Macquarie University
| Overview and Aims of the Program | Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that puts gender at the centre of analysing big questions about our selves and our society. What does it mean to be female, male, or other-identified in the world? In what ways do gender norms control us and how can we be free? How do other identities like sexuality, race, class, religion and disability intersect with gender to create complex power hierarchies? We explore these questions through examinations of the structures and cultures that inform our lives, from family, home and work, to science, politics, policy, the media, the environment and popular culture. You can choose units from a wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities including anthropology, cultural studies, english, history, law, linguistics, media, philosophy, politics, Russian studies and sociology. |
| Graduate Capabilities | The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to: KNOWLEDGE 1. understand the range and significance of key issues in contemporary Gender Studies (K, T, P, E) 2. explain the complex interactions between gendered social institutions and practices (family forms, workplaces, cultural norms, media technologies) and individual values, decisions, and behaviour (K, T, C, I) 3. articulate a coherent, developed argument on the impact of sex, gender and sexuality on our lives (K, P, C) SKILLS 4. critically analyse resources (print, oral, film, multimedia) within their historical, social and theoretical contexts (K, T, P, C) 5. explore the complexity and importance of cross-cultural dialogue on gender issues (K, T, P, E) 6. formulate meaningful and practical solutions and policy responses to gender-related social problems by drawing on interdisciplinary knowledge and theories (K, T, P, I, C, E, A, J) 7. communicate knowledge and skills effectively using a variety of communication media (C, I, J) APPLICATION OF SKILLS 8. use independent study and research skills relevant to Gender Studies (K, T, P, L) 9. examine the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday practice (K, T, C, E, J, L) 10. think critically about gender-related social problems and their ethical, political and cultural consequences (K, T, J, P, L). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods | Units in the Gender Studies program use a mix of learning and teaching methods. Formal lectures are delivered both in person and online. Weekly readings are assigned to prepare students to understand the lectures, and explore, clarify and examine given topics in depth during interactive tutorial activities. Teaching materials include texts as well as audiovisual media. Students learn theories and concepts introduced in the units, which are staggered from beginner to advanced levels throughout the program. Teaching methods aim to foster critical thinking that are well grounded in knowledge of relevant theory and evidence. The program helps students develop a sense of the complex interactions between gendered social institutions and practices (family forms, workplaces, cultural norms, media technologies) that influence and shape individual values, decisions and behaviours. The complexity of cross-cultural dialogue on gender-related social problems, and the importance of meaningful, practical solutions and policy responses to them, is stressed in teaching material and activities. |
| Assessment | Students are encouraged to acquire and demonstrate the learning outcomes of the Gender Studies program in different types of assessments. Assessments range from online multiple-choice quizzes and essays to research projects including proposals for a workplace research project or higher degree research thesis. Active student participation in the form of regular contributions to discussion in-class and/or online is a crucial part of learning in Gender Studies and it features in assessments in all units. Online quizzes aid students’ comprehension of key readings and lecture content. The regular tutorials and/or topic-focused online discussions on the unit websites enable students to practise their formulation of responses to unit material, developing skills in interpersonal communication and contributing to an open-ended, media-enriched exploration of gender issues. Through a number of writing assignments, students are guided in their analysis of resources (print, oral, film, multimedia) and shown how to contextualise and assess the value of such information within their historical, social and theoretical contexts. The assessment is designed to develop students’ ability to find ways to explain to others the relationship between forms of knowledge and forms of everyday practice in all their ethical, political and cultural dimensions. The assessment regime across all levels in the program encourages and rewards independent thought strengthened by critical, intellectual and ethical engagements. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl |
| Support for Learning | Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus. |
| Program Standards and Quality | The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability | This program offers expertise on a wide range of matters that involve gender and sexuality (the relations between men and women at interpersonal and institutional levels; the shaping of identity and body image, the intersections of gender with class and race; the impact of discrimination, and the possibility of social change), which concern many fields of employment. These include: • education (primary, secondary and tertiary) • health and welfare • political or public policy-making • media writing and advertising • management of private and public enterprises (sexual harassment and equal opportunity policy, issues of power, personnel management and office culture), and more. This program also provides highly sought-after skills in a variety of jobs beyond those directly dealing with gender and sexuality. They include effective oral communication, writing for a diverse audience, critical thinking, the ability to analyse complex issues, and work independently as well as collaboratively. |
| Assessment Regulations | This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.
Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:
Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.
Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements
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