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Queer Studies: Identities & Sexualities (GEND40008)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Online
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Online |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject reviews the core texts and key debates that have shaped queer theory. We will trace the expansion of the term “queer” from its early inceptions to its current use as an umbrella framework for non-normative modes of knowledge, cultural practices, and forms of political activism. After exploration of the key texts in queer theory we will focus on the relationship between queer theory and other social theories that provide tools for scrutinising power, normativity, and marginality such as: critical race theory, feminist theory, transgender studies, and disability studies. We will be asking the following questions: What kinds of bodies or desires does queer refer to? What are the promises of queer theory? What are the debates between “queer of colour”, “trans* of colour” and “women of colour”? What are the key sites for queer activism today? What might the future of queer be like?
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should have
- A detailed knowledge and critical understanding of queer theory;
- The ability to apply high level analysis, conceptual sophistication and critical thinking in the field of queer theory, having developed mastery over different approaches (feminist, queer of colour, transgender, critical race, postcolonial, and disability studies);
- A firm grasp of national and international debates and develop the ability to evaluate specific issues in contemporary societies from feminist, queer, and transgender perspectives;
- The ability to apply critical skills and methods to analyse the contemporary issues related to gender and sexuality across a wide range of cultural contexts and socio-political settings.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Develop independent thought and arguments;
- Be receptive of new ideas and opinions through class participation and discussions;
- Be effective with written and oral communication through class participation, discussions and written assignments
- Be flexible, tolerant and cooperative with people from diverse background
- Manage time and planning through organizing workloads for recommended reading and assessment requirements
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students should be admitted to either a Honours level, Coursework Masters or equivalent program
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Background knowledge in Gender Studies.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Literature review
| Week 3 | 30% |
Research essay
| 3 Weeks after the end of teaching | 70% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Coordinator CQ Quinan Mode of delivery Online Contact hours Two x 2-hour seminar per week in Weeks 1 - 6 of semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022 Semester 1 contact information
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024