Gender and Sexuality in Early Modern Europe (U03860)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-GSEME

This course examines Early Modern gender and sexuality as historical and theoretical constructs. It explores how the definitions of gender and sexuality evolved and operated in the Early Modern period, and how these definitions expressed the concerns of a given culture in matters religious, social and political alike. The course will investigate themes such as procreation, birthing, and issues of legitimacy; religion, the body, and sexual desire; sexuality and magic; prostitutes and courtesans; women and learning; sexual politics and national identity; the development of medical studies and the physicians interest in male and female sexualities; sexuality and disease; male and female homosexuality in its cultural and social contexts; the social and legal status of the hermaphrodite; the erotic and the exotic; cross-dressing and theatre; sex and violence. By gaining some historical perspective, students will be given the opportunity to reflect on past and present gender and social norms, confront themselves with deeply engrained society values, and gain an informed perspective on a key aspect of human society.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in any first level historical course and any second level historical course or equivalent. Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admission Secretary to ensure that a place is available (Tel: 503783).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
07/01/2008	11:10	13:00	Room G.02, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students will be required to demonstrate in their course work, written examination and oral presentations the following attributes:

- the capacity for analytical and critical thinking
- the ability to assess critically primary and secondary sources, understanding the challenges faced by historians when investigating the past
- the capacity to work independently on a research topic and demonstrate the ability to evaluate and use effectively the relevant information
- show an appreciation of, and respect for, different opinions
- be able to express themselves clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- the ability to produce well-argued, well-documented, and properly referenced coursework
- good time-management and the ability to organize the workload effectively so as to meet the established deadlines

Assessment Information

The course will require one 3000 word essay and one two hour examination (April/May). The essay will make up one third of the final assessment. The examination will be worth two-thirds of the final assessment.