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Gender and Contemporary Culture (CULS20017)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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What is the relationship between gender and culture in everyday life? Why are some forms of gender more culturally privileged than others? How do gender norms take shape and gain dominance in contemporary culture? This subject explores key sites through which gender identities emerge, become dominant, and/or transform. Through these cultural sites this subject examines hegemonic ideologies around gender, the uneven value placed on certain gendered subject positions, and possibilities for resistance in relation to femininities, masculinities, and other gender formations. Sites include areas of concern to feminist cultural studies including digital culture, popular media, youth cultures, celebrity and fandom, sport, fitness and self-discipline regimes, beauty culture and more. Core to this exploration are issues of location, race, whiteness, and nation, which inform hegemonic ideals and lived experiences of gendered life. Beyond simply understanding how identities are transforming in a highly mediated and globalised context, this subject seeks to critically engage with questions of injustice and inequality in relation to gendered cultures.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of key sites through which gender identities emerge
  • Demonstrate methodological capacity and theoretical competency in Cultural Studies and the ability to communicate effectively and have a critical understanding of the ways in which understanding gender can contribute to theorising culture
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply flexible reading strategies and writing practices in analysing the relationship between gender and culture, while also recognising the value of interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge and its significance in Cultural Studies
  • Demonstrate a high-level, critical understanding of the relationships between gender and culture in Cultural Studies
  • Engage with the question of how location, race, whiteness, and nation inform hegemonic ideals and lived experiences of gendered life
  • Demonstrate mastery of relevant research skills including use of the library, e-research skills, and appropriate referencing and presentation of written work with attention to intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values.

Generic skills

  • Have advanced research and analysis skills
  • Show critical and ethical self-awareness
  • Have the ability to develop and communicate effective arguments in both oral and written form
  • Develop advanced skills in media and information literacy and management.

Last updated: 19 September 2024