AMU1310 - Introduction to gender studies - 2017

This unit shows how gender is the primary analytical category across multidisciplinary fields of study in Asian and global contexts. These fields of study include but are not limited to: 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. Gender Studies as a specialised discipline as such, foregrounds or privileges a gendered perspective and analysis across these multiple sites of study. Other analytical categories such as class, ethnicity, nationality and sexualities that intersect with gender are also considered.

The topics in this unit are highly revelatory, gender-sensitised and often, thought-provoking, 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 aims to enable students to realise how relevant, contemporary and intersectional the study of gender is across disciplines, social-cultural contexts and their own lived realities. The unit also aims to impress upon students how integral a gendered perspective is 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 debates from a gendered perspective within and across disciplines;
4. Examine the extent to which gender 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

Associate Professor Sharon A Bong

Gender studies