Women and Media Fall 2017: August 2017

Gender Performance
++Butler - gender is performative
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo7o2LYATDc

++Melissa Harris Perry and Kate Bornstein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJOD_SYWKtI

Ways of Seeing - Male gaze and Oppositional Gaze

bell hooks

Cultural Criticism and Transformation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQUuHFKP-9s&feature=fvsr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ-XVTzBMvQ&feature=related (strong sexual language)

Madonna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3CBUm7GrNI&feature=related

Spike Lee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEQh-Zpb4XU&feature=related

John Berger Ways of Seeing

Documentary from BBC on youtube (4 episides)

Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pDE4VX_9Kk

Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1GI8mNU5Sg (male gaze and female nude)

Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7wi8jd7aC4

Ep 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jTUebm73IY

Book for sale on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Ways-Seeing-Based-BBC-Television/dp/0140135154/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473095954&sr=1-1&keywords=ways+of+seeing

Makers - Women Who Make America
Barbara Smith-they don't act like us
http://www.makers.com/barbara-smith/moments/amos-andy

Oprah - someone who looks like you
http://www.makers.com/moments/someone-who-looks-you

Day One - Colin Stokes Bechdel test, gender roles, children and movies
http://www.ted.com/talks/colin_stokes_how_movies_teach_manhood.html

Beyonce at VMAs on Slate

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/08/25/beyonce_vma_performance_watch_the_singer_s_16_minute_video_vanguard_award.html

Full length:
Cindy Sherman, Nobody is Here But Me, 1994
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXKNuWtXZ_U

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Syllabus

Women and Media Fall 2017
MEDIA 384.00
Saturdays 2:10-5pm
Department of Film and Media - Hunter College
Professor Desireé Caro :: dbc289 at gmail dot com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course students will be introduced to key issues and theoretical approaches in the study of women and media. The course will explore representations of women in media as well as researching the work of women in the industry. Students will research and analyze how the media creates and challenges stereotypes, ideas of difference including exclusionary representations of minorities and women. Readings, class discussions and projects will explore how media shapes our attitudes and identities. Long a focus and a concern in feminist scholarship, critique of the media is crucial in the discussion of the representation of women in the media. The course will use a historic context of feminist media studies to interpret and analyze contemporary media examples. Students will read across various fields to interpret and critique images in various media: television, advertising, film and new media to explore women’s role and perception, women as audience and especially the importance of women as media makers.

COURSE OVERVIEW and EXPECTATIONS

This class is intended to help students develop the ability to create thoughtful and engaging projects and writing assignments. In addition to a rigorous reading schedule students are required to write various projects for the class blog and sustain continued research and writing throughout the course in addition to the scheduled projects.

Feedback from your classmates is a valuable resource for the improvement of your writing and your work. Critiques allow us to share our projects with others and express our intentions. The idea is to be able to understand the concept behind each work and to analyze the method of every student to determine whether they achieved their goals. Feedback from others gives us valuable information in order to keep making progress. For this reason, class participation is essential.

Class sessions will be divided into presentations, class discussion of the readings, and group critiques of projects. Presentations will address both theoretical and analytical issues related to women and media. Some class time will be dedicated to work on individual projects but it is the student’s responsibility to finish his/her work and present it on time. Students are responsible to be prepared for class, read all assignments on time and post all writing and projects to the blog, paying attention to technical and aesthetic presentation as well as thoughtful and well-developed content.

READINGS There are no required texts. Various weekly reading assignments will be assigned and linked on the blog and posted on Blackboard. The full reading schedule will be distributed on the blog. Readings are due each week. All readings are REQUIRED unless otherwise stated.

CLASS PARTICIPATION For each reading you must prepare two questions and two quotes or passages from the readings for class discussion. Several students will be called on in each discussion and you must have these prepared for each reading.

BLOG You must consult the class blog daily to check for announcements, readings and to post your assignments. The blog is crucial to the course and completion of the requirements. You MUST have access to the blog to complete assignments, readings, post work and comment on students’ posts.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF THE COURSE

Five writing assignments published to the blog as well as a class presentation and a final project will be developed during the semester. You must complete these in a professional manner and ON TIME. No late work will be accepted for a full grade evaluation unless previously discussed with the professor. The assignments will be related to the issues discussed in class, allowing students to explore new technologies by researching and responding to various class discussions and readings.

Attendance and grading policy:

Attendance is required. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class, and will be considered when determining the final course grade.

+++More than three (3) absences will result in an 'F' (failure) for the class+++ No exceptions. This is standard policy across digital media courses. Class begins on time, so you must be punctual. Lateness, leaving early or leaving class unexcused for an extended period of time will also be recorded. Two of these instances will count as one absence.

