HS2908 Nature and Nurture: Rethinking Sex and Gender

Advisory pre-requisite: This course is reserved for students from Year 2 onwards.

What is the role of biology and culture in explaining morphological and behavioral differences between the sexes? Why are there different representations of females and males in cultural practices and social institutions? To what extent is this driven by innate preferences versus culture and society? In this course, we consider issues of sex and gender in an interdisciplinary context, as we explore how two sexes with different morphologies and behaviors evolved in our species; what genetic and developmental mechanisms lead to female and male development; and how culture and societies have contributed to either accentuate or reduce the differences between the sexes.

Course Instructors:
Dr Adelyn Lim, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Prof Antónia Monteiro, Department of Biological Sciences

HS2913 Representing Live(s): Research, Performance and Stories

Advisory pre-requisite: This course is reserved for students from Year 2 onwards. Students are encouraged to have completed HSS1000 and HSH1000

How can we learn about people’s experiences, ethically represent their lives, and communicate their stories to an audience? What is the affective power of live performance? How can these performances inform the public’s understanding of pressing social issues? This course explores these questions by integrating approaches from anthropology and theatre studies. You will apply the ideas you learn into practice by collaborating in groups to create a performance piece based on your original research. In the process, you will hone your ability to employ qualitative research methods, craft compelling narratives, and communicate complex ideas.

Course Instructors:
Dr Jennifer Estes - Department of Sociology and Anthropology
A/Prof Robin Loon - Department of English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies

HS2915 Beyond the Good and Evil of Drugs

Advisory pre-requisite: This course is reserved for students from Year 2 onwards. Students are encouraged to have completed at least two of the Level-1000 CHS Common Curriculum courses, which may include: HSI1000, HSH1000, CHS Data Literacy course, and CHS Digital Literacy course.

For good or evil or something beyond, drugs have pervaded society in every aspect. The economy, warfare, psychology, healthcare, and religion are a few such aspects. This course explores the interconnected web that drugs weave across society, examining how they influence people on a pharmacological and social level. We will critically assess the various ways that drugs have been used and abused, societal management of drugs throughout history, and going forward, how we can sustainably co-exist with drugs.

Course Instructors: 
Dr George Radics, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Dr Linda Hong, Department of Pharmacy

HS2916 Love That Kills: A Criminal Justice Perspective

Advisory pre-requisite: Priority for CHS students. Students are encouraged to have completed at least two of the Level 1000 CHS Common Curriculum courses, which may include: HSI1000, HSH1000, CHS Data Literacy course, and CHS Digital Literacy course.

This course will critically examine the dynamics surrounding domestic violence through the use of case studies. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will delve into the ecological, psychological, sociological, biological and legal factors, with a view to conceptualise and evaluate intervention strategies for supporting victims and breaking the cycle of abuse. Students will also gain a deeper understanding of the impact of domestic violence on the individual, family, community and society. This course critically examines the role of forensic practices and the criminal justice system in responding to and preventing the problems of intimate violence.

Course Instructors: 
A/Prof Ganapathy Narayanan, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Dr Shawn Ming Yang Lee, Department of Biological Sciences

Courses will be offered in Semester 2 of Academic Year 2023/24