In this course, we will examine the ways that women and gender have been portrayed and are currently portrayed through the media, television and movies, popular music, internet, periodicals, popular fiction, newspapers, and other cultural artifacts. With readings ranging from critical theory to popular fiction, we will speculate on the impact of and sources for popular portrayals of women, in particular, and the social construction of gender, race, sexuality, and other social categories. The course will also encourage students to question agency in the creation and consumption of mass culture. Issues of race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and physical ability will be important as we explore and critically examine the forms and functions of popular culture.
Fall Only.