This online course will introduce students to the key theoretical frameworks employed in gender history. Students will become familiar with a series of foundational texts on concepts including patriarchy, biopower, intersectionality, sexualities and hegemonic masculinity (staff permitting). In conjunction, they will explore illustrative examples of how this theory has been applied in historical analyses of social and national contexts throughout the early modern and modern world. Opportunities will be provided in seminars and assignments for students to apply the theoretical concepts they have learned to historical sources, topics and periods aligned to their own research interests.  

5 x two-hour online seminars over 11 weeks, scheduled fortnightly to alternate with 5 asynchronous Moodle Lessons.

HIST5008 Gender, Politics and Power

None.

One Online Seminar Presentation (10 minutes) accompanied by PowerPoint slides - 30%

One Essay (3,500 words) - 70%

The course aims to:

■ Introduce students to the key concepts and theoretical frameworks relating to the study of gender history.

■ Examine how such concepts and frameworks have been applied by historians to a range of sources, topics and contexts throughout the early modern and modern world.   

■ Enable students to apply these theoretical frameworks to specific historical sources, topics and contexts relating to their own research interests.

■ Develop the confidence, imagination, self-discipline and skills required to excel in similar demanding work at doctoral level or in employment.

■ Support students in becoming critical and independent thinkers.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify, describe and critically assess the key theoretical approaches utilised in gender history, such as patriarchy, biopower, intersectionality, sexualities and hegemonic masculinity.

■ Evaluate historians' application of these concepts in their interpretations of specific historical sources, topics and contexts throughout the early modern and modern world.

■ Apply theoretical approaches to historical sources, topics and contexts relating to their own research interests.

■ Present research findings in unambiguous, concise and effective prose or verbal argument, incorporating different kinds of substantiating evidence.

■ Engage in lively and well-grounded discussion with fellow students, including commenting meaningfully on the work of peers.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.