OL Introduction to Gender Studies

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
SOCI 1034
Course ID icon
Course ID
208056
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

Gender is encountered in every aspect of our lives. It informs public debate, legislation, how much money we earn, who dies younger and our exposure to risk and sexual violence. The course is an introduction to gender studies and key theoretical frameworks that are fundamental to how we think about gender, sex and sexualities. We will examine different understandings of gender, exploring historical, contemporary and cross-cultural debates, and the politics surrounding gender relations, identities and (in)equities. The ways that ethnicity, racism, power and class influence and give meaning to gender debates in an Australian and international context will also be a central concern.

Course learning outcomes

  • Investigate issues and debates around gender, particularly in relation to Australian society
  • Identify and explain the ways in which gender shapes our everyday lives through the intersections of sexualities, racism, social class, education, age, religion, culture, and nation
  • Discuss the ways in which systems of power, privilege, and oppression shape our experiences as individuals and members of communities
  • Develop a critical vocabulary that includes key theoretical debates in historical and contemporary gender studies
  • Demonstrate research literacy, through library searches, research techniques and skills, development of argument, and academic referencing
  • Write logical and coherent arguments based on evidence, and engage in critical debate
  • Work with others in the exploration of ideas and to collectively develop arguments and negotiate solutions to problems

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A