Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2034: Gender and Society 1: Body and Sexuality in Contemporary Perspective

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to develop a multi-faceted, in-depth approach to the study of gender and sexuality in the Western world through an exploration of perspectives on masculinities, femininities, bodies and sexualities and their historical, cultural and social and political dimensions. As such, the module aims to

(a) introduce you to the ways in which these concepts have been articulated and debated, and

(b) help you develop a critical understanding of topical issues, together with

(c) the ability to apply such an understanding both to fine-tune your analyses of gender relations and dynamics, sexual representations and love and intimacy (to name a few) and your observation and interpretation of everyday life. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Differentiate between various perspectives on gender, sexuality and the body;
2. Appraise their conceptual and social relevance through informed examples;
3. Evaluate various perspectives on selected topics (such as feminism, hetero-normativity, love and intimacy)
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate the capacity to select topical material and structure it in order to present coherent arguments in relation to masculinities and femininities, bodies and sexualities
5. Acquire systematic and comprehensive knowledge of gender debates
Personal and Key Skills6. Plan and work independently and in groups;
7. Make good use of feedback; and
8. Act autonomously within agreed guidelines and manage time effectively to meet deadlines