This course investigates how gender and culture underpin everyday power in Asia and the Pacific. Students will be introduced to key interdisciplinary tools and approaches from the field of gender and cultural studies. Considering how these ideas have been theorised in Asian and Pacific contexts as well as in Western ones, the course engages students in critical thinking about how gendered and cultural norms inform pursuits of justice, empowerment, and joy in everyday life. Indicative themes include feminisms, gender diversity, popular culture, health and medicine, and environmental crisis in Asian and Pacific societies. A distinctive feature of this course is that students are asked to apply their conceptual understandings of gender and cultural studies in innovative ways through multimedia projects (no prior experience needed). The course builds student skills in creative inquiry, group collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. Through analytical, practical and multimedia assessments, students will gain crucial tools to engage with the politics of everyday life in Asia and the Pacific. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Identify and evaluate interdisciplinary theories and approaches in gender and cultural studies;
2. Apply the conceptual vocabulary of gender and cultural studies to analyse and address key issues in Asia and the Pacific;
3. Display critical thinking abilities in reference to a wide range of academic and non-academic sources that have shaped current knowledge about gender and culture in Asia and the Pacific;
4. Communicate complex ideas that critically engage the arguments of others through writing, speech, and multimedia, justifying methods and approaches as appropriate;
5. Collaborate effectively with others through processes designed to promote relationship-building, creative experimentation, time management, and self-reflection.

Research-Led Teaching

This course incorporates ANU scholarship in gender and cultural studies, including new work on sexual violation, gender and religion, cultural politics, climate change, embodied knowledge, and gender and politics.

Field Trips

One field trip to a museum or gallery as conditions permit; details TBA.

Additional Course Costs

Public/private transportation for a local field trip. Depending on the location of our field trip and your mobility requirements, students may potentially need to plan for personal transportation costs. All efforts are made to select a location that is accessible from the ANU campus via walking, biking, or public transportation. We will use the free platform of the app creator Marvel to make the final assessment. This platform is currently free with no time limitations. Should this situation change, it may be necessary for groups to split the cost of 1 month of a paid platform (currently approximately $8 per student). While all efforts will be made to use a free platform, please plan for this cost in case it is necessary.

Examination Material or equipment

There is no examination in this course.

Required Resources

Required resources will be available on Wattle, the ANU library, or through internet platforms. You will need to bring a device with an internet connection to class. You will need basic video recording and editing software, which is generally available for free or via ANU licenses. Other materials for use in class workshops will be provided.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Gender and Cultural Studies	This week we will introduce ourselves and learn more about what you will do in this course. Then we will dive into the question of "gender studies" and "cultural studies." How did gender become something that could be studied and theorised at a university? What is cultural studies, and what makes it different from other disciplines that deal with "culture," such as anthropology, literature, or art history? Why is thinking about gender and culture essential to understand power, justice, and joy?
2	Week 2: Truth, Power and Knowledge	This week we examine influential theorists who underpin the fields of gender and cultural studies: they are thinkers who invite us to understand how gender and culture are connected to questions of power.
3	Week 3: Gender and Ideology	This section explores how ideas about appropriate gender norms gain force in shaping everyday lives, creating what we think of as "ideologies." We examine a range of important ideologies to explore how they link gendered experiences to political, religious, and social frameworks of power.
4	Week 4: Feminism and its Discontents	What does it mean to be a feminist? Is feminism a Western construct? This week we explore diverse ways in which feminism can be defined and redefined in different parts of Asia and the Pacific. We ask what kinds of theoretical perspectives might best account for this diversity.
5	Week 5: Gender Diversity	In this week we explore how different ideas of gender have changed over time in Asia and the Pacific and been shaped by diverse public cultures. We explore gender diversity in relation to local histories and global trends.
6	Week 6: Sexual Violation	This week we examine sexual violations in Asia and the Pacific. What are the structural conditions that lead to gendered violations in different parts of the region? What are the conditions under which people can speak about such violations or seek justice?
7	Week 7: Museums and Heritage	Field ExcursionThis week we will explore a museum or gallery (details depend on local conditions, exact destination TBA). What are the politics of knowledge that shape museums? What kind of relationship between Australia and Asia and the Pacific is produced through exhibitions? How are you positioned differently in a museum than you are in the classroom?
8	Week 8: Cultures, Gender and Health	How does understanding gender and culture save lives? We examine how concepts of "healthy" and "sick" can be understood as social and political categories as much as biomedical ones. We explore how a nuanced understanding of gender and culture might change the way we approach issues such as health and wellbeing.
9	Week 9: Popular Culture and Soft Power	What is popular culture and why should we study it? We investigate the diverse kinds of power that circulate through popular culture, exploring both its liberating and repressive potential. We seek to understand how states have tried to harness the energies of popular culture for their own purposes.
10	Week 10: Gender and Politics	How does gender shape political participation, opportunities for leadership, and international order? This week we evaluate how participation in such political activity can potentially reaffirm, disrupt, or reconfigure gender roles in many aspects of society and culture. What are the prospects for women, gender-diverse people, and queer communities to express a political voice in Asia and the Pacific today?
11	Week 11: Gender, Culture, and the Environment	Climate change and environmental destruction disproportionately affect women in many parts of Asia and the Pacific. This week we examine how and why cultural norms around gender play a role in the politics of the environment.
12	Week 12: Student Showcase	How might the perspectives that you have gained in this course help you understand practical problems in the world around us? In this final week, students share final projects, engage with the projects of classmates, and reflect on how your learning might shape your future.