You are required to make up any and all work that is missed if you are absent. Notify the professor if you will be absent or e-mail asap. As work will not be accepted late, please contact the professor BEFORE the assignment is due or hand in work on time. All assignments must be finished and handed in on time to receive a passing grade for this course.

Evaluation:

30% 5 blog posts

10% group presentation

40% final project

20% participation (Contributions to class, critiques and the blog + attendance)

NOTE: BACK-UP your work frequently, even as you are working on the projects. Write and edit your posts locally before uploading them to the web. No excuses!

* If you have a disability which will affect your coursework, please notify the instructor within the first two weeks of class to ensure suitable arrangements and a comfortable working environment.

Contact The Office for Students with Disabilities, Hunter East 1119 Phone (212) 772-4882 or 4891, TTY: (212) 650-3230.

* This is a list of numbers which you can use if there is an emergency or crisis situation on the Hunter campus or if you need assistance at other times. Security -B125 West - 772 - 4444; During business hours: Medical Office - Room 307 North - 772 - 4800; Office of Student Services - 1119 East - 772 - 4882 4891 (crisis counseling available), The Women's Center - 801 East - 772 - 4931.

Hunter's Reading/Writing center is where students receive tutoring in reading and writing skills, critical reading, and the writing process. Students can apply for a weekly appointment with a tutor and/or use drop-in services during scheduled hours. Students may also attend workshops offered at the Center throughout the academic year. http://rwc.hunter.cuny.edu/

Statement on Originality of the Work

All work completed for this course must be completed by the student enrolled in the course. All work for this course must be made in this course and not fulfilling the requirements of another prior or current course unless pre-approved by the instructor. Plagiarism is a very serious academic offense that will result in penalties ranging from reduction of class grade to failure in the course. Plagiarism occurs when the ideas, images, and words, published or unpublished, of others are presented as one's own without citing the original source. Plagiarism also occurs when the papers, research, or creative works of another person are presented as one's own work.

SCHEDULE

******PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE******

ALL READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE SPECIFIED IN CLASS AND ON THE CLASS BLOG EACH WEEK

All readings for each class will be listed on the class blog every week. It is the student’s responsibility to check the blog for required readings and assignments. All readings can be found on Blackboard, online (linked from the blog) or otherwise specified on the blog.

If you ever have questions or concerns about the schedule, due dates, changes or anything else please ask me after class or e-mail me: dcacoilo@hunter.cuny.edu

Students are required to read the appropriate readings for each class, complete all assignments on time and post 2 links to twitter each week.

Week 1: Saturday 8/26 What is Media? Culture? Gender roles? Introduction and discussion.

Week 2: Saturday 9/2 NO CLASS Watch: Miss Representation

Post 1 Due on blog

Week 3: Saturday 9/9 Ways of viewing--the gaze Readings Due. Discussion session.

Week 4: Saturday 9/16 Signifying Gender: Femininity/Masculinity Discussion. Readings Due.

Week 5: Saturday 9/23 Signifying Gender: Femininity/Masculinity Discussion. Readings Due.

Post 2 Due

Week 6: Saturday 9/30 NO CLASS

Week 7: Saturday 10/7 Performing Gender Discussion. Readings Due. Group 1 presents

Week 8: Saturday 10/14 Advertising and Ownership Discussion. Readings Due.

Post 3 Due Group 2 presents

Week 9: Saturday 10/21 Body Image Discussion. Readings Due.

Week 10: Saturday 10/28 Politics of Sex Discussion. Readings Due.

Final project proposals (~1 pages due - printed/handed in and posted to the blog.)

Week 11: Saturday 11/4 Stories: Power, Agency, Representation. Discussion. Readings Due.

Post 4 Due Group 3 presents

Week 13: Saturday 11/11 Stories: Power, Agency, Representation. Movies, Independent Film, TV, Literature. Discussion. Readings Due.

Week 14: Saturday 11/18 Alternative Media: New Platforms Discussion. Readings Due.

Update of Project Proposal and Draft Bibliography due. Group 4 presents

Week 15: Saturday 11/25 NO CLASS- THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 16: Saturday 12/2 Media Activism, Art/New Media Discussion.

