This unit explores how gender and sexuality has been constructed and contested both historically and in our contemporary world. It examines key theorists of gender and sexuality, whilst also mapping key moments in feminist and LGBTQIA+ struggles for equality. Adopting a global perspective, this unit is attentive to the diverse ways gender and sexuality intersects with race, class, ethnicity, religion and ability/disability. The unit will also enable students to identify societal structures (law, medicine, popular culture, etc.) that maintain particular norms of gender and sexuality, whilst equipping them to creatively and productively intervene into these structures to create more equitable outcomes for marginalised groups.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify and understand key moments in feminist and queer history, demonstrating an understanding of the ongoing effects of medical, legal and other frameworks designed to regulate gender and sexuality;
2. Analyse the intersection of gender and sexuality with race, class, ethnicity, religion and ability/disability; and
3. Critically reflect on, and creatively address, key issues facing groups marginalised by their sexuality or gendered experiences.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.