Module Code - Title:

SO4118 - SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER AND POPULAR CULTURE

Year Last Offered:

2024/5

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

a. To provide an opportunity for the student to examine of key theoretical perspectives relevant to the study of gender and popular culture b. To offer ways of evaluating the work of major sociological schools/theorists in the study of popular culture and gender studies. c. To develop the ability to analyse and interpret popular cultural texts through the lens of gender analysis.

Syllabus:

This module explores the twin themes of bodies and sexualities in the spaces of contemporary Western culture. Utilising a range of popular cultural forms, sites and events which are most accessible-television, cinema, magazines; households, shops and workplaces; and popular understandings of medicine, science and technology - the module involves students in a series of critical engagements. The module addresses a number of issues; why the subjects of sexualities and the body become the focus of so much interest across a broad range of disciplines; How we an de-naturalise and problematise normative gender categories by setting gendered identities in cultural contexts; What important contributions have been made to the field by recent work on masculinities; How the practices of everyday life can be interrogated to yield insights about the relationships between the body, gendered identities and prevailing cultural norms.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

- Developed an awareness of the contemporary sociological theory and literature concerned with gender and popular culture - Understand the debates and key issues involved in the area of gender - Completed a written assignment on a topic fitting themes from the module - Developed transferable skills including proficiency in the critical analysis of academic texts and the ability to create complex and well supported arguments.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

- Demonstrate a critical orientation towards the substantive areas of concern in the area of gender and popular culture

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

McRobbie, A. (2008) The Aftermath of Feminism: Gender, Culture and Social Change , London: Age

Balzano,W., Mulhall A., and Sullivan, M. eds. (2007) Irish Postmodernisms and Popular Culture , London: Palgrave