Sex, Gender and Culture (GEND10001)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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The world is gendered - but what is gender? We know gender is fundamental to the way in which we see ourselves and others, and how our communities and institutions are organised, but why? Why do gender norms and stereotypes emerge? What effects do they have on our lives? Drawing on feminist and queer theory, transgender studies, masculinity studies, and a range of disciplines across humanities and social sciences, this subject introduces students to the major concepts in gender studies, including: biological determinism, cultural essentialism, social constructionism, power and inequalities, sexuality, and queering categories of difference. Using a variety of case studies from social media, politics, sport, fashion, film, and music, the course will analyse how sex, gender, age, ethnicity, race, class, politics and social movements intersect to influence our understanding of sex, gender, and culture.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the subject students should:

  • Demonstrate an introductory knowledge and understanding of contemporary gender theories
  • Have developed a foundational appreciation of the significance of gender in contemporary culture
  • Have laid the foundations of relevant research skills including use of the library, e-research skills, and appropriate referencing and presentation of written work
  • Appreciate national and international debates on specific contemporary issues and complex problems connected with sex and gender in contemporary societies
  • Grasp the importance of an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values
  • Have developed a foundation of relevant knowledge and methodologies, both critical and theoretical, on which to base further studies in Gender Studies.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Be skilled in critical thinking and analysis
  • Cultivate written communication skills
  • Develop an understanding of cultural and social contexts
  • Be skilled at managing time and resources effectively.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Online engagement

  • 1400 words (equivalent)
Throughout the semester35%

Case study assignment

  • 1400 words
Week 935%

Research essay

  • 1200 words
During the examination period30%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures.Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorLin Song
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursA total of 36 hours: A 1.5 hour lecture and a 1.5 hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr Lin Song: lin.song@unimelb.edu.au 

     

Time commitment details

Time commitment totals 170 hours.

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025