Course Description
Exploration of the intersections of media culture (i.e., production, representation, consumption, and identity), commercial media imperatives, social constructions of race and gender, and consumer culture. Students engage in media analysis and criticism. Scholarship on race, gender, and media. Media literacy and activism are vital components of the course.
Athena Title
MEDIA AND DIVERSITY
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
. to develop an awareness of, and sensitivity toward the many and varied ways in which race and gender impact media production, representation, and comsumption/reception . acquire a fundamental knowledge of some of the ways to participate in dialogues about media, race, and gender, and how these dialogues are shaped by power, that is, by hierarchies in social structure and economic inequities . acquire an understanding of the range of scholarship on media, race, and gender . enhance analytic thinking, critical reading, writing, and other communication skills . develop a greater appreciation of the media's cultural influence and ultimately become a more informed consumer and enlightened participant in our media culture.
Topical Outline
. Key definitions: race, ethnicity, gender, media culture, consumer culture, criticism . Cultural studies . Historical perspectives on media culture . Politics of mass consumption . Whiteness . Feminist media studies . Race/gender media representations: news, TV, film magazines, advertising, etc. . Masculinity/femininity in popular culture . Sexuality in the media . Hate and the Internet . Music Videos: representations, sexuality, commercial imperatives . Hip Hop Culture: racism, sexism, commercialism . Gendered Genre . Diversity in media workplaces . "Doing" media criticism . Media literacy, activism, advocacy