Explores societies’ constructions of gender as formative of, and reproduced by, media, and how that process is subject to change. Considers the production, consumption and circulation of media in various forms.
In this paper we ask how and why 'gender' and 'media' seem to have so much to do with each other. Why is 'the media' so influential in creating and perhaps changing ideas and practices of gender? Why are masculinity and femininity such prominent elements of our media fare, so constantly present that often we don't even notice them? In the paper, we start with some of the theory that has tried to tackle these vexed questions. Armed with this theory, we go on to take a look at a variety of media and media issues (blockbuster and independent film, television, video, celebrity, the music and beauty industries, Internet and social media and phones). In each case we ask how media shapes gender, but also how gender shapes media.
| Paper title | Gender and the Media |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEND205 |
| Subject | Gender Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $913.95 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $4,073.40 |
- Prerequisite
- GEND 101 or GEND 102 or 54 points
- Restriction
- GEND 305
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
- The paper is open to students who have requisite 100-level points. Especially suitable for students taking GEND or MFCO papers, but the paper does not rely on prior learning in these subjects.
- Contact
- sgsw@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
View more information on the School of Sociology, Gender Studies, and Criminology's website.
- Teaching staff
Teaching staff Co-ordinator: John Wei (john.wei@otago.ac.nz)
- Paper Structure
- Key topics:
- Theories of gender and media
- Film
- Television
- Music
- Beauty industry and advertising
- Celebrity
- Internet and social media
- Mobile phones
- Teaching Arrangements
- There are two lectures per week and a tutorial for eight weeks of the paper. In most weeks there is also a 1-to-2-hour screening.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- By the end of the paper, students should:
- Be able to discuss relationships between gender and media
- Be able to critically analyse a media text
- Have had practice in developing written and verbal arguments