Post 5 Due

Week 17: Saturday 12/9 Presentation of Final Projects.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS:

*Weekly group presentations:

Present the work of a media artist, activist or leader who has used media to further address women’s issues, the lives of women and/or global awareness of women’s rights. A small group of students will present each week. Presentations should be organized, clear and engaging and should include a visual component in addition to a well prepared verbal presentation. Interaction with the class is highly encouraged. The presentations should be 7-10 minutes with a 10 minute discussion to follow. Discussions are facilitated by the presentation group. The topics should be relevant to the class work and should spur discussion within the classroom. Presenters must must be post a summary of the presentation to the blog BEFORE the presentation is given. Every student will present once throughout the semester.

*Posts 1-5.

Students must develop well-edited and researched responses to readings and discussions in class. Each post will be specific to the topics covered in class at that time and will be explained during class. Students are responsible to write and edit these posts as well as illustrate them and successfully post them to the blog for discussion and critique in class.

*Final Project – Creating Your Own Media: A Cultural Intervention

Based on the discussions, readings and projects presented in class and on the blog, please create a short piece of media which focuses on a social or political issue to specifically address the role of media, technology, audience, gender, owners and media makers. Your project should address how media affects the lives of women and/or how women can be instrumental in solving or raising awareness. Your project must be published and somehow distributed to your audience.

Ultimately your project should:

Be publicly visible and accessible by an audience.
Provide clear criticism of a specific media narrative or aspect of popular culture.
Encourage its audience to shift their perspective and take social action.

These must also be published to the class blog and presented in class.

The assignment can take many forms:

-Essay with embedded images.

-Video- music, documentary, performance.

-Researched article or paper.

-Extensive slideshow with captions or narration (think NYTimes)

-Magazine/Zine

-Interactive Web Project/Site

*You must create a post on the blog for your final project. This will include a link to your project, a summary and explanation, images and or videos. You will present using/from your post - this will be much easier. ALL projects must be posted to the class blog and resource lists and summaries printed and handed in to me. Projects in print such as: papers, zines etc must be physically handed in to me. I have invited guests to attend our final presentations.

+ + +

All film and media students need to be on the listserv FM-L to receive important departmental notices. Just email listserv@hunter.listserv.cuny.edu and leaving the subject line blank, write SUBSCRIBE fm-l (that's an "L" not a 1) in the body of message and you're set!

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Due 12/9

FINAL PROJECTS

ALL final project presentations will be on 12/9. All projects are due on the blog before midnight on 12/8! I will chose the order in which you will present.

It's a party!! Bring snacks or party supplies to share :)

*if you are able.

Be prepared to present your projects to the class in approximately 7-10 minute presentations. Visuals are a must. Feel free to bring physical props and handouts if appropriate. Remember you are ”pitching” the project to the class. Prepare a succinct and exciting summary of the project that is clear and makes the class want to look further at your project and potentially share the project, promote it and even get involved!

You must create a POST for your final project on the class blog. This is a portion of your final grade. The post must include a link to your project, a clear and well written summary, images and/or videos. You will present from your post. Your project must live in the world (online or not) but all components of your project and presentation must link from the blog post somehow. Your resource list/bibliography must be included in your post or handed in to me on .

Print projects: papers, zines and pamphlets must be physically handed in to me on the day you present. This is only for print projects. Of course you must create a blog post from which you will present the project as well. Whenever appropriate (for zines and pamphlets especially) print several copies to pass around the class or print enough for distribution.

Checklist for posting your project to class blog:

-link to your project which lives elsewhere in the world must be clearly included in your post

-presentations (7-10 minutes) will be from your blog post and must be linked directly from the post PLEASE CHECK YOUR POST and be sure LINKS and images are working BEFORE ARRIVING IN CLASS.

-research must be handed in to me as resource list/bibliography or included in the blog post

Due 12/2

NO READINGS DUE!

Post 5

Choose and research a female author, artist or film director/screenwriter and a single work or several works that you consider a feminist work. In a short post of approximately ~600 words describe their approach to storytelling. Explain the work and the importance of this story(ies). How does the artist explain their work and their process? How are the works and the artist received by audience and critics? Last post! Find someone wonderful that you may have never heard of or share with us your feminist art or film heroes!

~600 words include images and links. See previous checklist for guidance on format. Be sure to cite from 2-3 previous readings and any other additional sources you use in the research on your artist. Include works cited at the end of your post.

3 comments on other students projects (if you have not already done so)

11/25-- NO CLASS! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

11/18-- NO CLASS!

Work on your projects!! Email me with any questions. Good luck!

ALL final project presentations will be on 12/9. All projects are due on the blog before midnight on 12/8! I will chose the order in which you will present.

Attendance is mandatory on 12/9 and YOU MUST BE IN CLASS ON TIME! Please be prepared to stay 30-60mins later until 5:30-6pm as needed to finish all presentations.

