Gender in Popular Culture
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit explores gendered constructions of femininities and masculinities through popular cultural practices by investigating themes of representation in a variety of old and new textual forms, including film, television, streaming sites, video games, social media, performance, art and even radio and books.
The unit critically considers the implications of popular culture in construction of gendered selves. It offers a reflective gaze in illustrating and understanding processes of objectification and sexualisation in the context of contemporary popular representation. Gender in popular culture introduces students to the limitations of gendered narratives in popular culture with a focus upon the field of cultural studies.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Investigate theories of gender representation, sexualisation and objectification in popular culture;
- Critically interpret a variety of ‘texts’ through a gender lens;
- Interpret through the creation of a media product, gendered constructions of femininities and masculinities; and
- Critically reflect on debates around gender in popular cultural practices.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Poster | Grade: 25%
Create a poster that reflects popular culture influences through a gender lens.
Assessment type: Journal | Grade: 35%
Post and respond in a blog format throughout the unit.
Assessment type: Project | Grade: 40%
Demonstrate social research skills through creation of a podcast.
Required reading
A range of essential texts relevant can be located on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.