Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
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Date posted: September 2024 No Banner module data is available
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Description This module explores a broad range of issues relating to gender, sex and sexuality as they are mediated through all aspects of popular culture, from fashion and advertising to internet pornography and social networking sites. Using theoretical frameworks taken from gender/sexuality studies as well as media studies, it explores the impact of recent social, economic and technological developments (e.g. postfeminism, ICTs and the commodification of sex) on sexual identity construction, as well as the use of (new) media in challenging (hetero)normative understandings of sex and sexuality. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the key changes that have occurred in the (mediated) construction of discourses around gender, sex and sexuality in recent decades, in Ireland and elsewhere 2. Apply a range of media studies frameworks (political economy of media, textual analysis and audience / reception analysis) to a number of key case studies 3. Evaluate the practices of various media in their representation of gender, sex and sexuality and assess their role in shaping public opinion on sex and sexuality, as well as on sexual identity formation 4. Critically evaluate a range of anti-homophobia, sexual-health or pro-gay marriage initiatives in the media in relation to the relevant theoretical literature 5. Design and produce your own media campaign (e.g. poster, video clip, radio ad) to influence social attitudes about sex / sexuality and evaluate the strategy behind - and potential impact of - this artefact in relation to the relevant theoretical literature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Pornography and the construction of gender and sexualityCybersex and identityThe commodification of sex in advertisingThe media’s sexualisation of childrenSex-positive feminism:Case Study 1: Anne Sexton’s Sexed Up column in Hot Press magazine Case Study 2: Sex guru and performance artist Annie SprinklerMediated homophobia – the ‘ex-gay’ movement and its websitesSexuality and social networking (practices of self-identification on Bebo, etc.)The commodification of abstinence – virginity and the ‘Silver Ring’ projectSexualities and schooling:Case study 1: Sex education materials in the Irish curriculum Case study 2: Anti-homophobia initiatives in schools, in Ireland and elsewhereCreating and theorising your own media campaign | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||