Tutorial Registration

Please sign up for one seminar stream (tutorial).

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Seminar Participation	10 %	*	15/06/2025	1,2,3,4,5
Research Essay	30 %	27/03/2025	15/04/2025	1,2,3,4
Group Project: Smartphone Application Prototype (no coding required)	25 %	19/05/2025	15/06/2025	2,3,4,5
Reflective Essay	25 %	26/05/2025	15/06/2025	2,3,4,5
Learning Reflection	10 %	12/03/2025	31/03/2025	1,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation includes the following activities in class meetings: 1) demonstrating consistently that you have read and thought about the course readings or other preparatory materials for the week; 2) engaging in oral and written tasks during the seminar; 3) working independently, collaboratively, and respectfully during workshop activities; 4) demonstrating intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and the ability to build on the ideas of your peers in small group and full class discussions; and 5) sharing your work and engaging with the work of others. Details will be available on Wattle.

Examination(s)

There is no examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Seminar Participation

Participation includes the following activities in class meetings: 1) demonstrating consistently that you have read and thought about the course readings or other preparatory materials for the week; 2) engaging in oral, creative, and written tasks during the seminar; 3) working independently and collaboratively with your peers during workshop activities; 4) demonstrating intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and the ability to build on the ideas of your peers in small group and full class discussions; and 5) sharing your work and engaging with the work of others. Details will be available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Research Essay

You will research and write a 2000-word analytical essay on a question and area relevant to the course. Detailed instructions will be available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 3

Group Project: Smartphone Application Prototype (no coding required)

In small groups, you will design a prototype of a digital smartphone application that uses the critical principles of gender and cultural studies to address a specific challenge that affects Asia or the Pacific. No coding skills are required and no prior experience is needed. This assessment will include a collaborative site where each member uploads research material and shares ideas. Active participation on this site contributes toward your full group mark. At the end of the project, you will have a functioning prototype of your application. You'll make a video of yourself pitching your app to a potential investor. Details will be available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 4

Reflective Essay

You will write a 1500-word individual reflective essay on your group prototype that explains the central argument of your prototype, shows how your prototype draws upon independent research and ideas from this course, and sets out how you have developed new skills in group collaboration. Details will be available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 5

Learning Reflection

This assessment gives you the opportunity to show how you are engaging with ideas from lectures, readings, and discussions, as well as to set goals for yourself to guide your learning. Details will be available on Wattle.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned via Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students