SSJ40050 Gender Theory: Critical Themes

Academic Year 2020/2021

This course will introduce the principal theoretical concepts and frameworks of gender and feminist thought, politics, and practices. Using a number of key themes - power, the body, labour and identities - key concepts and discourses in gender theory will be explored in the context of social dividing lines such as class, ethnicity, sexuality, (dis) ability and age. Students will be encouraged to explore different theoretical and political perspectives and to think critically and self-reflexively about gender identities, concepts of masculinities and femininities as they relate to diverse social, political and cultural situations. Different feminist and gender theories and perspectives will be explored under the selected themes. Concepts sex and gender, femininity and masculinity, embodiment and agency have been explored by gender and feminist theorists and this course will explore key texts and debates on how to understand complex changing gender roles and identities.

The Course is planned on the basis of a weekly lecture using key texts, which are the required readings. Required readings are to be read before class to facilitate an interactive process of student-centered learning. Additional readings are also suggested for students who have a particular interest in specific themes. Readings are available on Blackboard. Over the course of the Trimester for their Assignment individual students will be asked to lead the discussion on the key texts associated with a specific lecture. On completion of the course, students will submit an end of Trimester critical essay, based on research and selected texts.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
demonstrate a critical understanding of different perspectives within gender studies and social theory under the themes: power, the body, sexuality, labour and identities;
show knowledge and understanding of current debates within gender theory and feminism on these key themes;
display an understanding of current issues for women and men, in different sectors based on social class, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and age;
write a critical essay of 4,000 words based on research and key texts.

Indicative Module Content:

A comprehensive module outline will be available to students through Brightspace and will provide a detailed session by session content breakdown to include specific session theme, core and additional readings, module bibliography, assessment details.

In summary the module will explore different perspectives within gender studies, social theory, feminist and queer theory under the broad themes: power, the body, sexuality, labour and identities.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Specified Learning Activities

72

Autonomous Student Learning

104

Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
My teaching and learning philosophy is influenced by critical education and feminist empowerment pedagogy. Drawing on the work of educationalists and pedagogues including Dewey, Greene, Freire, hooks, Brookfield and Barnett, my aim is to maximise student participation and engagement. My teaching portfolio reflects a career devoted to developing pedagogies appropriate to diverse student cohorts and seeks to make explicit the synergistic relationship between research and teaching. Adopting a dialogical approach I draw on a variety of methods and skills acquired over two decades including: the flipped classroom, inductive learning strategies, group work. I make effective use of the UCD VLE Brightspace and draw on a range of multi-media resources, art and visual materials and a broad range of academic reading materials. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment: Group Presentation Project based on module themes. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25

Essay: End of Semester 3,500-4,000 word essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

75


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Ms Ursula Barry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Aideen Quilty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer