulated and developed research questions that combine theoretical exploration with research into specific case studies
acquired a conceptual understanding of contemporary debates in studies of gender, culture and identity that is academically rigorous.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject will:

develop more self-aware individuals;
improve the quality of graduates' analytic thinking, and their capacity to apply theory to complex social situations;
help graduates to be less prejudiced citizens in a multicultural society;
reinforce students' skills in researching and discussing complex social topics;
assist graduates to develop as men and women with greater tolerance of difference;
enhance the political consciousness of graduates;
stimulate graduates towards a greater commitment to social justice and active, informed participation in socially beneficial movements.

Teaching and learning strategies

This class is taught on a lecture and tutorial basis. It includes:

Lectures
Seminar discussions based on in-class student presentations
Intense lecturer-guided small-group tutorial 'theme-explorations'
Online discussions sustaining collaborative investigations and debates.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Class Presentations

Objectives	All, especially b
Due	In assigned weeks
Value	20%
Task	Two in-class presentations A tutorial presentation based on topics in Weeks 2 to 13 Presentation based on your research essay topic (Week 14).
Assessment criteria	demonstration of active engagement with the readings clear and succinct verbal presentation posing of thoughtful and appropriate questions for class discussion for task b: clear and succinct presentation of your own research.

Assessment item 2: Minor Essay

Objectives	All
Value	20%
Due	Week 6
Word limit	1,000 words
Task	Write a critical analysis of one of the theoretical concepts covered in Weeks 1-4, applying it to a contemporary real world case study.
Assessment criteria	appropriate choice of concept and case study to focus on evidence of appropriate reading well-structured analysis and argument clarity and succinctness of expression.

Assessment item 3: Contributions to Online Discussion

Objectives	All
Value	20%
Due	Each student to contribute in at least 5 weeks.
Task	Sustain discussion on the online Discussion Board for this subject, including evaluating and reflecting on the class discussion for the week.
Assessment criteria	evidence of having read the set readings carefully and thoughtfully engagement with the issues raised identification of salient focus points/questions for discussion. thoughtful reflection on class discussions

Assessment item 4: Major Essay

Objectives	All, especially b and c
Value	40%
Due	Week 14
Word limit	3,500 words
Task	An extended written research essay (questions to be distributed in class)
Assessment criteria	clear definition of objectives and purpose outline of theoretical or policy context evidence of wide reading well-structured analysis and argument innovative use of examples and illustrations effectiveness of expression clarity and consistency of referencing.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.