Outline

Overview

The unit explores the strategies and initiatives implemented at the workplace and corporate level to manage a diverse workforce with a particular focus on the impact of gender on individuals' experiences of the world of work. While drawing on the intersecting elements of gender and other diversity dimensions (such as cultural diversity; LGBTIQ+; indigeneity; people with disabilities; age), the unit seeks to introduce students to a number of gender perspectives, highlighting how each perspective conceptualizes the issue of gender; provides a different lens to accounting for gender inequality and proposes different "solutions" to the "problem of gender diversity" in organizations. The unit takes a multi-level and multi-disciplinary approach to examining the management of gender and diversity, focusing on live case studies and practical examples.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Completion of at least 48 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Natalie Galea, natalie.galea@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Supervised exam Exam consisting of a combination of essay questions.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Critical Reflection Task This task involves responding to a short written reflection question that encourages deeper thinking about the weekly lecture themes. Questions will relate to key concepts, readings, and videos, and will be posted on Canvas.	20%	Multiple weeks	Short (~150 words) written reflection	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial Participation Engagement and participation in tutorials	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Group Presentation and one page handout that addresses a key issue in gender, diversity and inclusion at work.	30%	Week 10	~20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Course participation and overall engagement: Learning to be a more effective communicator involves applying knowledge, practicing skills and developing new strategies, which cannot take place if students watch from the sidelines. Students will be assessed based on their preparation and active participation in class activities and during tutorials. Student participation marked by the instructor.

Final exam: This will consist of a combination of essay questions. The aim of the exam is to test the understanding of the relevant topics, and the ability to critically analyse and engage in self-reflection. Topics covered in the exam may be based on any of the weekly topics, activities, and readings. Students will be assessed in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) exam taken on campus with supervision. Further information about the delivery of the exams will be provided closer to the test exam.

Group Presentation: This task involves working in teams to develop a recorded presentation that addresses a key issue in gender, diversity and inclusion at work. The presentation should be tailored to a specific organisation and clearly articulate the issue, why it matters, and how it can be addressed. Each group will submit a ~10-minute pre-recorded presentation and a one-page handout via Canvas. Groups will also take part in a ~10-minute Q&A style oral presentation.

Critical Reflection Task: This task involves responding each week to a short written reflection question that encourages deeper thinking about the weekly lecture themes. Questions will relate to key concepts, readings, and videos, and will be posted on Canvas. Reflections are submitted weekly via Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy.

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
Mid-semester break	Mid-Semester Break	Individual study (3 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to gender, diversity and inclusion at work	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	History and origins of gender, diversity and inclusion at work	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Rethinking the structure of work	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Assignment workshop	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Gender, work and organisations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Gender, work and organisations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Cultural and linguistic diversity at work	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Indigenous people and work	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	The unseen in gender, diversity and inclusion: Power, Privilege and the margins	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Understanding resistance to gender, diversity and inclusion	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Does Gender, diversity and inclusion have a future?	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Conclusion, overview and review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Reading week	Individual study (3 hr)

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.

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. Apply or explain key theories, concepts and examples addressed in the unit
LO2. Identify and evaluate the core issues of the question and apply relevant theories, concepts and examples in insightful ways
LO3. Rigorously analyse the core debates and synthesise major arguments and perspectives as well as provide evidence and sound justification
LO4. Explain and apply theories, concepts and practices clearly, persuasively and to a high professional standard - both verbally and in writing
LO5. Debate, discuss and solve problems by building successful campaigns by working in teams
LO6. Resolve issues surrounding gender and diversity practices by considering the ethical and social justice issues underpinning this subject terrain

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WORK3203: Gender, Diversity and Inclusion at Work

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links