Unit information: The Sociology of Gender in 2021/22

Unit name	The Sociology of Gender
Unit code	SOCI20042
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
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

Description including Unit Aims

This unit introduces students to some key theoretical perspectives and conceptualizations of gender, for example the influence of postmodernism on feminist theory. It also examines contemporary sex and gender relations through the investigation of a number of different empirical topics illustrative of processes of gendering in contemporary Britain. Central to the unit are notions of equality, change, identity and power. A key issue is to understand the diverse ways in which gender is socially constructed: students are invited to conceptualize gender less as a characteristic of individuals and more as a structural division in society, a system of meanings, or a social process. It considers gendered relations of power and the articulation of gender with other kinds of social difference such as 'race', class and sexuality. The unit also emphasises the importance of historical change, alongside the need to appreciate the complexities and diversities of gender relations.

Aims:

• to introduce key concepts and theoretical perspectives in the sociological analysis of gender
• to provide a grounding in important empirical research in the area
• to examine the type of evidence needed to support particular theoretical propositions and the strengths and limitations of the evidence that is available
• to stress the historically changing nature of gender relations and thus the possibility of further potential change towards the achievement of gender equality

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. an understanding of classic feminist theories and the ability to apply them in a critical fashion to specific topics.
2. an appreciation of the type of evidence needed to support particular theoretical propositions and the strengths and limitations of the evidence that is available.
3. a knowledge of key research findings and studies which illustrate the social construction of gender

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities

Assessment Information

Formative: 1000 word essay (0%)

Summative: 3000 word essay (100%)

ILOs 1, 2, and 3 will be assessed through the formative and summative essays.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SOCI20042).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.