AMU3574 - Performing Asian, African and black masculinities - 2019

The unit aims at assisting students towards an informed understanding of how masculinities are understood and enacted in Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan), Africa (Uganda, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia), and in the United States. Scholars note that a more holistic approach to Gender Studies must take into serious consideration the meanings and relationalities between femininities and masculinities, particularly in the ways in which these synergies manifest diversely around the globe. Inspired by the insights of the celebrated masculinities scholar Raewyn Connell, this unit challenges flattened impressions of masculinity as universal, singular manifestations, and invites students to consider the unstable constructions of masculinities in relation to femininities and other intersecting issues. This eye-opening unit covers topics such as patriarchy and violence, military, spiritualities, non-heteronormative sexualities, disease, marriage, cooking, racism and female masculinities. Through a close examination of highly diverse and exciting resources, students will engage with and understand the complex and shifting performances of masculinities that impact men (and women) in Asia, Africa and the United States.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. analyse and explain key theoretical concepts of masculinities;
2. critique the various constructions of masculinity with their attendant (de)valorisations in Asia, Africa and the United States;
3. analyse the various understandings and enactments of masculinities as they are lived out in Asia, Africa and the United States;
4. apply key aspects of masculinity theory to critically examine relevant contemporary issues.

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

Gender studies