Studying online
There are now 3 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit is an in-depth overview of queer theory. We will examine some essential texts and discussions that helped establish the field, followed by a selection of differing viewpoints and approaches, each of which unpacks more questions for discussion. Queer theory as a field is a comparatively new approach to understanding gender, sexuality, and the world around us, and it has created controversy and disagreement regarding its aims, approaches, and whether it can, in fact, be clearly defined. It tends to resist definition: what does it mean to queer something? Language plays an important role in queer theory — the words that we use and that are used on us — and language allows us to articulate how we approach ourselves and those around us. But there are traps everywhere. One trenchant criticism of queer theory is that it is primarily an individualistic Western Anglophone way of looking at the world, and that more communal societies have little to learn from it; in fact, it can be seen as a threat. We will examine this criticism in detail by looking at the development of queer theory approaches from other languages and societies, comparing them to the main ideas of the American and Anglophone tradition.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2023 UWA (Perth) External - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 option in the Gender Studies major sequence
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a knowledge of major theorists and concepts associated with queer theory; (2) demonstrate the ability to use arguments that create/queer knowledge, including the role that queer knowledge plays in gender studies and its history; and (3) demonstrate the ability to critically deploy queer theory broadly defined in constructive dialogue and analysis.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) concept review; (2) discussion and participation; and (3) extended research essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Chantal Bourgault and Associate Professor Luc Beaudoin
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of
- Contact hours
- 4 hours per week
- Note
- This unit is offered by the Gender and Women's Studies program at the University of Denver, coordinated by Professor Luc Beaudoin. Participation will be online and the class will include students from the University of Denver. Classes will occur twice a week, for two hours early in the morning – starting at 7am.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.