This course investigates the impact of biomedicine on contemporary understandings of identity and the body. There will be three main case studies: reproductive technologies, psychopharmacology and organ transplantation. Linking the case studies will be three themes: 1) how technology both reproduces and challenges dominant models of human identity and relations 2) how dominant understandings of gender and sexual difference influence the development of technology; 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.

Short responses papers (3) and a research project. Tutorial participation.

Normally offered in alternate years
1x1.5 hour lecture for 13 weeks and 11 one-hour tutorials. Lectures will be taped.

At least one of GEND1001, GEND1002, ENGL1011 or permission from the coordinator.

* Hopkins, Patrick (1998) The Intersection of Culture, Gender and Technology in P. Hopkins (ed.) Sex/Machine: Readings in Culture, Gender and Technology, Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
* Stabile, Carol (1997) Feminism and the Technological Fix in S. Kemp & J. Squires (eds) Feminisms, Oxford: Oxford University Press.