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Gender and Media

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AAIC008

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This module develops an intersectional understanding of gender and media research, examining the intersection of gender, sexuality, ‘race’ and class. Interrogating a broad range of media forms, it will introduce key concepts within gender and media scholarship and will equip students with the theoretical and methodological tools for undertaking independent research projects. Responding to key debates and events in current popular media culture, topics can include the shifting constructions of femininity, masculinity, transgender and LGBTIQ+ subjectivities; feminist approaches to media production; industry appropriations of empowerment ideals and ‘woke capitalism’; and emerging trends of celebrity feminisms. This module will engage with the contested nature of activism and industry in the twenty-first century and the highly mediated nature of gender politics.

Assessment details

Coursework weighted at 100% - 3,000-word Research Project

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to: 

  • Familiarise students with key concepts and approaches within the study of media, gender and culture.

  • Critically explore debates surrounding gendered identities and intersectionality in contemporary media and digital culture.

  • Provide an overview of feminist activist histories and their relationship with contemporary media culture.

  • Strengthen research and communication skills, putting theory into conversation with cutting-edge examples and practising methods for gender and media research.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate their ability to: 

  • Critically understand the central themes and approaches in the study of media, gender and culture, and apply theoretical perspectives in the analysis of contemporary media culture.

  • Examine a range of media texts including film, TV programmes and magazines, as well as online and digital media, and apply appropriate conceptual tools to independently analyse media texts.

  • Reflect on the role of feminism in contemporary media culture, including activist, mainstream and industry articulations.

  • Use empirical methods to conduct a gender and media research project.

Teaching pattern

Ten one-hour lectures and ten one-hour seminars

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.