MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS
Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996
Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Sexed
media, media-ted sex
C Atmore
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 Essay (2000 words): 40% + Class paper (1000 words): 10% +
Project (3000 words): 50%
Recommended texts
- Betterton R Looking on: Images of femininity in the visual arts and
media 1987
- Cohen S and Young J The manufacture of news: Social problems, deviance
and the mass media 1981
- Fiske J Introduction to communication studies 1982
- Young A Femininity in dissent 1990
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