Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject considers how various theories of media representation relate to different theoretical models of gender and sexuality. We consider the role the mass media might play in producing and reproducing gender and sexuality as social processes and inequalities. We also examine whether there might be particular ways of thinking about the media and analysing media representations which are more conducive to considering themes of gender and sexuality. We first consider different theoretical approaches to the media and their associated methods, and then look at some specific studies and debates in the areas of media representation of sexual identities, sexual violence, pornography, AIDS, feminist and sexual identity-based political protest, and the idealised and feminised body. Students are encouraged to make their own critical assessment of the theoretical debates and choices of media analytic methods, and to support their critiques by carrying out a small study of an aspect of media representation.
Assessment Short essay (2000 words): 20% + Seminar paper (2000 words): 20% + Project (5000 words): 60%