SOC20040 Sociology of Gender

Academic Year 2022/2023

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the field of gender studies in sociology. Gender continues to be an important structure in contemporary societies. It is also a central component of identity and lived experience. The course integrates a range of theoretical approaches to the study of gender with recent empirical research on gender inequalities. There have been many changes in the lives of Irish men and women in the last thirty years that are of particular interest. The first part of the module will focus on key theories and concepts. In everyday life gender is often understood as something biologically given and fixed. The theoretical models central to sociology of gender offer alternative ways of understanding gender and point to its intersections with other inequalities. In the second part we will focus on how Irish society is gendered, and how this produces and reproduces gender inequalities. Topics include gender norms and stereotypes, paid and unpaid work, leadership and gender based violence. In the final part of the module we will consider why gender inequalities persist and how a more gender equal society might be created. .

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of this module, the students should be able to: Draw on sociological perspectives and theories to discuss key debates and issues in sociology of gender; Critically analyse “common sense” understandings of gender; Discuss why gender inequalities persist and how they impact men and women; Show an understanding of how gender is organised in contemporary Irish society; Consider how more gender equal society might be achieved.

Indicative Module Content:

Theorising gender; gender norms and stereotypes; paid and unpaid work; leadership; gender based violence; recommendations of 2021 Citizen's Assembly on Gender Equality

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

75
Total

117
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures (2 x week);
Active learning;
Reflective learning;
Critical thinking and writing; 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Should be prepared to read extensively.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: 1,700 word essay. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

70
Continuous Assessment: 8 Short exercises (wks3-10). You can skip up to 3 without penalty. As feedback will be given within 3 days, late submissions will not be accepted. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on assessed coursework via a rubric on Brightspace, in group sessions at lectures, and/or in person during office hours as appropriate.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Sara O'Sullivan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer