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Overview

An examination of a topic or topics that address the intersection between cinema, gender and sexuality - such as the representation of women in film, cinema audiences and gender, desire and the gaze in the cinema.

This paper focuses upon the contribution that feminist film theory has made to film studies. It revisits and extends work previously covered across the film and media papers on narrative, genre, history, authorship, spectatorship, stars, audiences and representation.

About this paper

Paper title Screening Gender
Subject Media, Film and Communication
EFTS 0.2500
Points 30 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2026 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $2,090.50
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
54 300-level MFCO or GEND points
Restriction
FIME 406
Contact
mfco@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

To be advised when paper is next offered. 

Paper Structure
Topics covered may include:
  • The (male) gaze
  • Masculinity and the macho stereotype
  • The woman's film
  • Female authorship
  • Experimental feminist cinema
  • The new man
  • Post-feminism, intersectionality and cinema
Assessment:
  • Presentations (and short essays) on the readings and screening materials (2) 25%
  • One long essay (4,000 words) 40%
  • Presentation on essay topic 10%
Teaching Arrangements
The paper is delivered through one 3-hour seminar per week. Students are expected to participate in and lead discussion and take an active part in class sessions as independent learners.
Textbooks
Course reader.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Identify the key debates of feminist film theory
  • Discuss the shifting problematics of the representation of gender and sexuality in cinema
  • Deconstruct the influence of theorisations of the male gaze upon the field of feminist film theory
  • Carry out independent research and write up results in the form of a long essay

Overview

An examination of a topic or topics that address the intersection between cinema, gender and sexuality - such as the representation of women in film, cinema audiences and gender, desire and the gaze in the cinema.

This paper focuses upon the contribution that feminist film theory has made to film studies. It revisits and extends work previously covered across the film and media papers on narrative, genre, history, authorship, spectatorship, stars, audiences and representation.

About this paper

Paper title Screening Gender
Subject Media, Film and Communication
EFTS 0.2500
Points 30 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2027 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
54 300-level MFCO or GEND points
Restriction
FIME 406
Contact
mfco@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

To be advised when paper is next offered. 

Paper Structure
Topics covered may include:
  • The (male) gaze
  • Masculinity and the macho stereotype
  • The woman's film
  • Female authorship
  • Experimental feminist cinema
  • The new man
  • Post-feminism, intersectionality and cinema
Teaching Arrangements
The paper is delivered through one 3-hour seminar per week. Students are expected to participate in and lead discussion and take an active part in class sessions as independent learners.
Textbooks
Course reader.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Identify the key debates of feminist film theory
  • Discuss the shifting problematics of the representation of gender and sexuality in cinema
  • Deconstruct the influence of theorisations of the male gaze upon the field of feminist film theory
  • Carry out independent research and write up results in the form of a long essay
Assessment details

Assessment:

  • Presentations/short essays on two readings and screening materials (25% each)
  • One long essay - 4,000 words (40%)
  • Presentation on essay topic (10%)
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