This course will examine how sex and gender are conceptualized, empirically researched, and interpreted in population studies. An empirical dichotomisation of “sex” into male and female is often central to population research, and demographic indicators of fertility, family dynamics, migration, population health, and mortality tend to differ between men and women. But what do demographers mean when they talk about sex difference? How do their concepts of sex and gender overlap with those from other disciplines, such as sociology? How do they deal with non-binary gender identities? Which sex differences exist in population processes and how are they being explained? And how are sex differences in demographic processes linked with gender inequalities in other areas of society? We will explore answers to these questions and develop a ‘gendered’ understanding of a variety of issues in population studies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and differentiate key concepts on sex and gender in population studies;
- explore and critically analyse population problems using a gender perspective;
- construct a review of literature on an existing gender issue in population processes, identifying limitations and potential ways to enhance these prior studies; and
- transferring theoretical concepts from sociology and gender studies to population issues, thereby training transdisciplinary perspective taking and thinking.
Indicative Assessment
- Topic notes on readings or for student-led discussions (30) [LO 1,2,4]
- Research essay proposal (500-1,000 words) (15) [LO 2,3,4]
- Presentation (10 minutes, video recording or in class) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final research essay (approximately 3,000 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 18 hours of lectures and 18 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
None
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7520 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |