What makes a real man? To understand how ideals of masculinity have varied over time this course focuses on historical figures whose lives help to open up the changing ways in which masculinity has been embodied, tested, challenged and violated, as well as the authorities and cultural practices that have shaped codes of masculinity. Students will explore how and why notions of ‘manliness’ have shifted in the context of revolution, war, exploration, imperialism and anti-colonialism.

Course materials include theoretical and historical readings on gender, plus fact-based and fictional texts, including published and manuscript documents, painting, photography, monuments, music and film.  

Successful completion of the course will equip students to analyse how gender identities are historically contingent, rather than natural or timeless. The lectures will broaden students' knowledge of Western history, as well as the history of exemplary historical figures. Through the concept map they will evaluate and compare historical and theoretical analyses of masculinity. To complete the research wiki and explanatory essay they will undertake original research and learn to apply key course concepts in original case studies of historically-situated masculinities. Oral presentations in tutorials will develop their capacity to analyse and verbally explain course readings.

Concept map and explanatory essay (300 words): 20%;  Wiki research plan (300 words): 10%;  Research Wiki and explanatory essay (1000 words): 50%;  tutorial attendance: 10%; course participation: 10%

1 x 1.5-hr hour lecture per week plus 11 x 1 hour tutorials during the semester, plus six hours of non-contact independent study per week.

Two first-year courses to the value of 12 units in History or Gender, Sexuality and Culture, or with permission of the Coordinator.

Students with the prescribed qualifications should be well equipped to enrol.  

Reading Brick

This course may be counted towards a Gender, Sexuality and Culture or History major.