Women and Popular Culture

Catalog description

This course explores the ways women are depicted in popular culture and how these integrated patterns and beliefs are transmitted to succeeding generations. We will identify how these images influence basic assumptions about societal roles and expectations of women and, therefore, female development. This examination of popular culture genres reveals the influence of pop culture and its impact on stereotypes, personal and professional relationships. Through readings, text analysis, discussion and research-oriented writing assignments, the course will engage interdisciplinary methods to examine gender and popular culture. Students will learn to analyze and critique the narratives that shape their own perceptions of gender, sex and identity, and formulate a personal response to gender identity. Prerequisite: None.