This course examines how social constructions of race and gender
are represented in electronic media content. Readings provide an
introduction to race and gender issues, and the role of the mass
media in contemporary culture. Students will be introduced to
critical methods of media analysis, and will write one or two papers
in which they will offer critical interpretations of media texts
ranging from situation comedies to motion pictures. Assigned readings
and class discussions are designed to work with weekly screenings
that feature films selected for their relevance to questions of race
and gender representation. Pop quizzes and screening notes will be
among the other assignments for the course.