Gender Studies

About

This module will provide an overview of ‘classical’ and contemporary theorizations of gender, and of the multiple ways in which gender is encountered in every aspect of our lives. The different ways of defining gender issues and shaping gender politics in Western and non-Western societies will be considered. We will study the historical and cultural contexts in which the main debates have arisen and analyse themes such as gender, identity, sexuality, motherhood, nationhood, ethnicity, ‘race’ and religion. A variety of genres including press, novel, film and essay will be examined with the purpose of considering how gender and sexuality are conceptualised within Western society, focusing on the UK. Students will explore how media and popular culture can reinforce or challenge traditional notions of gender that perpetuate inequalities.

Course leader

Dr Mazal Oaknin

Target group

This is a level one module (equivalent to first year undergraduate). No prior subject knowledge is required to study this module but students are expected to have a keen interest in the subject area.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

be able to identify and explain the ways in which gender shapes our understanding, perception and experience of the world.
have developed a critical vocabulary that includes key theoretical debates in historical and contemporary Gender Studies
be able to investigate issues and debates around gender, and to collectively develop arguments and negotiate solutions to gender-related problems
be able to interpret texts, films, essays and other media with the lens of gender
have developed their research techniques and skills and engage in critical debate based on evidence

Fee info