Module: Gender and Sexuality Theories and Criticism

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Gender and Sexuality Theories and Criticism
Module Code	CUS1036
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module introduces students to key theories and debates in gender and sexuality studies. It examines the historical development of feminist thought and explores major theoretical approaches to gender, sexuality, power and inequality, including intersectional, queer and decolonial perspectives. The module considers how these frameworks can be used to critically analyse contemporary issues, including gender-based violence, prostitution and the sex trade, migration, race and borders. Through engagement with key theoretical texts and contemporary debates, students will develop the conceptual and critical tools required to analyse gender and sexuality as complex and intersecting structures of power.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate key theories and concepts in feminist, gender and sexuality studies.
2. Analyse the historical development and diversity of feminist thought and its major theoretical debates.
3. Compare and critically assess intersectional, queer and decolonial approaches to gender, sexuality and power.
4. Apply relevant theoretical frameworks to the critical analysis of contemporary issues relating to gender and sexuality.
5. Develop and communicate theoretically informed, evidence-based arguments through oral presentation and academic writing.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Lectures, seminars and class discussions
Independent Study	178	Independent reading, preparation for seminars, engagement with core and recommended academic literature, and independent study.
Assignment Completion	50	Research, preparation and completion of the academic poster presentation and critical essay.
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	12034	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alicia Castillo Villanueva	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Poster presentation	Academic Poster Presentation Students will design and present an academic poster critically analysing a contemporary issue or debate related to gender and/or sexuality through the application of theoretical perspectives studied in the module. The poster should demonstrate a clear research focus, critical engagement with relevant theory and academic literature, and the ability to communicate a coherent argument effectively in visual and oral form.	40%	n/a
Essay	Critical Essay (3,000 words) Students will write a 3,000-word critical essay in response to one of two prescribed questions addressing key theoretical debates explored in the module. The essay should demonstrate critical engagement with relevant feminist, gender and sexuality theories, develop a coherent and well-supported academic argument, and engage critically with appropriate scholarly literature.	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Foundations of Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies
1. Foundations of Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies Key concepts and debates in feminist, gender and sexuality studies, including sex and gender, patriarchy and power; historical developments in feminist thought; liberal, radical, Marxist/socialist and Black feminist perspectives. 2. Intersectional, Queer and Decolonial Approaches Intersectionality and difference; histories and theories of sexuality; queer theories and critiques; Global South and decolonial feminisms; critical approaches to race, sexuality, coloniality, power and knowledge. 3. Gender, Violence and Sexual Politics Feminist theories of gender-based violence as a structural phenomenon; theoretical and political debates surrounding prostitution/sex work, pornography and the sex trade; competing feminist approaches to violence, sexuality and inequality. 4. Gender, Migration, Race and Space Theoretical approaches to migration, race and borders, including the feminisation of migration and femonationalism; queer approaches to space, power and orientation; application of gender and sexuality theories to contemporary social and political debates.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None