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Not currently available in 2020

Unit description

Introduce students to the complexity and contradictions inherent in the legal construction of sexuality. Explores a series of themes surrounding sexuality and in doing so de-centres legal doctrines to highlight law's involvement in the construction of identity. Students will consider the interaction of sexuality with other identities and issues, the relationship between “queer” theory, lesbian and gay theory and feminist theory and the relationship between activism and legal processes.

Unit content

Topic 1: Law and Sexuality

1.1 Sexuality as Identity
1.2 Lesbian, Gay or Queer Legal Theory
1.3 Sexuality and Identity Intersections

Topic 2: Trans-ness
2.1 Gender and Selfhood
2.2 Gender and Childhood

Topic 3: Predators and Perverts
3.1 Homo-danger
3.2 The 'solution' of Privacy (and its limits)
3.3 Equality, Privacy and Religious Freedom

Topic 4: Hatred & Victimization
4.1 Homophobia & Violence
4.2 Violence, Safety and Public Space

Topic 5: Couples and Families
5.1 The Context of Relationship Recognition Struggles
5.2 Marriage and its malcontents
5.3 Spousehood's Day(s) in Court
5.4 Desperately Seeking Semen
5.5 New Family Forms

Topic 6: Activism, Change and the State
6.1 Activism
6.2 The international Arena

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1Demonstrate knowledge in the construction and role of sexuality across legal and social materials.Knowledge of a discipline
2Synthesise and apply theoretical material from a variety of disciplines.Creativity
3Apply a range of theoretical perspectives to 'black letter' case analysis.Knowledge of a discipline
4Deconstruct traditional legal narratives around sexuality, family and identity.Intellectual rigour
5Outline areas of law in Australia and internationally that impact on sexuality.Knowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge in the construction and role of sexuality across legal and social materials.
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. Synthesise and apply theoretical material from a variety of disciplines.
    • GA2: Creativity
  3. Apply a range of theoretical perspectives to 'black letter' case analysis.
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. Deconstruct traditional legal narratives around sexuality, family and identity.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
  5. Outline areas of law in Australia and internationally that impact on sexuality.
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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