Be prepared to present your projects to the class in approximately 7-10 minute presentations. Visuals are a must. Feel free to bring physical props and handouts if appropriate. Prepare as though you are ”pitching” the project to the class. Include a succinct and exciting summary of the project that is clear and makes the class want to look further at your project and potentially share the project, promote it and even get involved!

Print projects: papers, zines and pamphlets must be physically handed in on the day you present. This is only for print projects. Of course you must create a blog post from which you will present the project as well. Whenever appropriate (for zines and pamphlets especially) print several copies to pass around the class or print enough for distribution.

Checklist:

-clear and well written summary on the class blog along with images and any videos

-link to your project which lives elsewhere in the world must be clearly included in your post.

-presentations (7 minutes) will be from your blog post and must be linked directly from the post PLEASE CHECK YOUR POST and be sure LINKS and images are working BEFORE ARRIVING IN CLASS.

research must be included in your post as resource list/bibliography

Due 11/11

READINGS on Google Drive:

Audre Lorde, The Transformation of Silence Into Language and Action from Sister Outsider AND

Melissa Harris Perry, Crooked Room from Sister Citizen

Peggy Mcintosh, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack

Watch:

Chimanda Adiche Ted Talk

http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en#t-283627

2 comments on other students post 4

Due 11/4

on Google Drive:

Payman and Sina Persepolis 2.0

Online:

Tempering Rage by Drawing Comics; A Memoir Sketches an Iranian Childhood of Repression and Rebellion

NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/21/books/tempering-rage-drawing-comics-memoir-sketches-iranian-childhood-repression.html

WATCH:

clips from Persepolis written by Marjane Satrapi

watch the Entire playlist if possible but especially these:

http://www.nytimes.com/video/movies/100000003363757/persepolis-scene-2.html?playlistId=100000003363727

http://www.nytimes.com/video/movies/100000003363749/persepolis-scene-9.html?playlistId=100000003363727

http://www.nytimes.com/video/movies/100000003363745/persepolis-scene-3.html?playlistId=100000003363727

http://www.nytimes.com/video/movies/100000003363734/persepolis-scene-5.html?playlistId=100000003363727

Post 4

Using knowledge from the readings, links, class discussion, and additional research/personal experience develop an essay addressing the policing of women's bodies and the impact it has on the way women are valued in society. What is the goal of these types of legislations/policies/ barriers? What kinds of messages are being sent by the enforcement of these barriers for women? Who is leading these efforts to restrict women's agency over their bodies? How does media impact the way we view these issues and how they are legislated? What is media doing to help combat negative views of women's bodies/sexuality? What does media do to hurt how women's bodies/sexuality are viewed?

*~800 words. Include citations of at least 4 of the overall class readings in your post, at least 2 images, and 2 links to additional resources.

3 comments on other student project proposal posts

Please leave feedback for 3 other student projects. Help with resources, links to inspirational examples, other projects, articles, books, scholars, and any other resources that might be helpful for various topics. Leave helpful criticism about narrowing of ideas, production direction or tips, distribution ideas and any other help you can provide. Spend time on these!

Group 3 presents

Due 10/28

READINGS:

Roxane Gay The Alienable Rights of Women

Jennifer Nelson Introduction from Women of Color and the Reproductive Rights Movement

ONLINE: http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2014/07/10/hobby-lobby-womans-right-sexual-exploration/

Semester project proposal due – See description below

Due 10/21

READINGS Body Image: Google Drive

Susan Bordo -- "Hunger as Ideology" from Unbearable Weight

Maggie Wykes/Barrie Gunter --"Conclusion" from The Media and Body Image

ONLINE:

Pretty Unnecessary: Taking Beauty Out of Body Positivity https://bitchmedia.org/article/pretty-unnecessary-beauty-body-positivity

Here's What Bothers Me About the New Dove Ad

https://bitchmedia.org/post/heres-what-bothers-me-about-the-new-dove-ad

Post 3

Using all of your readings, class discussions and additional research develop a short essay addressing gender, sexuality and advertising images. Look at the larger picture of the systems that advertising supports and the relationship of ownership and power between advertisers and media (old and new). Look at ads themselves. Analyze the sexism, racism and power hierarchies found in so many of these. What is the purpose of these images? What unintended effects might these pervasive images have or reflect? Is popular culture found in these? Learned? Critiqued? In addition to this analysis choose 5 favorite media examples that you consume: a tv show, newspaper, magazine, novel, podcast, radio program, blog, instagram account, website etc. (at least 1 news source) and analyze the ownership structure and advertising model of these. How does the ownership and advertising affect the content? Does it? How can this change? Can it?

