Women and Gender in the Ancient World
UndergraduateMAQ-AHIX32012026
Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 15 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $2,245
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Women and Gender in the Ancient World
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire and demonstrate knowledge of the evidence relating to the life experiences of women and concepts of gender in the ancient world.
- Evaluate ancient source material and modern interpretations of that material at an advanced level.
- Formulate arguments, express ideas and respond to the views of staff and peers relating to unit content, in both oral and written forms.
- Articulate historiographical theories, including how historical information (in the broadest sense) may be extracted from ancient texts and archaeological remains.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Women and Gender in the Ancient World uncovers the lives, voices, and power of women, and the construction of gender and sexuality, in ancient Egypt, the Near East, Greece, and Rome. Through engaging assessments such as blogs, podcasts, and source analysis, students will critically evaluate both ancient sources and modern interpretations, developing skills in historiographical thinking and public-facing scholarship. This unit challenges assumptions, sparks debate, and reveals how ancient ideas about gender still echo in today’s world. With a particular focus on Greek and Roman society and the transformation of gender roles in late antique Rome, this unit explores how concepts of femininity, masculinity, and sexuality were shaped by, and helped shape, ancient cultures. Drawing on the insights of feminist scholarship and women’s history, students will examine ancient texts, art, and archaeological evidence to better understand how gender was lived, controlled, and represented.
- Podcast (40%)
- Blog (40%)
- Source Analysis (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Others
Pre-requisite: 130cp at 1000 level and above or 20cp in AHIS or AHST units at 2000 level or above
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
AHIS3201 Women and Gender in the Ancient World
Other requirements:
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
UndergraduateMAQ-HIS-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.