HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

COURSE OUTLINE

1. COURSE TITLE

Gender, Society, Culture

2. COURSE CODE

GEND3005

3. NO. OF UNITS

3 Units

4. OFFERING DEPARTMENT

Office of the Dean of Arts

5. PREREQUISITES

Nil

COREQUISITES

Nil

6. MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

English

7. AIMS & OBJECTIVES

This course introduces students to major theories and debates in gender studies with
interdisciplinary approaches. We deliver a unique opportunity for students to explore the
ways gender intersects with various spheres of knowledge, power relations, and
professional settings. We offer a rigorous gender analysis and promote awareness of its
relevance in different contexts of the contemporary world. As a required component for
students aiming at obtaining the concentration in gender studies, this course enables a
solid theoretical basis and critical sensitivity for students to build up their knowledge in
gender-related issues.

8. COURSE CONTENT

Jointly offered by the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Social Sciences, this course offers
an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of gender, and how the latter is related to,
and distinguished from, the study of biological sex (bodily realities) and sexuality
(including sexual orientation and sexual practices). It is designed to inspect these complex
issues in three parts. First, according to the disciplines in the Faculty of Arts: We begin by
revisiting some key debates in philosophy, cultural studies, and religious studies, reflecting
on their influence and inflection on understandings of gender/sex/sexuality (GSS). From
there, the course zooms in to examine gender in its intersection with various cultural
forms, including popular culture, music, language and literature, where theoretical
reflections and empirical inquiries combined will assist students in exploring the
constructed nature of GSS. Second, according to the disciplines in the Faculty of Social
Sciences: We begin by re-examining the ever-changing history through the lens of gender,
particularly on changes of gender ideals and norms through time and space. We continue
to present debates on the social construction and power relations of GSS in the fields of
sociology, social work and other social science disciplines. Third, interdisciplinary
dialogues: We conclude by bringing various disciplinary perspectives into dialogues on
selected topics that relate to students' everyday experience.

Indicative Content

Week Theme
1 Introduction: What is GSS (Gender, Sex and Sexuality)?

Gender in Arts, Humanities, and the Social Sciences

2 Exploring Gender in Philosophy and Religion
3 Exploring Gender in Cultural Studies
4 Exploring Gender in Language Studies
5 Exploring Gender in Literature
6 Exploring Gender in History
7 Exploring Gender in Sociology
8 Exploring Gender in Social Work
9 Exploring Gender in More Social Science Disciplines

Gender in Dialogue (The following suggested topics are tentative and subject to change in
the future, for instance, when timely topical issues come up.)
10 Suggested Dialogue Topic: Festivities
Behind the scenes of celebrations which involved traditions, folk stories, trends and art
etc., we will discuss and rethink the festivities around us in gender perspectives.
11 Suggested Dialogue Topic: Social Movements
Looking at various gender-just supporters, we can see the impact of worldwide social
movements in gender equality. This session outlines the relationships between social
movements and gender, recognizing gender as a key explanatory factor in social
movements.
12 Suggested Dialogue Topic: Sexualities
While sexuality is always a taboo, sexuality is highly related to and constructed by our
everyday desire and culture. This session offers discussion to uncover gender and
sexuality with some current issues on art, literature, pornography and sex work.

13 Conclusion
9. COURSE INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (CILOs)

CILO By the end of the course, students should be able to:

CILO 1 Describe and explain the major concepts and issues in gender studies within
various disciplines, as applied to daily life practices.
CILO 2 Analyse the social and political meanings of gender construction, through
critical thinking in gender dimensions in a systematic manner.
CILO 3 Analyse relevant issues thoroughly in relation to cultural origins, theoretical
framework and gendered ideological underpinning from an interdisciplinary
perspective.

10. TEACHING & LEARNING ACTIVITIES (TLAs)

CILO Type of TLA

alignment
CILO1 Class discussion: to review and critically analyse the major concepts and
issues in gender studies within various disciplines
CILO2 Tutorial presentations: to analyse critically to historical events, current
events, and cultural texts to explain the social and political meanings of
gender construction
CILO3 Research Project: to plan and execute a piece of interdisciplinary research

11. ASSESSMENT METHODS (AMs)

Type of Weighting CILOs to be Description of Assessment Tasks

Assessment addressed
Methods
Class 10 % CILO1-3 Class preparedness; active participation
Participation
Coursework: 15 % CILO1-3 A book review
Written
Assignment
Coursework: 35 % CILO1-3 A group presentation capable of demonstrating
A Group ability to synthesize several disciplinary
Presentation approaches to gender studies. It is based on a
– "Gender in broad suggested topic area.
Dialogue"
Research 40 % CILO1-3 Project with topics chosen by students. It
Project requires analysis and academic research. The
ability of establishing sound research with
evaluation on different views and making
reasoned judgments and conclusion, will be
assessed.
 Last Update: 2019-06-06
Published Date: 2019-07-04

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