Students

GEN 110 – Foundations in Gender Studies

2014 – S3 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Emily Cachia
Contact via emily.cachia@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 critically analyse 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

General Assessment Information

Detailed guidelines explaining the requirements for each assignment are available on iLearn under 'Assessments.' It is necessary to have read these guidelines in order to successfully complete each task.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Quizzes 30% Twice-weekly in weeks 1-5
Essay - Media Sources 30% Friday 23rd January 2015
Essay - Academic Resources 30% Monday 29th December 2014
Participation 10% Throughout

Quizzes

Due: Twice-weekly in weeks 1-5
Weighting: 30%

  • Students will be required to complete two multiple choice quizzes each week (10 quizzes in total). 
  • There will be three questions for each quiz based on the required readings and/or the lecture material.
  • Quizzes are scheduled to start on Mondays and Thursdays and will each be available for 4 days. 

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 critically analyse texts and engage with their content effectively

Essay - Media Sources

Due: Friday 23rd January 2015
Weighting: 30%

  • Select a GEN110 Foundational or Focus topic 
  • Find a recent newspaper item (preferably 2014/15) to address in relation to that topic.
  • Design a research question in response to the topic or use the generic one provided.
  • Explore additional media sources in relation to your chosen topic/question. 
  • Critically analyse the primary news item and secondary media sources. It may also be necessary to refer to academic sources to help frame your argument.
  • Compose a 1000 word essay incorporating the above elements.

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 critically analyse texts and engage with their content effectively

Essay - Academic Resources

Due: Monday 29th December 2014
Weighting: 30%

  • Select a GEN110 Foundational or Focus topic.
  • Design a research question in response to that topic or use the generic one provided. 
  • Summarise one of the required readings that relates to your chosen topic and question.
  • Compose a 1000 word essay in answer to your research question, incorporating your summary and any additional academic resources you feel are necessary. 

 


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
  • 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Participation

Due: Throughout
Weighting: 10%

  • Regular forum contributions to iLearn are a requirement of this unit.
  • Students are expected to contribute to 80% of the online discussion (8 out of 10 topics).
  • A Pass grade for this component will therefore entail 2 posts (approx. 100 words each) in 8 out of 10 topics.
  • Posts will also need to show evidence of having done the readings, listened to the lecture and having thought about the topics in relation to society.

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
  • 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Delivery and Resources

Technologies used:

This unit is conducted entirely online via iLearn; lectures are recorded and available through Echo each Monday and Thursday during the Session; required reading material can be accessed and downloaded via iLearn and/or through MQ library website. Students require access to reliable broadband internet and a computer.

 

 

Unit Schedule

  Introduction
Week 1 Feminism/s
  Femininity
Week 2 Sex-gender
  Equality & Difference
Week 3 Gendered Harm
  Reproduction: Rights & Responsibilities
Week 4 Politicians & Prejudice: Sexism
  Muslim Women, Feminism & Islamic Feminism
Week 5 Female Genital Mutilation
  Indigenous family violence
Supplementary Gender (masculinity) & Education 

 

 

 

 

 

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 critically analyse 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment task

  • 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
  • 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment task

  • 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 critically analyse 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment tasks

  • Quizzes
  • Essay - Media Sources
  • Essay - Academic Resources
  • 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 critically analyse 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment tasks

  • Quizzes
  • Essay - Media Sources
  • Essay - Academic Resources
  • 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 critically analyse 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment tasks

  • Quizzes
  • Essay - Media Sources
  • Essay - Academic Resources
  • 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 outcome

  • 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay - Media Sources
  • Essay - Academic Resources
  • 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 critically analyse 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment tasks

  • Quizzes
  • Essay - Media Sources
  • Essay - Academic Resources
  • 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
  • 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay - Media Sources
  • Essay - Academic Resources
  • 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
  • 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 students to approach real-life situations, analyse them, and remedy problems when necessary. We believe that what students learn in GEN110 is knowledge that they will be able to adapt to the real world by using the analytical skills developed in the unit.

Assessment task

  • Participation