Outline

Overview

In this unit students will apply advanced methods from gender and cultural studies to examine experiences of belonging and formations of community. Students will analyse how power produces and regulates communities, identities and belonging. They will question the assumption that community is based on the unity and similarity of citizens and their location in specific cultures and places, and critically examine alternatives such as difference, diaspora, and other forms of sociality. Students will evaluate different theories of community in local, national and international contexts, and in relation to feminism, democracy, cosmopolitanism and hospitality.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Gender and Cultural Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in Gender Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Cultural Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Arpita Das, a.das@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Research Project Long Answer/Essay	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral Presentation (with written submission) Individual Oral Presentation (with written submission)	15%	Multiple weeks	1000 word equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Facilitated discussion after presentation 250-word equivalent group facilitation of discussion after presentation	15%	Multiple weeks	250-word equivalent group facilitation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation n/a	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Critical Reflection 1x Critical Reflection	25%	Week 06 Due date: 03 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Research Project Plan Discussion of research project plan (written submission and 5-minute discussion	5%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59	250-word equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

All Assessment tasks are compulsory and must be attempted in order to pass the course.

Critical Reflection: You will be asked to provide a 1000 word critical reflection. You will be expected to identify and address a central argument with the use of unit readings.
Research Project: You are asked to apply the broad theories that contribute to our understanding of community from the first section of the course to a discrete area or formulation of the community from the second section of the course. It is recommended that you focus on particular cultural texts (films, novels, magazines, television shows, news segments, social media posts), however you may also choose to do a more philosophical essay.
Final Essay: This will involve approaching the theories, in either support or critique, of the formulation of community to date. Whilst the questions will draw upon the course as a whole, they will make some specific reference to the theoretical and critical perspectives examined in the third section of the course.
Tutorial participation: Besides attending lectures and tutorials, which are a requirement for passing the course, you are also expected to have completed the set readings and to be prepared to discuss these in tutorials, including leading the discussion in one specific week.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Key concepts and unit overview	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Community and the Social Contract	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Community and the Social Contract	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	The Sexual Contract	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	The Sexual Contract	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Communitarianism & Uses of Community	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Communitarianism & Uses of Community	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Indigenous Belonging and Place	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Indigenous Belonging and Place	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Contesting Queer Spaces	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Contesting Queer Spaces	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Community and the Neighbourhood	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Community and the Neighbourhood	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Community and the Nation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Community and the Nation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Cultural Identity, Home and Diaspora	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Cultural Identity, Home and Diaspora	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Hospitality	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Hospitality	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Asylum	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Asylum	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Refusal	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Refusal	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Consultation - research plan	One-on-one supervision meeting (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The course offers face to face lecture and tutorials. Students are expected to attend both lectures and tutorials as the roll will be taken.
Lecture: Lectures will be delivered on campus. Lecture recordings will be made available on Canvas. The recordings are there to assist students with revision. They are not a substitute to attending lectures
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Detailed class schedule and reading list visible on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate high-level skills in critical interpretation of texts and debates
LO2. demonstrate advanced knowledge of recent debates about community and social formation, and especially feminist interventions into these debates
LO3. apply analytical and problem-solving skills to current events and theoretical issues raised in the unit
LO4. demonstrate advanced verbal and written communication skills to articulate understanding of theoretical underpinnings of community in varying contexts
LO5. work competently and in a culturally competent manner with fellow students

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

I have largely stuck to the unit content from the previous iteration. - I have revised the assessments to replace the final essay with oral presentations. These presentations will have a 10-minute individual presentation component (weightage 15%) on an assigned text followed by a 20-minute classroom interaction which they will work in pairs or groups to lead a classroom activity/discussion (weightage 15%). Both parts of the task will be included and assessed through the marking rubric. Although the individual presentation is not secure, the facilitated discussion component will require students to work together and engage with the unit content thoroughly and will be an in-class secure task. - I have also introduced a research project plan (equivalent to 250 words). A template will be provided for students to complete and submit. There will be a 5-minute discussion with individual students based on the completed written template. This task will facilitate a space to check in with individual students about their final essays and provide feedback. All changes have been made through a proposal approved by the faculty committee. I have also made a few adjustments to the unit readings.

Additional information

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Special consideration

If you experience short-term circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, injury or misadventure or if you have essential commitments which impact your preparation or performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic honesty, academic dishonesty, and the resources available to all students.

The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic dishonesty or plagiarism seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of dishonesty, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Late submission

Special consideration

Academic integrity

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GCST3631: Gender, Communities and Belonging

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Late submission

Special consideration

Academic integrity

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links