PLT3380

Gender Politics and Policy: Australia Compared ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Jennifer Curtin

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This subject provides an advanced introduction to ideas and issues of gender, politics, public policy and power both in Australia and cross-nationally. The aim is to provide students with an understanding as to why women have failed to gain political equality, why a gender gap in politics exists and the extent to which gender intersects with political representation and participation, and policy interests, with a particular focus on gender mainstreaming.

Objectives: On successful completion of this subject students should have: 1. an understanding of the differential way in which women have been included in politics and policy; 2. acquired a working knowledge of how Australia compares with other nations in the area of gender equality 3. the capacity to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different conceptual and strategic approaches to political equality; 4. gained an understanding of how to conduct gender analysis of apparently neutral policy proposals and policy implementation; 5. further developed the skills necessary to write and orally present critical, well-informed, well-structured arguments. 6. Students undertaking the unit at 3rd year level are expected to demonstrate wider reading and deeper knowledge of the unit.

Assessment: 1 Essay 2,500 50% 2 Tutorial Presentation/Participation 500 10% 3 Examination1 500 40%

Contact Hours: One hour lecture and one hour tutorial per week.

Prerequisites: First year sequence in politics or women's studies or permission.

Prohibitions: PLT2380