AMU1309 - Introduction to sexuality studies - 2017

This unit shows how sexuality is the primary analytical category across multidisciplinary fields of study in Asian and global contexts, e.g. culture or the Arts, media and communications, business or economy, education or pedagogy, sociology, politics, psychology or sports, sciences or health and religion or theology. In this unit, key areas of inquiry within Sexuality Studies are wide-ranging and include: sexual cultures, sexual communities, sexual labour or commerce or tourism, sexual education, sexual regulation or bias, sexual politics, sexual citizenship, sexual activism and rights, sexual deviance, sexual disability, sexual health and sexual ethics. The topics in this unit are highly sensitive even controversial as they set out to challenge assumptions, biases even prejudices that students have in making visible how constructed rather than naturalised gendered and sexual identities are, beginning with one's own.

The unit therefore aims to enable students to realise how relevant, contemporary and intersectional the study of sexualities is across disciplines, social-cultural contexts and their own lived realities. The unit also aims to impress upon students how integral gendered and queer perspectives in sexuality matters are to understanding and transforming human relations and micro-macro structures towards realising a more sustainable, just and equitable existence for all.

1. Identify relevant resources and key issues;
2. Relate key issues to different disciplinary contexts;
3. Discuss key areas of inquiry within Sexuality Studies across disciplines;
4. Examine the extent to which sexuality as a primary analytical category is useful;
5. Formulate and structure a logical and coherent argument that is well supported by relevant evidence;
6. Communicate perceptively, effectively and with cultural sensitivity;
7. Demonstrate ethical values, cross-cultural competency as a responsible and effective global citizen.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Jonathan Driskell

Gender studies