module specification

 The module introduces students to the key concepts and theories relating to the social construction of gender and sexuality and their application to a range of social sectors and issues in the UK and abroad. The ways in which gender and sexuality are both constitutive of the social and are constituted through social structures, institutions and interactions are explored, as are the ways in which theories of gender and sexuality have informed the sociological study of the family, work, health, education, crime, the welfare state and politics, media and the body.
Module aims
• To introduce and critically analyse key concepts in the sociological study of gender and sexuality;
• To introduce a range of theoretical approaches to understanding the operation of gender and sexuality at the levels of social structures, social relations and social identities;
• To consider the impact of gender and sexuality across a range of social sectors and social issues;
• To consider the links and intersections between gender, sexuality and other forms of social identity and difference, including class, race, ethnicity, etc.
• To consider the social and political sources of the persistence of discrimination and inequalities on the basis of gender and sexual orientation.

Topics LO1
Introduction to gender and sexuality LO1
Theories of gender LO1
Theories of sexuality LO1
Intersexuality LO1
Masculinities
Transgender and Transsexual identities LO1
Sexuality and the Law LO2, LO3
Gender and the Law LO2, LO3
Domestic Violence LO2, LO3
Sexual Violence LO2, LO3
Assessment 1 LO1
Criminalisation of homosexuality LO2, LO3
Sex work LO2, LO3
Body modification LO2, LO3
Reproductive rights and technologies LO2, LO3
Gender and education LO2, LO3
Gender and Welfare state LO2, LO3
Gender and migration LO2, LO3
Media representation LO2, LO3
Femicide LO2, LO3
Assessment 2 LO2, LO3

The module will utilise a combination of lectures, seminars, group activities and video/film on gender and sexuality. The lectures and seminars will utilise and expect students to use a wide selection of resources available to them in the library and online. Students will be encouraged to engage in class discussions analysing specific gender and sexuality issues and problems.
The lectures, readings, seminars, and class exercises are geared to prepare the students for assessment assignments. The tasks (see assessment strategy below) are aimed at ascertaining whether the student has achieved all learning Outcomes outlined above.

 On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1 Identify and describe a range of sociological concepts and theories used to explain gender and sexuality;
2 Demonstrate an understanding of how gender and/or sexuality play a part in shaping specific social sectors.
3 Critically evaluate and apply appropriate concepts and theories of gender and/or sexuality to the analysis of specific contemporary social issues and controversies.

 Tasks:
There are two pieces of coursework for this module. The first is a 3,000 word essay exploring and evaluating key concepts and theories (LO1) – 50% due in Week 16. The second is a 3,000 word case study analysis which requires students to critically consider a contemporary debate or issue in a specific social sector by applying relevant theories (LO2 and 3) – 50% due in Week 28.
The assessment criteria for the essays will be discussed in detail in the module, and will expect the student to: present an approach for understanding theories, concepts, and debates; apply these concepts to case studies; convey arguments cogently, using their own thoughts, analysis and wording; support all claims and assertions with evidence, drawing from readings and case studies examined in the module; engage in use of appropriate academic sources and reference as assigned; and write with due regard to syntax, grammar, and expected academic standards.

 Core readings

Brittan, Dana (2011) The Gender of Crime, Rowman and Littlefield.
Price, Janet and M. Shildrick (eds) (1999) Feminist Theory and the Body: A Reader, Routledge.
Victoria Robinson and Diane Richardson (2015) Introducing Gender and Women's Studies, 4th edition, Palgrave (e-book available via the library website).
Weeks, Jeffrey (2009) Sexuality, Routledge.
Additional readings
Adams, Rachel and D Savran (eds) (2002) The Masculinity Studies Reader,
Blackwell.
Bird, Chloe (2008) Gender and Health, Cambridge UP.
Brah A and A Phoenix (2004) ‘Ain’t I a Woman? Revisiting Intersectionality, Journal of International Women’s Studies, 5 (3).
Butler, Judith (1994) 'Gender as Performance: An Interview with Judith Butler',
Radical Philosophy, 67, Summer 1994.
Cohen, Anthony P. (2000). Signifying Identities: Anthropological Perspectives on
Boundaries and Contested Identities (New York: Routledge).
Dines, G and J Humez (2011) Gender, race and class in media: a critical reader,
Sage.
E Breitenbach et al (eds) (2002) The Changing Politics of Gender Equality in Britain,
Basingstoke: Macmillan.
Ferguson, Susan J. (ed.) (2013) Race, gender, sexuality, and social class:
dimensions of inequality (Los Angeles: SAGE Publications).
Gauntlett, D (2008). Media, gender and identity: an introduction (London; New York:
Routledge).
Hines, Sally (2007) ‘(Trans) Forming Gender: Social Change and Transgender Citizenship’, Sociological Research Online, vol.12, issue 1.
Jackson, S and S Scott (2002) Gender: A Sociological Reader, Routledge.
Jones, J. (ed) (2011) Gender, sexualities and law, Routledge.
Kelan, Elisabeth (2009) Performing Gender at Work, Palgrave.
Lewis, Jane (2009) Work-Family Balance, Gender and Policy, Edward Elgar.
Mirza, Heidi (ed) (1997) Black British Feminism: A Reader, Routledge.
Pascall, Gillian (2012) Gender Equality in the Welfare State?, Policy Press.
Pilcher, Jane and I Whelehan (2004) 50 Key Concepts in Gender Studies, Sage.
Richardson, D. (2000). Rethinking Sexuality (Theory, Culture & Society), Sage.
Taylor, Yvette, Sally Hines and Mark E. Casey (eds) (2011) Theorizing Intersectionality and Sexuality, Palgrave.
Ward, T., Laws, R.D., Hudson, S.M. (eds) (2003) Sexual deviance: issues and controversies, Sage.
Wykes, Maggie and K Welsh (2009) Violence, Gender and Justice, Sage.
Young, Iris Marion (2005) On Female Body Experience, Oxford University Press.

But the main readings will appear within the week by week programme. A large amount of self-directed study will be expected at level 6.