SO116-15 Sociology of Gender
Introductory description
This module aims to introduce you to major theories, concepts, debates and insights in the Sociology of Gender. This will be achieved through the study of feminist, queer and trans theorising, as well as classical and recent empirical studies about different aspects of the social construction of gender. It will explore the intersections between gender and other axes of inequality (such as sexuality, race and class), and consider the role that language, media, science, work, family, intimacy, education. law and politics play in the social construction of gender relations of power.
Module aims
To develop knowledge of the sociology of gender. To enable students to understand how gender is socially constructed and the material consequences of this. To foster better understanding of intersectionality, that is the empirical and theoretical interconnections between gender and other axes of difference, such as class, (dis)ability, race and sexuality. To enable students to apply their understanding to key areas of everyday life, such as popular culture, personal relationships, education, work and politics.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Indicative syllabus (the topics covered each week are regularly adjusted to reflect staff expertise, student interest and recent developments in the field)
SECTION 1: CONCEPTUALISING GENDER
Week 1 - Introduction to the Sociology of Gender
Week 2 - Theorising Sex and Gender
Week 3 - Recognising the Complexity of Gender - Intersections, Hierarchies and Pluralities
SECTION 2: GENDER IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Week 4 - Gender and Media
Week 5 - Gender and Science
Week 6 - Reading Week
Week 7 - Gender in Education
Week 8 - Gender at Work
Week 9 - Gender, Intimacy and Family Life
Week 10 - Undoing Gender: Feminist Movements and Social Transformation
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Knowledge of basic concepts in the sociology of gender, including what it means to understand gender as a social construction.
- Ability to identify and characterise processes of the social construction of gender in different social settings and institutions.
- Understanding of a range of sociological approaches to the study of gender in everyday life.
- Knowledge of the intersections between gender and other axes of social difference and inequality, such as class, (dis)ability, race and sexuality.
- Ability to draw on key module concepts, relevant scholarly literature and appropriate evidence and examples to produce a written discussion of a particular aspect of the social construction of gender and its material consequences.
Indicative reading list
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Knowledge of basic concepts in the sociology of gender, including what it means to understand gender as a social construction.
Ability to identify and characterise processes of the social construction of gender in different social settings and institutions.
Understanding of a range of sociological approaches to the study of gender in everyday life.
Knowledge of the intersections between gender and other axes of social difference and inequality, such as class, (dis)ability, race and sexuality.
Ability to draw on key module concepts, relevant scholarly literature and appropriate evidence and examples to produce a written discussion of a particular aspects of the social construction of gender and its material consequences.
Transferable skills
Critical thinking
Communication - written and verbal
Teamwork and working effectively with others
Information literacy and research skills
Personal responsibility and motivation
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Private study | 72 hours (48%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Reading and other preparation for seminars. Preparation and writing of formative work .
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed Essay | 85% | 50 hours |
|
Writing an essay on a topic or question chosen by the student, in line with the assessment prompt provided. |
||
| Group Presentation | 15% | 10 hours |
|
Preparing and delivering a group presentation during a seminar, on a case-study relevant to that week's topic. |
||
Feedback on assessment
Written and/or audio feedback will be provided for all assessment.
Courses
This module is Core for:
-
USOA-L301 BA in Sociology
- Year 1 of L301 Sociology
- Year 1 of L301 Sociology
- Year 1 of L301 Sociology
- Year 1 of L305 Sociology with Specialism in Cultural Studies
- Year 1 of L303 Sociology with Specialism in Gender Studies
- Year 1 of L30C Sociology with Specialism in Race and Global Politics
- Year 1 of L304 Sociology with Specialism in Research Methods
- Year 1 of L30E Sociology with Specialism in Social Inequalities and Public Policy
- Year 1 of L302 Sociology with Specialism in Social Policy
- Year 1 of L30G Sociology with Specialism in Social and Political Thought
- Year 1 of L30A Sociology with Specialism in Technologies and Markets
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of UHIA-VL13 Undergraduate History and Sociology
- Year 1 of UPOA-ML13 Undergraduate Politics and Sociology
- Year 1 of USOA-L314 Undergraduate Sociology and Criminology
- Year 1 of UIPA-L3L8 Undergraduate Sociology and Global Sustainable Development
- Available as an outside option
- LL23 BA Politics and Sociology