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GS40090

Academic Year 2024/2025

Gender Studies: Critical Themes (GS40090)

Subject:
Gender Studies
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Soc Pol, Soc Wrk & Soc Justice
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Aideen Quilty
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This course will introduce the principal theoretical concepts and frameworks of gender and feminist theorising, politics, and practices. Using a number of key themes - power, the body, sexualities and identities - key concepts and discourses in gender and feminist theory will be explored in the context of social dividing lines such as class, ethnicity, sexuality, (dis) ability and age. Students will be encouraged to explore different theoretical and political perspectives and to think critically and self-reflexively about a range of gender related issues as they relate to diverse social, political and cultural situations. Different feminist and gender theories and perspectives will be explored under the selected themes.

The Course is planned on the basis of a weekly lecture using key texts, which are the required readings. Guide questions will be set by the lecturer each week to facilitate critical reading and engagement with the required readings which are read in advance to facilitate an interactive process of student-centered learning. This will involve small and full group discussions, group work, in class think-tasks and presentations. Additional readings are also suggested for students who have a particular interest in specific themes. A wide range of readings and learning materials are available on the VLE - Brightspace. On completion of the course, students will submit an end of Trimester critical essay, based on research and selected texts.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a critical understanding of conceptual genealogies and different perspectives and debates within gender studies and social theory under the themes: power, the body/bodies, sexualities and identities
2. communicate knowledge and understanding of current debates within gender theory and feminism on these key themes through participation in class discussion and group work
3. display an understanding of current gender related issues in different sectors based on social class, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and age
4. engage in critical reflection of their own gender-based subjectivities and lived realities
5. actively contribute to a critically informed, feminist learning environment
6. write a critical essay of 4,000 words based on research and key texts.

Indicative Module Content:

A comprehensive module outline will be available to students through the Brightspace VLE and will provide a detailed session by session content breakdown to include specific session theme, core and additional readings, module bibliography, assessment details.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Specified Learning Activities

110
Autonomous Student Learning

110
Total

242

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
My teaching and learning philosophy is influenced by critical education and feminist empowerment pedagogy. Drawing on the work of educationalists and pedagogues including Dewey, Greene, Freire, hooks, Brookfield and Barnett, my aim is to maximise student participation and engagement. My teaching portfolio reflects a career devoted to developing pedagogies appropriate to diverse student cohorts and seeks to make explicit the synergistic relationship between research and teaching. Adopting a dialogical approach I draw on a variety of methods and skills acquired over two decades including: the flipped classroom, inductive learning strategies, group work. I make effective use of the UCD VLE Brightspace and draw on a range of multi-media resources, art and visual materials and a broad range of academic reading materials.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Video presentation based on a chosen module theme: pre-recorded with accompanying briefing document outlining Conceptual, Socio-Cultural-Political and Affective insights/learning. Week 12 Graded No

50

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): End of trimester essay (3,500 words) drawing on module readings and independent research. Week 15 Graded No

50

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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