Sex and Gender

    Unit code: ACW2020 | Study level: Undergraduate
    Credit points
    12
    (Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
    Location
    Footscray Park
    Prerequisites
    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: Test
    |
    Grade: 10%
    In-class test (15 mins)
    Assessment type: Review
    |
    Grade: 20%
    Write a review of an article related to the unit
    Assessment type: Presentation
    |
    Grade: 20%
    Group presentation on the observational project (15 mins)
    Assessment type: Project
    |
    Grade: 50%
    Observational research project (submitted in 2 parts).

    Required reading

    This unit utilises essential readings for students to read for each week which will be made available on VU Collaborate.

    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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