ATS2322 · The personal is political: Examining gender politics in Australia

Overview

In today's political climate, issues related to gender and politics are more important than ever. In this unit, you will explore the ways in which gender shapes political systems, institutions, and policies in Australian politics. You will critically examine the historical and contemporary experiences of women's participation in politics, including their roles in political activism, representation, and policy-making. You will also gain an understanding of how inequalities based on gender, race, class and sexuality influence our politics and learn the tools to undertake gendered critiques and analyses of politics. Topics covered include: political representation; the media; political parties and leaders; public policies; body politics; masculinity; Indigenous activism; LGBTIQ+ issues; and disability politics. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand and engage with these issues, and to contribute to ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and social justice in Australia. In this unit, you will learn via a mix of in-class discussions, presentations, activities, case studies and media analysis.

Areas of study: Politics

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

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. reflect on the importance of gender and feminist perspectives to understand political phenomenon;
2. explain the key concepts and theories in the study of gender and politics;
3. apply gender and feminist theories and concepts to contemporary cases and issues in Australian politics;
4. devise, prepare and complete a research project concerning a specific gender politics issue;
5. critically evaluate politics through a gendered lens, and to articulate this in high-quality academic written and verbal expression.

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. 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.