Module Code - Title:
SO6102
-
SELECTED ISSUES IN GENDER, CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module provides an introduction to some of the key thinkers, theories, themes and debates in the study of gender, sexuality, culture and society. This module will be taught from a social constructionist perspective. At a theoretical level, we will examine how particular discourses of gender, femininity, masculinity, and sexuality are actively reinforced, internalized and resisted in culture and society, and how new, diverse queer and intersectional identities are being adopted which challenge these gender binaries.
Syllabus:
Topics will change according to particular staff expertise, but may include: gender and popular culture; gender and the family; gender and multiculturalism; gender, race and intersectionality; gender and new social media; gender, class and social inequality; LGBTQ+ and queer identities and sexualities; and transgender issues.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the different theoretical approaches in the field of gender and sexuality, and apply these theories to specific social issues.
Analyse how gender operates in contemporary society and culture.
Evaluate seemingly neutral social phenomena through the lens of gender theory.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Understand the emotional impact of gender on individual lives, and the ethical implications of looking at theories of gender.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught through in-class lectures and seminars focusing on contemporary theoretical issues relevent to gender and sexuality. Seminars will allow students to build upon, express and develop their communicative and argumentation skills, and enhance their competence in conveying ideas clearly.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Trier-Bieniak, Allison, (2019)
Gender and Popular Culture- a Text Reader.
, London: Springer
Kathy Davis, Mary Evans and Judith Lorber (eds.) (2006)
Handbook of Gender and Women's Studies.
, London: Sage
McCann, Hannah. and Monaghan, Whitney. (2019)
Queer Theory Now: From Foundations to Queer Futures.
, London: McMillan
Walby, S., Gottfried, H., Gottschall, K. and Osawa, M. (eds.) (2007)
Gendering the Knowledge Economy
, Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MASOCITFA - SOCIOLOGY (APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Mary.ODonoghue@ul.ie