760-424 Sexuality and Gender in Media Arts

Formerly available as 760-321. Students who have completed 760-321 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. BA students may credit this subject to an art history or gender studies major.

For BCA students 12.5 points of second year media arts. For BA students 37.5 points of second/third year gender studies or admission to the BA (Honours) in gender studies.

This subject involves a study of the different ways in which sexuality and gender have been depicted in cinema (and other related visual practices). It places a strong emphasis on the study of 'masculinity' as an evolving form of cultural representation. Topics to be discussed include the theorisation of the 'gaze' (taking the female form as an object of erotic desire); relevant feminist theories of sexuality and gender; psychoanalytic theories of the 'fetish', sadomasochism, and cross-dressing; heterosexuality and homosexuality in Hollywood cinema and 'Independent film'; questions of gay 'visibility' and the emergence of 'Queer' cinema; debates concerning the legitimacy of pornography; and the recent 'crisis in masculinity' depicted in American mainstream film.

• identify the relevant issues concerning sexuality and gender indicative of contemporary cinema;

• demonstrate a developed and analytical understanding of issues and theories relating to representation of these elements in contemporary cinema;

• express a broadened awareness of how these issues impact on contemporary film making.

Written work of 4000 words for 3rd year, and 5000 words for 4th year, comprising two essays of equal length 50% each (one due mid semester and the second due at end of semester).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.