~800 words. Include citations of several of the reading. At least 1 image, 2 links.

DUE 10/28: Final Project Proposal

Semester project topic due - printed and handed-in and posted to the blog

~1 page explaining your semester project idea as well as any research and resources you have already discovered. It must be printed and handed in to me. See syllabus for semester project description. Be as specific and clear about your idea and research so far, include a project timeline and as clear a description of your intended final project as possible. What are you making? What is it about? Why are you making this? Who are you making this for? How will you distribute/share this with your audience? Where will it be published? How does this fit into your portfolio of work? How can this grow and progress after the semester is over?

Also share your project proposal on the class blog. ~2-3 paragraphs, images and links to resources. From this post the class will give you feedback in the comments.

Due 10/14

READINGS: On Google Drive in folder "Due 10/14"

Advertising, Magazines and Women

from Gender Race and Class in Media

-Sex Lies and Advertising - Gloria Steinem Ms. Magazine

-Beauty and the Beast of Advertising - Jean Kilbourne

-Reading Images Critically - Douglas Kellner

-Commodity Lesbianism - Danae Clark

ONLINE:

FreePress Media Ownership Policy

https://www.freepress.net/ownership/chart

Diversity in Media Ownership & Employment

http://www.civilrights.org/media/ownership/

WATCH:

Reel Girls Media Consolidation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Kq5H_5hDg

Due 10/7

READINGS: On Google Drive in folder "Due 10/7"

Judith Butler from Gender Trouble

Various Authors from Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation (essay compilation)

Two comments on a classmate's post 2

Think about your semester project- bring in a few ideas and questions to discuss in class

Group 1 Presents

9/30- NO CLASS

Due 9/23

POST 2 - On ways of seeing/viewing

Please answer the following questions based on your readings and class discussion. Use your own experiences and realizations to help illustrate your understanding of the material - cite from the readings.

What is the male gaze and why is it a pervasive form of vision in popular culture? Give illustrative examples in a variety of media. What is the oppositional gaze and why (as described by bell hooks) has it developed? Give examples. How have you come to understand these structures and in what ways has this understanding changed your views about various media examples and of your own identity and role in these structures?

5-6 paragraphs. Include citations of the readings (Berger, hooks, Mulvey) in your post. Please include at least one image and one link.

READINGS: Google Drive in the foler "Due 9/23"

Misframing Men by Michael Kimmel

Poetry is Not a Luxury by Audre Lorde

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf

Due 9/16

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE POST 1 (see details below) ON THE BLOG BEFORE WEDNESDAY, 9/13 11:59pm

READINGS: Google Drive in the folder "Due 9/16"

"The More You Subtract The More You Add: Cutting Girls Down to Size" by Jean Kilbourne

Feminist Manhood by bell hooks

two comments on a classmate’s Post 1

Due 9/9

Watch Miss Representation and/or The Mask You Live In

What are the main points of the documentary? What was most shocking to learn about? What narratives are missing from the documentary? How do the issues discussed in each film relate to your experience with media/gender roles? What, if anything, has changed since this documentary was released? What would be needed to make changes in these particular issue areas?

Paper should be 3 to 5 paragraphs in length, printed and handed in to me at the beginning of class.

Due 9/2

POST 1

Who do you think you are?

What is your role in media consumption, critique and/or media making. How much of who you are is measured against media examples? How much of our common experience involves shared mass media events? How does the media fit into your life and your identity? Use several media examples to illustrate your description of your relationship to media. Your blog post must be at least 3 paragraphs and you must include at least one link and one image.

READINGS: available as pdfs on Google Drive (week 1 only)

- let me know IMMEDIATELY (via email) if you have trouble accessing the readings.

John Berger - Ways of Seeing

Laura Mulvey - Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema

bell hooks - Understanding Patriarchy/The Oppositional Gaze

______________

Link to the Syllabus

Link to Class screenings online

***Readings are on the class Blackboard site.***

Please be sure you have access to the Blackboard site and can see the "Class Materials" folder.

Discussion guidelines

The course material and discussions can often be provocative and challenging. We must therefore be careful to be respectful of each other and all of our viewpoints. No student shall ever be made to feel uncomfortable because of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

We must come to class prepared and ready to discuss the readings!! Please keep discussions focused on the readings and class materials and keep examples relevant and appropriate. If you have not done the readings you are not to participate in the discussion.

Please see this great list of classroom discussion guidelinesfor more guidance. It is also helpful that everyone in the course reviews several key terms that are crucial to the course material. Please review this important list of terms.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Class Screenings

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Syllabus

Teen Pregnancy and Educational Attainment - Antonio Mihail