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FOAR7006 – Research Theme 2: Feminism, Queer Theory and the Problem of Identity

2023 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-weekday

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Isobelle Barrett Meyering
i.barrettmeyering@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit examines the ways in which various contestations (over postmodernism, poststructuralism and queer theory) challenged the foundational categories of feminist theory in the 1980s and 1990s. The unit will ponder whether the call for a contingent feminist theory and practice undermined or, in fact, invigorated feminist critical thought and practice. Through an engagement with the various critical frameworks that emerged in the wake of these contestations, the unit will then examine the reformulations and reframings that feminist scholars have produced in the decades since these interventions. What do these new critical frameworks seek to explain? Do they represent a return or a critical rupture? Are we living in a post-feminist moment? This unit will be framed as a cross-disciplinary unit, students are encouraged to bring their diverse disciplinary perspectives to the discussion and assessment.

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:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of some key debates in feminist theory
  • ULO2: Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of some key terms and ideas in queer theory
  • ULO3: Critically reflect on the relationship between feminist politics and research in the humanities and social sciences
  • ULO4: Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it
  • ULO5: Practice ethical and inclusive engagement with learning peers
  • ULO6: Demonstrate advanced written and verbal communication skills to deploy feminist categories of analysis

General Assessment Information

Research essay questions will be distributed via ilearn and the weekly diary will be submitted weekly in an online blog forum.

 

Late Assessment Submission Penalty  

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue.    

This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Research Essay 50% No 9 June, 11.59pm
Critical Essay 25% No 14 April, 11.59pm
Weekly Diary 25% No Submitted weekly, marked at the end of semester.

Research Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 9 June, 11.59pm
Weighting: 50%

 

A research essay related to a key theme of the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of some key terms and ideas in queer theory
  • Critically reflect on the relationship between feminist politics and research in the humanities and social sciences
  • Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it
  • Demonstrate advanced written and verbal communication skills to deploy feminist categories of analysis

Critical Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 14 April, 11.59pm
Weighting: 25%

 

A short essay that examines key works from early in the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of some key debates in feminist theory
  • Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of some key terms and ideas in queer theory
  • Critically reflect on the relationship between feminist politics and research in the humanities and social sciences
  • Demonstrate advanced written and verbal communication skills to deploy feminist categories of analysis

Weekly Diary

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Submitted weekly, marked at the end of semester.
Weighting: 25%

 

Students will complete a reflective diary after each weekly discussion where they identify key themes from the discussion.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of some key debates in feminist theory
  • Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of some key terms and ideas in queer theory
  • Practice ethical and inclusive engagement with learning peers

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

A weekly unit scheudle is avaialble via ilearn and all readings will be available via leganto

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

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

Unit information based on version 2023.01R of the Handbook