Sex and Gender

Unit code: ACW2020 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit introduces students to the discipline of Gender Studies. Gender Studies is an independent scholarly discipline that intersects with other humanities and sociology disciplines, such as, anthropology, literary studies, cultural studies, film studies, politics, history, psychology and philosophy. Students will consider the complex notions of sex and gender, sexualities and gendered subjectivities. Gender is introduced as a socially constructed category and the ways in which this construction impacts on our everyday lives. This unit examines the complex array of processes at work which produce specific types of gendered subjects. The unit challenges traditional gender binaries, gender stereotypes and questions conventional beliefs about sex and gender.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse and apply gender approaches and theories to a variety of contexts;
  2. Critically examine social and cultural influences in the construction of gender, gendered subjectivities, and understandings of sexuality;
  3. Apply and utilise qualitative research methods in a research setting relevant to developing a gendered awareness;
  4. Assess and apply contemporary gender debates and approaches in a variety of contexts; and
  5. Decode key processes informing gendered hierarchies and gender organisation.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 25%
Write a review on a set article
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Individual Presentation: Part 1 of Research Project
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 45%
Individual written Report: Part 2 of Research Projec

Required reading

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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