| Unit name | Gender Relations |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCI20019 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Perrier |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Key perspectives and conceptualizations of gender. Also examines contemporary sex and gender through the investigation of a number of topics illustrative of gender relaitons in specific societies including Britain. Central to the unit are notions of equality, change, nature and culture. A key issue is to understand the different ways in which gender is socially constructed, while appreciating the possibility of biological constraints. Unit emphasises the importance of historical change and cross-cultural approaches in order to appreciate the complexity and diversity of gender relations.
Aims:
1. to introduce key concepts and theoretical perspectives in the sociological analysis of gender
2. to provide a grounding in important empirical research in the area
3. to examine the type of evidence needed to support particular theoretical propositions and the strengths and limitations of the evidence that is available
4. to stress the historically changing nature of gender relations and thus the possibility of further potential change towards the achievement of gender equality.
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
A. understand classic feminist theories and apply them in a critical fashion to specific topics.
B. appreciate the type of evidence needed to support particular theoretical propositions and the strengths and limitations of the evidence that is available
C. demonstrate a knowledge of key research findings and studies which illustrate the social construction of gender
2 hours of lectures and 1 hour seminar
Essay 1 (40%) and Essay 2 (60%)
