This course is designed to explore the interactions between law gender identity and sexualities. It will:

• provide a theoretical framework which highlights the complexity and contradictions inherent in the construction of sexualities, from an interdisciplinary perspective
• examine a range of legal controversies surrounding sexuality
• consider the interaction of gender, class, race and sexuality issues
• consider the relationship between "queer" theory, lesbian and gay theory and feminist theory
• consider the relationship between activism and the legal process.

On successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

• explain the different ways in which sexuality has been theorised in the 20th Century;
• understand the way in which the legal system participates in the construction of identities; and
• dualyse legal controversies concerning sexuality issues.

The proposed means of assessment for this course will provide students with the option of undertaking at least two pieces of assessment, including one piece during the semester. 

Details of the final assessment will be provided on the course WATTLE page by the first week of semester.

Completed or completing five LAWS courses at 1000 level.

Please refer to the WATTLE home page.

No essential preliminary reading. A background knowledge of the history and theories of sexuality would, however, be useful. In this respect students may wish to read in advance Annamarie Jogose Queer Theory (MUP 1996) and/or Gayle Rubin, "Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical theory of the Politics of Sexuality" in Vance (ed), Pleasure and Danger: exploring female sexuality -. The Rubin article is in the reading brick.