WMN1010 - Sex, Gender, and Knowledge: Introduction to Women's Studies

Leader: JaneMaree Maher

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

Does gender matter? How do ideas about sex and gender shape important questions in our society? How are social, political and economic structures affected by conventional notions about femininity and masculinity? This unit introduces the interdisciplinary field of Women's Studies and engages students in a series of critical debates concerning sex and citizenship; gender and the law; work and employment; and media and advertising. A range of critical and analytic approaches to contemporary social questions will be introduced and some key contemporary gender debates will be selected for close analysis and problem-based learning.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this unit will:

1. have developed an understanding of how gender operates as a category of analysis and an understanding of the range of critical and analytical approaches associated with the field of Women's Studies;
2. have gained an understanding of the gendered dimensions of contemporary social debates;
3. have developed research and library skills that will enable them to locate, assess and organise basic resources relevant to the field;
4. have developed skills in group work and project organisation;
5. have developed writing and communication skills that will enable them to examine and respond critically to key texts and debates in the field.

Assessment

Research skills exercise (Equiv 1000 words)20%; Critical Review (Class test)1 hr (equiv. 1000 words)20%; Group project (2500 words)60%

Contact hours

3 hours (1 hour lecture and 2 hour seminar) per week