Students

GEN 110 – Foundations in Gender Studies

2014 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Judy Lattas
Contact via judy.lattas@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit invites students to interact with each other and with teachers and social activists from inside and outside the university on the question of what it means today to be male or female, and what it has meant for past generations. We consult some of the key texts in women's studies, gender and sexuality, like those of Mary Wollstonecraft, Simone de Beauvoir, Jessica Benjamin and Bob Connell. We turn our attention to some important issues including: body image and the internalisation of power; the cultural and psycho-sexual dynamics of domination and violence; ideas of equality at work, at home, and at school; and the changing nature of masculinity and femininity in Australia. A new way of conducting classes using elements of enquiry-based learning has led to the introduction of collaborative, self-designed assessment projects. The unit is interdisciplinary, with input from politics, education, ancient history, Indigenous studies and more, as well as from sociology and gender studies. It can be taken as a one-off elective in any degree, or in pursuit of a major or minor in Gender Studies. Both male and female students are warmly welcome.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
1. Quizzes 30% Weekly in weeks 2-11
2. Essay - Academic Resources 30% Thursday 10th April 2014
3. Research Project – Media 30% Thursday 12th June 2014
Participation 10% Throughout

1. Quizzes

Due: Weekly in weeks 2-11
Weighting: 30%

From week 2, a multiple choice quiz will be opened on the GEN110 iLearn unit on the morning of the weekly lecture. Students will have one week in which to complete it. There will be three questions each week, based on required readings or the lecture. A total of 30 questions will be set with each attracting one mark.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively

2. Essay - Academic Resources

Due: Thursday 10th April 2014
Weighting: 30%

A mid semester research essay (1000 words, maximum 1250 words) drawing on academic literature to explore a GEN110 topic, and demonstrating academic skills in research, writing and referencing.

See in iLearn, under ‘Assessment Resources’ (scroll down from weekly topic details), the file ‘Assessment details: Task Two, Research Essay - Academic Resources’ for details of this task.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively

3. Research Project – Media

Due: Thursday 12th June 2014
Weighting: 30%

An end of semester piece of research (1000 words, maximum 1250 words) drawing on non-academic resources (e.g. news items, opinion pieces, websites, blogs, images) to explore a GEN110 topic that is recently in the news.

See in iLearn, under ‘Assessment Resources’ (scroll down from weekly topic details), the file ‘Assessment details: Task Two, Research Project –Non-academic Resources’ for details of this task.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Participation

Due: Throughout
Weighting: 10%

Regular contributions to group discussions on GEN110 topics in class and on-line on the GEN110 iLearn unit. Evidence of having done the readings, and having thought about the topics in connection with events and relations between people in the wider world, will be taken into account.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Delivery and Resources

Technologies used:

There is an online presence on iLearn; lectures are recorded and available through Echo on iLearn; students require access to reliable broadband internet and a computer.

Changes made to previous offerings of the unit:

The assessment in this unit has been significantly changed. The wiki task has been abandoned because of the technical challenges could not be overcome and the marking burden reduced. In place of this assessment item, the end of semester research project has been separated out into two components, one stressing academic skills (and due mid semester, in order to give early feedback to students and pick up on problems), and the other stressing skills in using non-academic sources of information and picking up on contemporary popular modes of engagement in gender issues.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Quizzes
  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Quizzes
  • 2. Essay - Academic Resources
  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Quizzes
  • 2. Essay - Academic Resources
  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Quizzes
  • 2. Essay - Academic Resources
  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to summarise texts and engage with their content effectively
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Quizzes
  • 2. Essay - Academic Resources
  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment tasks

  • 3. Research Project – Media
  • Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of what the social movement of feminism is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of what the discipline of women's studies, gender and sexuality is about, why it has developed and why it matters today
  • An understanding of gender and power
  • A sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global) in contemporary women's studies, gender and sexuality
  • A sense of the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues
  • A practical knowledge of how to work with others in small groups on a collaborative project
  • An understanding of the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday living. The material itself, which focuses on a range of contemporary issues to do with gender, will help you to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We imagine that what you learn in GEN110 is knowledge that you will be able to, through using the analytical skills developed in the unit, adapt to the real world.

Assessment task

  • Participation