Syllabus, Gender, Sex, Bodies: Theories and Debates, 2012-08-20

This is a cross-disciplinary course on biological and constructionist explanatory models for giving meaning to sex and gender. The course is divided into two modules. The first module, Conceptualizing gendered bodies: historical and contemporary understandings and debates (7,5 ECTS) begins by introducing central concepts together with historical and contemporary frontiers of debate and knowledge in the field. This is followed by highlights from the fields of medicine, biology and psychology; disciplines where collisions between standpoints have been particularly marked. The second module Contemporary theoretical issues: evolution, sexualities, reproduction and parenthood (7,5 ECTS) engages more deeply on theoretical issues. Three central areas of debate are in focus: sexualities, reproduction, and parenthood. Recent debates on biologism and evolution will also be addressed. Active participation by students in seminars is vital to the successful completion of the course. The course is taught in English.

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1: Conceptualizing gendered bodies: historical and contemporary understandings and debates
(7,5 ECTS)
After the course the student shall
- be able to give an account of central concepts and theories, and research theories and debates about gender and sex.
- be able to give an account of how these concepts and theories are used to give meaning to gender and sex in medicine, biology, and in psychology.
- in a written assignment, within a restricted area, be able to critically scrutiny perceptions and theories where gender and sex are given meaning.

Module 2: Contemporary theoretical issues: evolution, sexualities, reproduction and parenthood
(7,5 ECTS)
After the course the student shall
- be able to give account of important theoretical standpoints towards gender and sex, in areas such as; sexualities, reproduction, and parenthood.
- be able to make independent examinations about different theoretical standpoints, and how these standpoints are expressed in public debates about gender, nature and culture.
- in a written paper, be able to make a critical analysis of theories and debates in one chosen theme area of the course.

Required Knowledge

Requierements: To be admitted to the course applicants must have completed three semesters of full time studies, equivalent to 90 ECTS, of which at least 15 ECTS must be an independent project or four semesters of full time studies equivalent to 120 ECTS. English proficiency equivalent to English B from Swedish Upper secondary education. (IELTS (Academic) with minimum score 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL (Paper based with minimum score 575 and minimum TWE 4.5). TOEFL (Internet based with minimum score 90 and minimum Written 20).

Form of instruction

Teaching is conducted through lectures and seminars. Seminars are compulsory, and students who are unable to participate may be given extra examination tasks. Emphasis is placed on students’ independent work.

Examination modes

The course will be examined successively through active participation in seminars, and through individual oral, and written examinations. The examination of module 1 consists of a written assignment. The examination of module 2 consists of one written paper, where a critical analysis of theories and debates in one chosen theme area is done. For both modules and the course as a whole, the following grades are given: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG). In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course, it is necessary that all examinations and all compulsory teaching sessions have been passed. In order to achieve Pass with distinction on the whole course, this grade is demanded at both modules. A re-sit examination can be offered at the earliest ten days and at the latest three months after publishing information about the first examination. One more examination will be offered within the next year. A student who has passed the examination is not eligible for a new examination to raise grades. The option of a re-examination based on the original course syllabus will be available for at least two years after a student registered for the course. All in all, a student is given five chances of fulfilling the course examination. A student has the right to change examiner after failing two examinations for a course module, unless there are strong arguments against this.

Academic credit transfer
This course cannot be credited for other courses in gender studies at Umeå University.

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Valid from: 2013 week 34

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Included in:
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Valid from: 2012 week 34