Students
POL 826 – Gender and Policy
2015 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Emily Cachia
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPP or PGDipPP or PGCertPP or MPASR or PGCertPASR or PGDipPASR or MIntRel or GradDipPASR or GradDipIntRel or GradDipPP or GradCertPP or MIntLawGovPP
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the compatibility of gendered political institutions with a contemporary society that embraces modern ideals of equality, liberty, anti-discrimination and individual choice. Students will theorise and analyse the structural processes that position gendered individuals in unequal relations of power. They will analyse how gendered institutions and systems work in practice; the role of the state in sustaining them; the claims of those who contest these normative institutions; and gender's specific products and effects, such as women's lower wages; the exclusion of homosexuality from normative public life; sex segregation in employment; and heterosexual male dominance in political life.
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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:
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
General Assessment Information
There are three assessment tasks for this unit. All assignments are compulsory. Failure to complete one of the assessment tasks will result in the student being awarded a “Fail” for the unit.
More detailed information explaining each of the assessment tasks can be found on iLearn.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Documentary Analysis | 20% | Sunday week 5 | No | ||
| Critical Essay | 30% | Sunday Week 8 | No | ||
| Research Essay | 50% | Sunday Week 13 | No |
Documentary Analysis
Due: Sunday week 5
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
This assignment asks students to compose a documentary analysis of a critical essay and the selected correspondence offered in response to it. All source material for this essay will be available electronically through iLearn and iShare.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Critical Essay
Due: Sunday Week 8
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
This assessment task requires that you critically evaluate (parts of) two government reports and use this to develop your own response to the idea that it's women’s individual choices alone, rather than public policy, that contribute to their economic status.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Research Essay
Due: Sunday Week 13
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
This task required that you select a broad area of public policy and research its gendered assumptions, and the outcomes of the policy that are relevant to gender.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery:
Evening and Online.
The Evening offering of POL 826 consists of a weekly 1 hour Lecture and 2 hour tutorial.
Technologies used and required
This unit has an online presence in iLearn (http://ilearn.mq.edu.au). Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.
This unit will use Echo lecture recording (accessed via iLearn).
For technical support go to: http://mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/informatics/help
For student quick guides on the use of iLearn go to: http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm
Times and Locations for Lectures and Tutorials
Internal students are required to attend weekly lectures and tutorials throughout semester. These are as follows:
Lecture: Wednesday 6pm in room W5C 221
Tutorial: Wednesday 7-9m in room W5C 221
For current updates, lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetables website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au
Required and recommended resources
Required readings can be accessed online through iShare via iLearn or unit readings via MQ library website.
Unit Schedule
| Week | Lecture Topic |
| Week 1 | Gender and the State |
| Week 2 | Gender Mainstreaming: Approaches & Critiques |
| Week 3 | Pronatalism & the Economy |
| Week 4 | The Case of Same Sex Marriage |
| Week 5 | Reproductive Rights & Responsibilities |
| Week 6 | Intersectionality in Policy |
| Week 7 | Gender & Development |
| Week 8 | Gender, Culture, Rites & Rights |
| Week 9 | Hegemonic Masculinity |
| Week 10 | Gendered Harm: Domestic Violence & Policy |
| Week 11 | Gender and the Global Sex Economy |
| Week 12 | HIV policy |
| Week 13 | No Lecture - essay consultation |
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/
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.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Assessment tasks
- Documentary Analysis
- Critical Essay
- Research Essay
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Assessment tasks
- Documentary Analysis
- Critical Essay
- Research Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Assessment tasks
- Documentary Analysis
- Critical Essay
- Research Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Assessment tasks
- Documentary Analysis
- Critical Essay
- Research Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Assessment tasks
- Documentary Analysis
- Critical Essay
- Research Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical repertoire developed and used by scholars of gender and politics.
- Identify and explain the ideological approaches informing evolving understandings of gender and policy (eg feminism, conservatism, neoliberalism etc)
- Assess the significance of gendered assumptions in select policies governing the intimate arena (eg sex roles, heteronormativity, hegemonic masculinity) and their relationships to pronatalist government agendas.
- Identify the evolution of critical thinking about gendered policies more broadly, especially the transition from gender specific programming, to gender mainstreamed programming including approaches of intersectionality.
- Critically evaluate Australian Gender Mainstreaming policy approaches in an international (global) context.
- Analyse and evaluate how, in practice, gendered assumptions in policy relate to contemporary political ideals such as antidiscrimination, equality, liberty and individual choice.
Assessment tasks
- Documentary Analysis
- Critical Essay
- Research Essay
Unit Description
Gender is central to politics. Gender informs our identities, social norms, behaviours, stereotypes and expectations for men and women. Studying gender and policy means analysing how gendered institutions and systems work in practice, the role of the state in sustaining them, the claims of those who contest these normative institutions, as well as gender’s specific products and effects, such as women’s lower wages, the exclusion of homosexuality from normative public life, sex segregation in employment and heterosexual male dominance in political life. It entails theorising and analysing the structural processes that position individuals in unequal relations of power. In Gender and Politics we will examine the compatibility of gendered institutions with a postmodern society. That is, a society embracing modern political ideals of equality, liberty, antidiscrimination and individual choice; along with the social organisation of sex, sexuality and kinship that has transcended its traditional proprietorial origins