Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit examines mainstream constructions of gender and sexuality reconceptualised in a range of socio-historical and cultural contexts from the early modern period to the present, as well as complex relationships between language, gender and sexuality, exploring how these relationships have been affirmed and deconstructed by various cultural texts. The unit offers a range of psychoanalytic and performative gender and feminist theories, enabling students to understand critical implications of how texts construct male and female identity. The unit discusses theoretical lexicon and conceptual framework and outlines the themes and concerns that have been represented in the cultural texts.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should:

1. have acquired the theoretical lexicon and conceptual framework necessary to make sense and articulate how gender and sexuality are represented in a different cultural texts
2. demonstrate a critical awareness of the ways in which certain literary and other cultural texts encourage us to rethink normative constructions of gender and sexuality
3. appreciate the uses of literature and other cultural texts in revising and opposing dominant discourses about gender and sexuality
4. be able to interpret a literary text, a movie and other kinds of cultural artifacts demonstrating a sensitivity to the language and visual and narrative devices and strategies employed
5. demonstrate a development of the skills of analytic and critical discussion introduced at first year level.

Assessment

Tutorial attendance and portfolio - 10%; Short essay (1250 words) - 20%; Long essay (2000 words) - 30%; Examination - 40%

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

English

Prerequisites

ENH1200 & ENH1220

Prohibitions

ENH3585