COMMS 304

Gender, Politics and the Media

Please note: this is archived course information from 2023 for COMMS 304.

Description

Addresses the theory, practice and representation of politics in the media from a gendered perspective. Examines the relationships between gender, politics and the media. In particular, the course critically analyses the role of the media in structuring and reproducing power relations in contemporary society. We will ask questions such as: how do media representations of gender become political? Do the media reinforce or subvert social roles and ideologies? What is the role of the media in gendering political and social processes? How is gender mediated? And why does this mediation become a political concern?

We will examine political theories of gender and media and discuss the the influence of gender on politics through an examination of different context. We are interested in conceptualisations of femininity and masculinity as well as the history of feminism and struggles for gendered and racial equality. Engaging with a range of contemporary political debates and controversies, we examine the role of gender in political communication, celebritisation and fandom as well as digital media and popular culture. We consider gender in the context of nationalism and imperialism, as well policy making and social protest.

Students are encouraged to reflect upon theories, debates and controversies that reveal the interplay between gender, politics and the media and to apply a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the gendered analysis of contemporary media, politics, culture and society.

Assessment

Coursework only

Availability 2023

Not taught in 2023

Lecturer(s)

TBA

Reading/Texts

Readings will be made available each week via Canvas/Talis

Points

COMMS 304: 15 points

Prerequisites

15 points from COMMS 200-208 or GENDER 208 and 15 points in BA courses

Restrictions

FTVMS 213, 324