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