Theorising Gender

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: Julia Laite
• Assessment: a 1000-1250-word critical review (20%) and a 4000-4250-word essay (80%)

Theorising Gender focuses on gender and sexuality theory and introduces some key concepts, thinkers and histories. It also looks at some of the practical ways in which we might apply these ideas and so at the relationship between theory and methodology in gender and sexuality research. In most sessions there will be a lecture and seminar. The lectures are designed to provide a broad introduction to an area of gender and sexuality theory and debate. The seminars will allow you to explore the lecture theme in more detail and in critically engaged and applied ways. The module assignments encourage you to practise and develop these skills further.

The module is taught by a range of Birkbeck tutors, each talking on their area of expertise and interest. You will find that different tutors work in different ways. Some, for example, will provide seminar questions in advance to focus the discussion in particular ways; others will encourage you to bring forward your own questions for discussion. Some approaches will inevitably appeal to you more than others, but we encourage you to be open to the different teaching styles you encounter.

The course is not exhaustive and there are inevitably theories of gender and sexuality that we do not cover directly. If you want guidance on some of those areas do talk to a member of the programme team for advice and guidance.