UNSW Handbook Course - Sexuality and Power: The Social Relations of Sex and the Sexes

Sexuality and Power: The Social Relations of Sex and the Sexes - POLS2041


	Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
	School: School of Politics and International Relations
	Contact: Farrer,Vanessa Rachael
	Campus: Kensington Campus
	Career: Undergraduate
	Units of Credit: 6
	EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
	Contact Hours per Week: 3
	Enrolment Requirements:
	Prerequisite: 36 units of credit; Excluded: POLS3049, WOMS2006
	Session Offered: See Class Timetable
	Fee Band: 1 (more info)

Description

Introduces some of the main theories of power and of sexuality; analyses different sexualities, and issues relating to sexuality, in the context of theories of power. Topics include compulsory heterosexuality; the construction of masculinity, femininity and desire; marriage and prostitution; sexuality and work; body politics; and pornography and popular culture.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

grasp the ways in which sexuality is political and to engage with central debates in the field
demonstrate a greater awareness of (the often implicit) power relations that construct and regulate the 'normal' and 'everyday' patterns of sexual identities and relations
understand the ways in which our own subjectivity is shaped by prevailing discourses
critically reflect upon the politics of sexuality in daily life, be it in advertising, popular culture, public policy, social institutions or in social relations
to think critically, to question and better defend their own ideas in relation to sexuality and issues of power.

Assessment

Essay (2500 words) - 40%
Class test 1 - 20%
Class test 2 - 20%
Written tutorial work - 10%
Tutorial participation - 10%

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