GSSA 3102EX - Gender and Popular Culture

External - Semester 2 - 2015

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of developments in contemporary thought on gender and the ways it is expressed through, represented within, and influenced by popular culture. In particular it will examine the influential role of popular culture on our perceptions of who 'we' are and how we (are expected to) behave. Students will be asked to consider the ways constructions of 'acceptable' gendered identities (most particularly masculinities and femininities) in mainstream popular culture intersect with additional aspects of identity such as race, class, sexuality, disability and so on; it will also explore ways in which artists and/or activists design popular culture works that deliberately seek to challenge or subvert traditional gender norms. As well as engaging with theoretical writings, students will consider gendered expressions and ideas in action through analysing examples of media texts (these may include film, television, print media, art, music video, zines and examples from social media).

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Course Details

Course Code	GSSA 3102EX
Course	Gender and Popular Culture
Coordinating Unit	Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	External
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	12 units level 1 courses
Incompatible	GWSI 3102

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Pam Papadelos

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1	Introduce students to contemporary theories in gender studies and cultural studies
2	Develop students’ specialised knowledge of popular culture and how it impacts on constructions of identity
3	Advance social justice issues (gender, race, class) in the context of popular culture texts
4	Build on students’ ability to engage critically with popular culture texts
5	Develop students' ability to compare and integrate different perspectives into coherent arguments in a written format
6	Build on students’ library and research skills
7	Develop students' interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1-4
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	2, 3, 4, 6
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	3-7
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	5-7
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1, 4, 6
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	1, 5, 6
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1. 2. 3. 5. 7
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	3, 5, 7

Learning Resources

Online Learning

Course-related material will be available online via MyUni.

Learning & Teaching Modes

Recorded lectures, podcasts, and on-line material supported by on-line tutorials delivered through discussion boards in which examples are analysed, problems posed and solved.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

1 x 2-hour online lecture per week	24 hours per semester
1 x 1-hour online discussion board each week	12 hours per semester
6 hours reading/viewing per week	72 hours per semester
2 hours research per week	24 hours per semester
2 hours assignment preparation per week	24 hours per semester
TOTAL WORKLOAD	156 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary

Schedule
Week 1	Introduction
Week 2	Understanding and theorising gender
Week 3	Understanding and theorising popular culture
Week 4	Reading popular culture through feminism
Week 5	Group work online consultations
Week 6	Muisic and style
Week 7	E-zines, blogs and grrl power
Week 8	Reading fiction
Week 9	Masculinity and femininity in magazines
Week 10	Critiquing television
Week 11	Conclusion
Week 12	Online consultations

Small Group Discovery Experience

Students will participate in online forums (discussion boards and wikis) for a minimum of one hour each week during which time they will participate in small group discussion and structured activities.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Learning Outcome
1000 word short critical essay	Summative	25%	1, 2, 3, 6
1000 word group presentation	Formative and Summative	25%	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
3000 word essay	Formative and Summative	40%	2-6
Online discussion board participation	Formative and Summative	10%	2, 3, 4, 6, 7

Assessment Related Requirements

Students must complete all assessment elements in order to pass the course.

Assessment Detail

Short Critical Essay: 800-1000 Words (25%)
Write a critical response to the question: Why is it important to think critically about the relationship between gender and popular
culture?

Group presentation (25%)
You will be allocated a tutorial topic to present (in small groups) on-line.

3000 word Essay (40%)
Topics will be circulated in class.

Online Discussion Board participation (10%)
Students will be expected to log on and actively participate in at least 6 discussions You will be assessed on the level and regularity of your contribution.

Submission

No information currently available.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator