131-116 Sex, Gender and Power: An Introduction

This subject, a first year component of the interdepartmental program in gender studies, is recommended for students planning to complete a major in gender studies. Students who have completed 131-034 prior to 2001 need the course coordinator's approval to enrol in this subject.

This subject introduces students to contemporary analyses of gender, looking at the ways in which gender relations shape and are shaped by social, cultural, political and economic conditions. Central themes include sex, gender, difference and the origins of sexual inequality; the 'gene wars'; the intersections of gender relations with 'race', ethnicity, class and nation; bodies and sexualities, focusing on the racialisation and sexualisation of bodies, HIV/AIDS struggles and the normalisation of heterosexuality; gender, culture and representation, with an especial focus on questions of identity, femininities and masculinities; the intersections of gender relations with social structures and institutions such as work and family; activist struggles around women and gender, looking at issues of empowerment and agency; and the future of gender. Students who complete the subject should have a sound understanding of the main developments in feminist thinking about the relationships between 'culture', gender and identity and the intersections of gender, 'race', ethnicity and class.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay of 2500 words 55% (due mid-semester), a reflective essay of 1500 words 35% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 10%.

A subject reader will be available.