Students
GENX110 – Foundations in Gender Studies
2015 – SP1 OUA
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Emily Cachia
Carlos Dominguez
|
|---|---|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to fundamental theory used within gender studies to explore what it means to be male and female today, and what it has meant for past generations. Students will gain a sense of the complexity and significance of a number of key issues and debates (local and global, past and present) that have arisen within the study of sex and gender. These include: body, image and power, the cultural and psycho-sexual dynamics of oppression and violence; ideas of equality at work, at home, and at school; and the changing nature of masculinity and femininity in Australia. The unit is interdisciplinary, with input from politics, education, history, philosophy and indigenous studies, as well as sociology and gender studies.
All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au.
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-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 in the section marked 'Assessment details and Resources.' It is necessary to have read these guidelines in order to successfully complete each task.
A late penalty may be applied to assignments submitted after the due date: 5% on the first day, 1% per day thereafter.
Essays are submitted electronically via Turnitn. There is no hard copy necessary. Details on how to submit can be located on iLearn.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Quizzes | 30% | Weekly quiz starting in week 2 |
| Essay - Academic Resources | 30% | Sunday Week 6 |
| Essay - Media Sources | 30% | Sunday Week 12 |
| Participation | 10% | Throughout |
Quizzes
Due: Weekly quiz starting in week 2
Weighting: 30%
- Students will be required to complete a weekly multiple choice quiz, starting in Week 2 (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 open on a Monday and close at the end of the week on Sunday.
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 - Academic Resources
Due: Sunday Week 6
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.
Essay - Media Sources
Due: Sunday Week 12
Weighting: 30%
- Select a GEN110 Foundational or Focus topic
- Find a recent newspaper item 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
- 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
- A Pass grade for this component will therefore entail at the minimum: 2 posts (approx 150 words each) in 8 out of 10 topics. Total of 16 posts.
- Posts will need to show evidence of having done the readings and listened to the lecture.
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 for this unit were originally delivered to a live audience during Semester One at Macquarie University. Students can access the recordings through ECHO on iLearn. The lectures are 2hrs long: 1 x hour lecture and 1 x hour video. Please note that the video material is supplementary to the lecture, not essential viewing. Echo recording doesn’t typically allow the capture of video material for copyright reasons. Where possible I have therefore included hyperlinks on iLearn to streaming versions of the films. The remaining videos can be viewed at Macquarie University library if students live locally (remember to bring your own headphones), or sourced independently.
Students require access to reliable broadband internet and a computer.
Unit Schedule
| Week 1 | Introduction |
| Week 2 | Feminism/s |
| Week 3 | Femininity |
| Week 4 | Sex-gender |
| Week 5 | Equality & Difference |
| Week 6 | Gendered Harm |
| Week 7 | Reproduction: Rights & Responsibilities |
| Week 8 | Politicians & Prejudice: Sexism |
| Week 9 | Muslim Women, Feminism & Islamic Feminism |
| Week 10 | Female Genital Mutilation |
| Week 11 | Indigenous family violence |
| Week 12 | Gender (masculinity) & Education |
Policies and Procedures
Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Extension Request
Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)
The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.
You need to show that the circumstances:
- were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
- were beyond your control
- caused substantial disruption to your academic work
- substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
- lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.
If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:
- Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
- Fill in your relevant details
- Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
- Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process
Outcome
Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.
OUA Specific Policies and Procedures
Withdrawal from a unit after the census date
You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.
If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.
If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.
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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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.
About this Unit
Foundations in Gender Studies is an introductory unit for students interested in what it means to be male and female today and what it has meant for past generations. The unit is divided into two parts: Foundational Topics and Focus Topics.
The Foundational Topics will each use first, second and third wave feminist theory to explain how issues that are now fundamental to Gender Studies - such as the ethics of care, gender identity, equal rights - first came to prominence. In addition, by using the different waves of feminism to structure the unit students will glean how gender theory has changed over time and how the discipline continues to evolve in response to contemporary issues.
The Focus Topics contained in the second part of the Unit will give students the chance to apply the different theoretical frameworks they've learnt above to specific discussions of local or global issues that affect men, women and gender-diverse subjects today.
GENX110 is an interdisciplinary unit, drawing from sociology, philosophy, education and more. The unit has been designed by the Director of the Gender Studies Program at Macquarie University, Dr Judy Lattas, who also provides the majority of the lecture material. A number of guest academics will also deliver lectures within their fields of expertise.
Trigger Warning: GENX110 contains lecture material on sexual assault and domestic violence. I urge any student who feels unable to engage with lecture content of this sort (for example in Week 6 on Gendered Harm or Week 11 on Indigenous Family Violence) to contact me so that I can organise alternative assessment if necessary.
Extensions and Special Consideration
Extensions
Extension requests should be made as early as possible before the assignment due date to:
Extensions are granted only on grounds of illness or misadventure, and appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted. If you are having problems completing an assignment, please contact the convenor or tutor as early as possible.
OUA Special Circumstances Process
Special Circumstances refers to late withdrawal from a unit and your request to have your circumstances taken into account for a possible refund of fees and removal of a “fail” result.
Applications for Special Circumstances are to be submitted to Open University Australia directly.
https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/student-support-services/special-circumstances/
Reading Material
There is no requirement to purchase any texts for this unit. All required reading can be accessed electronically through MQ library. For more information click on the Online Learning Guides tab in the top right sidebar on iLearn. Then click 'Library Support'
In summary, required readings can be accessed via:
- hyperlinks for each text on the GENX110 iLearn site (within each topic section)
- iShare link on iLearn (this will take you to all the unit readings housed within MQ library)
- general Catalogue search of the MQ library website
The required reading for each of our Foundational Topics will consist of 3 texts (usually journal articles or book chapters) that represent first, second and third wave feminist theory.
The required reading for each of the Focus Topics will consist of 2 texts.
The required reading is one of the most challenging parts of the unit - those of you who have studied Arts subjects previously will have some familiarity with this. As the articles or book chapters can be complex it may be necessary to read them more than once. Please be an active reader, make notes, print out the readings if it’s helpful and underline relevant passages. Use secondary sources. Learning a new language like gender theory takes time, but is worth the effort!
A supplementary reading list has also been provided.