This course investigates the impact of technology on understandings and experiences of identity and the body, with a focus on the notion of the posthuman. Topics will include reproductive technologies, psychopharmacology, genomics, organ transplantation and the quantified self. Linking the case studies will be three themes: 1) how technology both reproduces and challenges dominant models of human identity and relations 2) how theories and concepts such as the cyborg, the posthuman and the assemblage understand technological relations 3) how technology is utilised and appropriated by users, often in ways contrary to intended uses. The course will draw on material from Science and Technology Studies, Medical Anthropology, the Sociology of Medicine and Feminist Theory.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Understand theories of the posthuman and apply them to contemporary issues;
- Assess and synthesise arguments about the impact of technology on human identity;
- Analyse the relationship between biotechnology, embodiment and identity;
- Use the key concepts introduced in the course to analyse specific examples and case studies;
- Reflect on and discuss their own learning as it relates to the subject matter of this course.
Indicative Assessment
Weekly notes 10 x 100 words (10%) LO 5Short paper 1, 1000 words (20%) LO 1-3
Short paper 2, 1000 words (20%) LO 4
Essay, 2000 words, (40%) LO 1-4
Tutorial participation (10%) LO 1, 5
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials; and b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.Requisite and Incompatibility
Assumed Knowledge
Basic grasp of sociology and/or gender studiesMajors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $2820 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $4320 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4318 | 25 Feb 2019 | 04 Mar 2019 | 31 Mar 2019 | 31 May 2019 | In Person | View |
