Context
Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field of social science that interpolates perspectives from history, sociology, anthropology, religious studies, and media studies. This course is an introduction to the field of gender studies and will examine the social, cultural, and historical constructions of gender and its intersection with other social categories, as well as explore critical questions about the meanings of sex and gender in society. We will explore key concepts in gender theory, emphasizing the social construction of “masculinity” and “femininity”. We will examine how social categories are inherently context-dependent and how the ideas of what it means to be (e.g., a man, a woman, or neither) has changed over time and in different political and cultural contexts, yet intersects with other aspects of identity (e.g., race, class, nationality, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation). The primary goal of this course is to familiarize students with key concepts, issues, and contemporary debates in gender studies by drawing on multiple disciplines to examine cultural assumptions about sex, gender, and sexuality, aiming to increase awareness of contemporary and historical experiences of the ‘excluded majority’.
Course Objectives
- Introduce students to the basic concepts of the field of gender studies.
- Encourage curiosity and the exercise of critical thinking in the everyday lives of students
- Sensitize students to the material consequences of one’s positioning in complex power structures of society and the structural and cultural violence of gender.
- Analyze how gender equality is necessary for democracy and peace.
Host Organizations
The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD) & Women’s Studies Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University; Thanakha Gender Tekkatho
Requirements
Both female and male students from Myanmar who are keen to understand, explore, and challenge gender issues are particularly welcomed to apply for this online certificate course. Students must have access to the internet and a device (computer, tablet, smartphone) capable of connecting to online audio-visual applications. University-level students are preferred.
Teaching Period
The course will be offered in two separate sessions with the same curriculum. Each session runs for four weeks, with two hours of instruction per week. Students are expected to commit to two hours each week to actively participate in class discussions, debates, and dialogues. Completion of the course will be based on each student’s attendance and participation.
Applicants can select their preferred session in the application form:
- First Session: 21 April – 16 May 2025 (Applications Deadline: 16 April, 2025)
- Second Session: 19 May – 13 June 2025 (Application Deadline: 6 May 2025)
Fees: No tuition fee required
Teaching language: Burmese/Myanmar and English
Number of students accepted: 15-20 students
Begin the application process online here
Lead Lecturer(s)
Dr. Ma Khin Mar Mar Kyi (Dr. Mar) is the inaugural female Burmese anthropologist and the recipient of the ‘Excellence in Gender Research’ award at the University of Oxford. She is also a senior research associate at both the Regional Center for Sustainable Development (RCSD) and the Women’s Studies Center at Chiang Mai University. Together with other gender scholars, Dr. Mar will convene the course.