FILM 46.01 Television and Histories of Gender

This class examines the ways American commercial television has historically “assumed” gendered positionings of its audience, as well as operates as one of the strongest cultural touchstones of gendered identity in patriarchal, consumer society. After tracing television’s place in the construction of gendered ideals through the history of the situation comedy, we examine “gender-specific” genres, such as sports, westerns, cop shows, and soap operas. Representative programs will be screened, and feminist essays on television history/theory are among assigned readings. Open to all students.

Instructor

M. Desjardins

Cross Listed Courses

WGSS 56.01

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:ART; WCult:CI

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