Students in Group Study courses are advised that this syllabus may vary in key details in each instance of the course. Always refer to the Moodle site for the most up-to-date details on texts, assignment structure, and grading.
Outline
MAIS 628: Gender and Sexuality introduces students to the theories and empirical research that form the backbone of gender and sexuality studies. Students will question the cultural imperative that there are but two biological sexes, and that heterosexual desire and practice are the norms against which all other desires and practices are measured and found to be “deviant.” The course invites a critical examination of the two-sex binary order and the heteronormative matrix, and focuses on the ways in which sexed and sexual regimes are reproduced, resisted, and challenged through feminine, masculine, queer, and trans performances of identity.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students will be able to:
Develop a clear understanding that sex, gender, and sexuality are socially constructed categories.
Provide an overview of the historical and social changes in the understanding of sex, gender, and sexuality in Western culture since the Middle Ages.
Critically discuss the power and pervasiveness of sexed and sexual regimes.
Explain how gender and sexuality intersect with other socially constructed categories such as race, ethnicity, class, and ability.
Provide concrete examples that show how performances of femininity and masculinity both reproduce and challenge the two-sex binary order.
Explain some of the ways queer and transgender theories, performances, and politics can disrupt and subvert the heteronormative matrix.
Draw on the theories and empirical research studies presented in this course and apply them to mediated and real-world scenarios
Evaluation
To receive credit for this course, students must participate in the online activities, successfully complete the assignments, and achieve a final mark of at least C− (60 percent). Students should be familiar with the Master of Arts—Interdisciplinary Studies grading system. Please note that it is students' responsibility to maintain their program status. Any student who receives a grade of "F" in one course, or a grade of "C" in more than one course, might be required to withdraw from the program.
You will be evaluated on your understanding of the concepts presented in the course and on your ability to apply those concepts. Your final grade in the course will be based on the marks achieved for the following activities.
Activity
Weight
Online Participation
20%
Short Essays
25%
Research Proposal
15%
Research Essay
40%
Total
100%
Materials
Beasley, C. (2005). Gender and sexuality: Critical theories, critical thinkers. Los Angeles; London: Sage Publications Ltd. (eText)
Foucault, M. (1990). The history of sexuality: Volume 1, An introduction (R. Hurley, Trans.). New York: Vintage Books. (Print)
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.