LINGUA INGLESE 2

Docente

Maria Elena D'Amelio

Descrizione

Programma del corso a.a. 2022-23

Topic: Media, Gender and Celebrity Culture

Course Description 

This course addresses the intersection of media, gender, and celebrity through an examination of the Italian and American media system. After introducing students to key approaches to studying gender and media, the course will cover topics in four subunits: (1). Representations of gender and sexuality in celebrity culture; (2). Representations of gender identities in international TV series; (3). Gender equality and the UE; and (4). Gender and content creators in the digital mediascape.

Learning objectives 

• Understand more about gender, media and society by exploring celebrity culture
• Examine the role of media in constructing gender and its intersections with race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality;
• Develop critical thinking, writing, and analytic skills through the production of written texts and oral presentations;

B2 requirements 

• understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization;  
• interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party;  
• produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. 

Required Texts/Readings 

• Krijnen and Van Bauwel, Gender and Media, Routledge 2015 
• Holmes and Redmond, Stardom and Celebrity: A Reader, 2013 (both texts are available on Sharepoint) 

Other readings (articles, chapters, popular press pieces) will be available on Sharepoint or online. You are responsible for completing all reading prior to the class for which it is assigned and for the content contained in the reading. This includes material on the syllabus and assigned in class.

Course Requirements 

Attendance/Participation: 4 points

This discussion-based course requires constant attendance and participation. To receive a full attendance/participation grade, you must be able to answer questions from the reading when called on at random, participate in the class discussion, and do the in-class exercises and activities (pop quizzes, teamwork, etc.).

Group Presentation: 6 points

For each class, your group will be in charge of presenting a case study based on the reading material assigned, and should include a visual component (Prezi or PPT). A week before presenting, you should meet with me for background reading and tips. Presentation will be graded on evidence of research, preparedness, and presentation style.

Video posts: 2 pts each. 8 points in total

You will be responsible for producing 4 short videos, TikTok style, in English. These should engage with the course readings and discussions. They will help me gauge your understanding of, and ability to apply, foundational concepts. Further instructions will be given during class.

Final exam: 14 points

An oral exam based on the class readings.

Student Responsibilities 

• Attendance is mandatory. 

• You are required to come to class prepared for work on time. 

• You are required to complete and turn in all class work on time. 

• You will maintain a student binder or notebook that contains all of the assignments, handouts, and homework required for the class. 

• You must maintain a positive attitude and be respectful to students and the instructor.  

• To the best of your ability speak only English while in class.