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Technologies of Sex (GEND20010)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
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This subject explores how sex, gender and sexuality are entangled with science and technology. How are our understandings of sex and sexuality informed by a history of scientific investigation? How do gender and location shape the production of scientific knowledge? How is science mobilised in claims that binary sex and gender have a natural and biological basis? And how can we use science and technology in the pursuit of feminist and queer goals? This subject examines these questions from the perspective of feminist, queer and decolonial theories of science and technology. Introducing students to the rich interdisciplinary field of feminist and queer technoscience, the subject offers a critical inquiry into the scientific construction of sexuality, and the history of scholarly efforts to challenge the nature/culture binary and rethink our beliefs in science as objective and value-free. Key topics include: feminist objectivity; the false binary of nature vs nurture; the construction of biological sex; postcolonial science studies; reproductive technologies; and feminist and queer interfaces with biomedicalisation.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Show a broad understanding of theoretical trajectories related to the study of sexuality and science in Gender Studies
- Apply critical skills and methods to analyse contemporary issues related to gender, sexuality and science across a wide range of cultural contexts and socio-political settings
- Demonstrate a developing capacity to critically evaluate arguments concerning sexuality, biology, nature and the origins of gendered difference from feminist, queer, trans, and decolonial perspectives.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Develop independent thought and arguments
- Develop capacities for interdisciplinary thinking
- Develop effective written and oral communication skills
- Develop skills of critical thinking and analysis
- Develop flexibility, cooperation and collaboration skills by working with others.
Last updated: 14 March 2025