The module aims to:
-Attract students with an interest in critical masculinities scholarship who would benefit from studying in a research-enriched environment, and thereby provide the disciplinary community with new members.
-Equip students with a grounded working knowledge of sociological theories of men and masculinities and the complex debates among them.
-Cultivate students’ ability to apply this theory to construct well-reasoned analyses in both scholarly and policy contexts, and thereby prepare students for further study and employment.
-Create an inclusive learning environment that promotes engagement, debate, and curiosity, while also encouraging students to challenge themselves intellectually.

(LO1) Students will be able to define key theoretical frameworks in the critical masculinities field and explain the debates among them.

(LO2) Students will be able to apply these concepts to construct well-reasoned analyses of how masculinities are produced, reproduced and challenged in society.

(LO3) Students will be able to apply these concepts to critically analyse/evaluate contemporary social policy.

(LO4) Students will be able to articulate their knowledge in high-quality written text and oral presentations.

(S1) Ability to critically apply social theory and engage with complex theoretical debates

(S2) Ability to critically analyse and evaluate social policy

(S3) Ability to articulate knowledge verbally

(S4) Ability to articulate knowledge in high quality written expression

(S5) Ability to work independently and in groups

Key topics will include:
1.Theory and debates: Building on the students’ basic knowledge of the sociology of gender from SOCI101, they will be introduced to key concepts in the CSMM field, including hegemonic masculinity, hybrid masculinity, inclusive masculinities, and feminist poststructuralist approaches, and to the key debates surrounding the potential for and mechanics of ‘socio-positive’ change in masculinities.
2.Empirical case studies: We will then examine how masculinities are produced, policed and contest in a range of contexts, including, for example, men’s friendships and relationships, the workplace, and the criminal justice system.
3.Policy and practice: The final part of the module will be dedicated to practically applying this knowledge, through the evaluation of social policy and critique of criminal justice responses.

Asynchronous online content
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 0
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Description: 1 x 30-minute concept video uploaded to canvas each week, to be viewed before the workshop.
Attendance Recorded: N/A
Workshops
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 0
Description: 12 weekly 2-hour workshops
Attendance Recorded: Timetable code

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 105

Description: The self-directed learning hours allocated here include time for students to: view the concept videos, complete the weekly required readings and other workshop preparation tasks; and research/write their individual essay.

Group Project Development: 15

Description: This time accounts for the hours in which students will collaboratively research, write and prepare for the group policy pitch.