166-032 Sexual Politics

Usually one subject of first-year politics or gender studies.

This subject introduces ideas developed in feminist theory about the social and political construction of areas of experience relating to the body, gender and sexuality. Issues analysed in the subject include transsexualism, reproduction, eating disorders, pornography, sexual violence and sexual orientation. Students who complete this subject should be able to understand the ways in which issues connected with the body and sexuality are socially and politically constructed; understand the ways in which the construction of masculinity and femininity affects the learning and regulation of such areas of experience; and apply a variety of feminist approaches to the analysis of these issues.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

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

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

A research essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a research essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.