Outline

Overview

This unit offers a gendered perspective on global politics, with a focus on the intersections of gender with race, coloniality, sexuality, disability and other relations of power. The unit interrogates formal and informal structures of power, analyses differences or similarities among the lived experiences of gendered subjects, and critically assesses broad concerns related to contemporary issues in global politics, including economic development and globalisation, practices of 'gender mainstreaming' in international organistions, migration, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and postconflict reconstruction, all of which have differently distributed effects for individuals and communities.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Government and International Relations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 or 3000 level from Government and International Relations
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GOVT2336
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kate Scott, caitlin.scott@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Handwritten exam designed to test your knowledge of the unit content and attainment of the learning outcomes	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Reading quiz Answer 10 questions on the readings, one each in Weeks 3-12 inclusive. The questions will be administered in tutorials.	10%	Multiple weeks	10 questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group tutorial facilitation Work in groups to produce a 20-minute presentation, 20 minutes of guided activities, and a 500-word handout to facilitate tutorial discussion.	30%	Multiple weeks	40 minutes + 500-word handout	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflection on group tutorial facilitation Produce a brief written reflection on the group tutorial facilitation activity in response to prompts provided	10%	Multiple weeks	300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reading reflections Produce 2 x 250-word reading reflections on the required readings of two different weeks. You can choose which weeks to submit.	10%	Multiple weeks	2 x 250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

1) Group tutorial facilitation - 40-minute facilitation + 500-word handout or slide deck (30%)

You will work in small groups, organised in your tutorials, to plan and produce a 20-minute presentation and a set of learning activities timed at approximately 20 minutes, accompanied by a handout or slide deck to guide tutorial discussion. You are expected to plan and develop your presentation outside of class and to participate actively in all aspects of planning, production, and presentation unless variation is agreed within your group and confirmed in writing.

The group tutorial facilitation will be marked /100, with marking criteria set out in the rubric available on Canvas. Criteria in the rubric are not weighted equally and should be interpreted as a guide only. The group will generally receive the same mark, but marks may be moderated by the unit coordinator where appropriate.

2) Reflection on group tutorial facilitation - 300 words (10%)

You will submit a brief written reflection on the group tutorial facilitation activity, responding to the following prompts:

What went well in the planning, development, and delivery of your presentation and tutorial facilitation?
What were the key areas for improvement in the planning, development, and delivery of your presentation and tutorial facilitation?
How well did the group function as a team to produce, develop, and deliver the presentation and tutorial facilitation?

3) Reading quiz, Weeks 3-12 inclusive (10%)

You will answer one multiple-choice or yes/no question based on readings in your tutorial in Weeks 3-12 inclusive. There is 1 mark available for each question answered correctly over the course of the semester.

4) Reading reflections - 2 x 250 words (2 x 5% each = 10% total)

You will submit a 250-word reading reflection on one of the required readings in two weeks of your choosing. The reflections should not summarise the reading, but rather comment on the aspects that were particularly interesting for you and note why. You must include specific page references. You should include at least one question that links the reading to your own experience, your prior knowledge, your engagement with current events, or similar.

5) Final exam (40%)

You will sit a two-hour timed, unseen exam held during the formal exam period. Information about the exam will be provided on Canvas and in the lecture in Week 13.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
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	(Women and) Gender Studies, Feminist Theory, Global Politics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	(Women and) Gender Studies, Feminist Theory, Global Politics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	From Margin(s) to Centre: Challenging White Feminisms	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	From Margin(s) to Centre: Challenging White Feminisms	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Feminist Ways of Knowing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Feminist Ways of Knowing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Women’s Rights, Human Rights	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Women’s Rights, Human Rights	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Abolitionist and Feminist Perspectives on Justice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Abolitionist and Feminist Perspectives on Justice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Security, Militarism, and War	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Security, Militarism, and War	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Migration and Displacement	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Migration and Displacement	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Economics and Development	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Economics and Development	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Environmental Politics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Environmental Politics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Body Politics, Care, and Dis/Ability	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Body Politics, Care, and Dis/Ability	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Digital Politics of Gender	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Digital Politics of Gender	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Technology and Gender-Based Violence	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Technology and Gender-Based Violence	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Imagining Feminist Futures	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Imagining Feminist Futures	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit requires active engagement in three sets of learning activities:

1) Lectures: Lecture attendance is essential for achieving the learning outcomes of the unit, as we will discuss issues and debates and provide prompts for tutorial discussions. Lectures will be taught in-person and will be recorded to assist with revision. Please note, however, that recordings may not include Q+A or post-lecture interactive sessions. Lecture recordings and other learning materials will be uploaded on Canvas.

2) Tutorials: Students are expected to attend tutorials weekly. There will also be a one-question quiz in tutorials each week, in Weeks 3-12 inclusive.

You should come to each tutorial:

having read all required readings listed for the topic;
having made notes on any particularly interesting and/or unclear areas of your reading;
having read as much additional material as possible;
having prepared carefully to engage in debate and other learning activities as relevant each week; and
having checked the Canvas site for updates and links to useful information.

After each tutorial you should:

consolidate and file your notes and additional materials;
research and read around specific issues and areas of interest;
consider points raised in discussion and/or feedback you’ve been given; and
prepare, plan, research and draft assignments.

3) Independent study: The lecture and the tutorial are two essential learning activities for this unit. The other essential learning activity is independent study, which includes reading, research for assignments, drafting essays, organising notes, and revising for exams.

This unit expects a minimum of 6 hours of independent study each week (bringing the total time commitment to 9 hours: 2-hr lecture + 1-hr tutorial + 6-hr independent study). A set of essential readings is provided for each week. These are the readings we will all have in common and they must be read before the tutorial.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed via the Reading List 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 an advanced knowledge of leading scholarship and debates on gender in global politics.
LO2. critically examine current events with a gender lens and apply or relate theoretical debates to the analysis of these events.
LO3. demonstrate advanced written and oral communication skills.
LO4. consider innovative alternatives and solutions to pressing global issues related to gender, development, and security.
LO5. engage with scholarship that crosses several disciplines, including gender studies, disability studies, and Indigenous studies, and apply insights from this scholarship in the analysis of global politics.

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.

The unit is being offered by a new teaching team in 2026. In this unit, we are trying to foster what Cynthia Enloe describes as "feminist curiosity" in students, so we have designed the assessment regime to permit maximum flexibility for students, allowing them to research and engage closely with the topics that are of most interest to them. To check basic understanding of the required readings, we have included a reading quiz, in the form of a single MCQ to be administered in the tutorial via QR code in weeks 3-12 inclusive; deeper engagement with two sets of readings will be encouraged through the reading reflections. The timed unseen exam is intended to provide secure assessment of key learning outcomes.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GOVT3986: Gender in Global Politics

Semester 2, 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links