GSSA 1003EX - Gender, Work and Society

External - Semester 2 - 2014

Gender, Work and Society is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of work and the ways in which the practices of work - paid and unpaid - is gendered. Men and women do different jobs in the workplace and in the home, they work different hours in many places, their training, education, skills and rewards are often different. While there are many differences among men, and among women, gender-based, systematic differences also exist. The course considers their origins and explanations. It examines links between broad societal changes and women's and men's changing roles, especially relating to the economy, education, technology, consumerism, individualism, globalisation, welfare and the changing patterns of family life. Furthermore the course considers recent developments in employment regarding increasing flexibility, privatisation, contracting out and home work. During the semester the course will cover current issues in the Australian workforce that are receiving media attention such as recent debates about the Industrial Relations system, the 'work-life collision', the issue of paid parental leave and the 'gender pay gap'.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GSSA 1003EX
    Course Gender, Work and Society
    Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s External
    Units 3
    Contact Online
    Incompatible GWSI 1003, GWSI 1003EX
    Course Description Gender, Work and Society is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of work and the ways in which the practices of work - paid and unpaid - is gendered. Men and women do different jobs in the workplace and in the home, they work different hours in many places, their training, education, skills and rewards are often different. While there are many differences among men, and among women, gender-based, systematic differences also exist. The course considers their origins and explanations. It examines links between broad societal changes and women's and men's changing roles, especially relating to the economy, education, technology, consumerism, individualism, globalisation, welfare and the changing patterns of family life. Furthermore the course considers recent developments in employment regarding increasing flexibility, privatisation, contracting out and home work. During the semester the course will cover current issues in the Australian workforce that are receiving media attention such as recent debates about the Industrial Relations system, the 'work-life collision', the issue of paid parental leave and the 'gender pay gap'.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Pam Papadelos

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Identify contemporary national and global issues relating to gender and work.
    2 Explain how Australia’s institutions and practices relating to gender and work have changed over time, and the impact this has had on individuals and society.
    3 Demonstrate an understanding of the changing global context of gender and work and the impact this has had on individuals and society.
    4 Demonstrate an understanding of the role gender and other dimensions of identity play in power, politics and interpersonal relations at work.
    5 Critically evaluate policy approaches to gender and work with attention to issues of social justice and equity
    6 Demonstrate skills in literature searching, critical reading and referencing
    7 Use appropriate language, terminology and concepts in order to discuss the influence of social structures and identities on working life
    8 Construct a clear, coherent and independent argument which responds to a particular question and is supported by appropriate scholarly evidence, within identified timeframes.
    9 Demonstrate interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills in group activities
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3,4,6,8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2,3,4,5,9
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7,9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,7,8,9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,2,5,9
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,2,3,7,9
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The lectures are recorded and available online; the tutorials are done via online discussion boards.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 2-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    1 x 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    6 hours reading per week 72 hours per semester
    2 hours research per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Introduction to course, terms and concepts
    Week 2 How did it all start? Gender, work and industrialisation in ‘the West’
    Week 3 Who built Australia? Colonialism and Indigenous Workers
    Week 4 The gender pay gap and other inequalities: Workforce segregation, pay and skill
    Week 5 Whose choices? Industrial relations, policy changes,,flexibility and casualisation
    Week 6 Doing it tough: Un(der)employment and welfare
    Week 7 Who cares? Welfare, childcare, & social reproduction
    Week 8 Work/family collision! Domestic labour and housework
    Week 9 Femininities and Masculinities at work: Emotional and aesthetic labour
    Week 10 Globalised labour: Migration, outsourcing and trafficking
    Week 11 Policy remedies? Equity, diversity and anti-discrimination
    Week 12 Concluding Remarks
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    600 word short assignment Formative and Summative 20% 1, 7, 8
    Group online presentation Formative and Summative 10% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9
    Online quiz Formative and Summative 20% 1,3,4,6
    Discussion board participation Formative and Summative 10% 1,2,3,4,5,7
    1800 word research essay Formative and Summative 40% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
    Assessment Detail
    Details available on enrolment.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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