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Unit outline_

GCST2609: Masculinities

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Although it originated in the study of women's oppression in male-dominated cultures, gender studies increasingly considers masculinity an effect of power rather than its means. Via a range of case studies we consider the changing expectations around masculinity in practices of production, consumption, embodiment, domesticity, and intimacy. This unit makes frequent reference to the representation of masculinity in various genres of popular culture that deal with boyhood, adolescence, initiation, manhood, romance, athleticism, heroism, crime, vulnerability, submission, depression, and defeat.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Gender and Cultural Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 1000-level credit points from Gender and Cultural Studies or Anthropology or Sociology or (ENGL1008 or ENGL1026 or PHIL1011 or PHIL1013)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
WMST2009
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jessica Kean, jessica.kean@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written work Research Essay
Research essay using a cultural object as an entry point to a discussion of cultures of masculinity.
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 16 Nov 2026 at 23:59
1750 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Contribution Participation
Tutors will make cumulative notes about preparation level, active engagement in class activities, and intellectual generosity.
10% Ongoing ongoing AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Written work Early Feedback Task Object Profiles
Short cultural studies analysis of cultural objects associated with masculinities. Students will have the opportunity to draft these in class and then can refine, expand and submit their favourites.
10% Week 03
Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59
2 x 250 words (500 words total) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO6
Written work Critical Analysis
Traditional essay drawing on key concepts from the unit.
25% Week 08
Due date: 21 Sep 2026 at 23:59
1250 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Written work Research Proposal
Plan for a research essay that builds from a cultural object of your choosing to a bigger research essay. These will be workshopped in class for additional peer feedback, as well as formal feedback from the teacher.
15% Week 09
Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 23:59
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO5
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

The assessments in this unit will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts from Gender Studies, while also building their capacity in a specific form of cultural studies analysis. Drawing inspiration from Object-Based learning pedagogies, the tutorials in this unit will introduce students to a range of 'objects' that spark discussion & analysis. The assessment program will then scaffold the process of moving from analysis of an object to a larger research project.

You are required to submit all assessments for this unit or risk receiving an absent fail.

Assessment criteria

Student work will be assessed according to rubrics provided on Canvas.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

work of an exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

work of a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

work of aÌýgood standard

Pass

50 - 64

work of anÌýacceptable 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 theÌýAcademic Integrity Policy.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails 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:

Late penalties will be applied according to FASS guidelines. Please reach out to the teaching team as soon as possible if you require Special Consideration, Extensions or support completing the unit

Academic integrity

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

Our websiteÌýprovides 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 theÌýAcademic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)Ìýwhich 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 theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

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 aÌýsimple 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 forÌýspecial consideration or special arrangements.

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

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,ÌýÌýincludes 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 PolicyÌýreflects 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 How to study ‘masculinities’? Lecture (2 hr)  
How to study 'masculinities'? Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 Cultures of Boyhood (intro to object-based learning) Lecture (2 hr)  
Cultures of boyhood (introduction to object-based learning) Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 03 Parenting Boys Lecture (2 hr)  
Parenting Boys Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 Boys and/as Risk Lecture (2 hr)  
Boys and/as Risk Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 05 Shaping 'Good' Men Lecture (2 hr)  
Shaping 'Good' Men Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 06 Men & Feminism Lecture (2 hr)  
Men & Feminism Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 07 Incels Lecture (2 hr)  
Incels Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 08 Friendship, Love & Loneliness Lecture (2 hr)  
Friendship, Love & Loneliness Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 09 Whose Masculinity? Butches, mascs, studs, Ts Lecture (2 hr)  
Whose Masculinity? Butches, mascs, studs, Ts Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 10 Sporting Bodies Lecture (2 hr)  
Sporting Bodies Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 11 Schooling Masculinities Lecture (2 hr)  
Schooling masculinities Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 12 Youth, ‘Riots’, Moral Panics Lecture (2 hr)  
Youth, 'Riots', Moral Panics Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 13 Working Men Lecture (2 hr)  
Working Men Tutorial (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

FASS policy is that students attend 90% of required classes. In this instance that includes tutorial and lecture attendance (as the tutorial directly follows the lecture and the teaching team will be aiming to create a coherent conversation across the three hours). If you have a clash that will prevent you attending the lecture some weeks please reach out to the teaching team as soon as possible so we can make a plan for your engagement.Ìý

  • Attendance:ÌýAccording to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording:ÌýMost lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation:ÌýStudents should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
  • Late Penalties:ÌýIn 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 may be awarded.Ìý
  • Assessment summary:ÌýDetailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.ÌýYou are required to submit all assessments for this unit or risk receiving an absent fail.

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

Available via 'Reading List' on canvas.

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.

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

  • LO1. students will be introduced to some of the key theories which have been used to understand masculinities
  • LO2. students will develop critical and creative approaches to masculinities
  • LO3. students will develop skills in drawing on materials from a range of different disciplines to form critical and constructive perspectives on masculinities
  • LO4. Draw upon key theories from gender studies and cultural studies to critically analyse popular discourses about boys, men and masculinities
  • LO5. Plan and deliver an individual research project, selecting a specific piece of material culture as an entry point for an exploration of experiences or cultures of masculinity
  • LO6. Use effective written and oral communication skills to develop an idea, and to think constructively and collaboratively about the ideas of others

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all ±¬ÁÏÍõ 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This is the first time the unit has run in a number of years. We look forward to hearing about student experience in 2026.

Disclaimer

Important: the ±¬ÁÏÍõ 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 .