GEND 3020 - Gender and Sexualities in the Digital Age

The age of globalisation, the internet, social media and digital culture has been marked by new forms and understandings of identities, and new social issues and problems, ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence. Feminist theory, critical men and masculinity studies, queer theory, feminist science and technology studies, intersectionality, and disability studies/crip theory are well-placed to help us understand this period in history, as these theories have often been at the forefront of efforts aimed at exploring identities, critiquing power relations, and imagining possible futures. Topics will feature voices from intersecting and diverse sexual and cultural identities, including First Nation Peoples, People of Colour, migrants and refugees. Students will have the opportunity to apply theory-based knowledge through an analysis of a variety of cultural texts and technologies, for example, digital or media platforms, creative works and performance, or scientific research and technological innovations. Along the way we will discover new ways to understand ourselves and society, new approaches to contemporary problems, and ideas for changing the world for the better.