This course will examine how sex and gender are conceptualized, empirically researched, and interpreted in population studies. An empirical dichotomisation of “sex” into male and female is often central to population research, and demographic indicators of fertility, family dynamics, migration, population health, and mortality tend to differ between men and women. But what do demographers mean when they talk about sex difference? How do their concepts of sex and gender overlap with those from other disciplines, such as sociology? How do they deal with non-binary gender identities? Which sex differences exist in population processes and how are they being explained? And how are sex differences in demographic processes linked with gender inequalities in other areas of society? We will explore answers to these questions and develop a ‘gendered’ understanding of a variety of issues in population studies. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand and differentiate key concepts on sex and gender in population studies;
2. explore and critically analyse population problems using a gender perspective;
3. construct a review of literature on an existing gender issue in population processes, identifying limitations and potential ways to enhance these prior studies; and
4. transferring theoretical concepts from sociology and gender studies to population issues, thereby training transdisciplinary perspective taking and thinking.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• with the return of assessment.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to the Course Seminar overview and practical mattersBasic concepts, basic theories on sex and gender, terms used on sex and genderOverview of gender inequalities in the realms of reproduction, household and labor market production, health, ageing and mortality.
2	Theory and Concepts "Doing Gender", gender as a social structure
3	Theory and ConceptsHegemonic masculinity, emphasized femininity, intersectionality
4	Theories and ConceptsTheoretical debates on gender and sex in population studiesPerspectives on sex and gender in population studies in the global north and global south
5	The Gendered Body & Psychological PerspectivesTheoretical perspectives on the gendered body, non-binary and transgender gender identities, sexual identities
6	Fertility, Reproductive Health, and Family PlanningGlobal North: Fertility Transition, Gender Equity and Fertility, Couple Perspectives, Motherhood and Fatherhood
7	Fertility, Reproductive Health, and Family PlanningGlobal South: Fertility Transition, Family Planning Movement; From Family Planning to Reproductive Health, Population Policy and Women’s Health
8	Domestic Work and Time Use Gender attitudes and ideology, gendered time use and work divisions.
9	Labor Market & Work and FamilyLabor market participation, gender pay gap, work family issues
10	Relationships, Union Formation, SexualityGendered perspectives on dating, union formation, and marriage, change over time and birth cohorts
11	Population health & mortalityGender differences in population health, ageing, mortality & their social contexts
12	MigrationTypes of migration, their gendered patterns, change over time

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly topic notes	30 %	*	*	1,2,3
Proposal for Final Research Essay	15 %	22/08/2025	27/08/2025	2,3,4
Student Proposal Presentation	20 %	24/09/2025	*	1,2,3,4
Research Essay on Gender and Population	35 %	15/11/2025	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly topic notes

Assessment 1 is a weekly topic notes designed to assess student learning about concepts and topics related to sex and gender in population studies, critically examining research and reflecting on the role of gender in population problems. The notes will briefly summarize the main findings of the assigned readings, and provide questions and reflections to be discussed in class.

Assessment Task 2

Proposal for Final Research Essay

Assessment 2 is the proposal for the final research essay. Students are to pick a topic related to gender and population issues, with a goal of using a literature review to identify limitations in existing research on gender and population problems. In completing the assessment, the student will propose a topic of study, list potential sources for study, identify potential limitations in existing research from these sources, and develop potential ways to address limitations in prior research. Feedback will be given to students in order to provide them with an opportunity to further develop their essay in the Final Research Essay (Assessment Essay).

Note: Feedback on the proposal will be given and guide the preparation of the presentation and essay

Assessment Task 3

Student Proposal Presentation

Assessment 3 provides the student the opportunity to present on their chosen research essay topic, conveying key issues, discussing the state of the current research on the topic and limitations in the current research, and proposing ways to address these research gaps. Students will grade assessment 3 submissions as a way of further developing their knowledge of differing issues related to gender and population.

Evaluation:

Originality

Powerpoint layout and design

Presentation style

Time management during presentation

Each student present their draft paper using Powerpoint in video recording that will be uploaded.

Each student is allocated 13-15 minutes to present.

Coverage for the presentation include:

Title of the paper; background; relevance of topic, objectives of the paper; conceptual framework/theoretical background; methodology (if the student is going to analyse data, include method/s of analysis and computer package used); findings; conclusion and discussion/ policy implication.

Assessment Task 4

Research Essay on Gender and Population

Assessment 4 is research essay. In completing the essay, the students will fully develop their proposed research topic in Assessment 2. The assessment is designed develop student's knowledge and capacity critical thought on how sex and gender relate to a topic of interest, proposing potential advancement in the area of study as a new generation of scholars. Students will complete all learning objectives in completing the assessment and will be assessed accordingly.

Word Limits (max 3000 words, excluding figures, tables, references)

Evaluation

Originality

Title of the paper; background; objectives of the paper; conceptual framework/theoretical background; methodology (if going to analyse data, include method of analysis and computer package used); findings; conclusion and critical discussion of the state of the art and using a gender lens

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students