AMU3574 · Performing Asian, African and Black masculinities

Overview

In this unit, you will explore how masculinities are understood and enacted in Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan), Africa (Uganda, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia), the United States and throughout the world. Scholars note that a more holistic approach to Gender Studies must take into serious consideration the meanings and relationalities between femininities and masculinities, particularly in the ways in which these synergies manifest diversely around the globe. Inspired by the insights of the celebrated masculinities scholar Raewyn Connell, you will challenge the flattened impressions of masculinity as universal, singular manifestations, and invites students to consider the unstable constructions of masculinities in relation to femininities and other intersecting issues. We will cover eye-opening topics such as patriarchy and violence, military, spiritualities, non-heteronormative sexualities, disease, marriage, cooking, racism and female masculinities. Through a close examination of highly diverse and exciting resources, you will engage with and understand the complex and shifting performances of masculinities that impact men (and women) in Asia, Africa, the United States and other parts of the world.

Areas of study: Gender studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify contemporary historico-political, social and religio-cultural issues as sites of power that condition and are conditioned by diverse performances of masculinity throughout the world;
2. critique the various understandings, constructions and enactments of masculinity with their attendant (de)valorisations throughout the world;
3. analyse and explain key theoretical concepts of masculinity;
4. apply key aspects theoretical concepts of masculinity theory to critically examine relevant contemporary historico-political, social and religio-cultural issues in various parts of the world.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.