Political Science 391WM - S-Women, Media, and Politics

In this course we examine how women are currently depicted in both popular culture and in the "mainstream" media. Specifically, we analyze the ways in which women's progress in terms of gaining political equality is, or may be, affected by, gendered representations (or the lack of women's presence) in the media. Various solutions to women's under-representation - whether in the Boardroom, in mass media, or in politics - have been proposed, and we consider the extent to which these may be effective or where they fall short. In this course we emphasize the ways in which women's under- or misrepresentation in the media affects not only women, but has significant consequences for men, children, and families as well.

Open to Senior and Junior Political Science majors only. Sophomores interested in registering in this course should contact the Instructor at: barakso@polsci.umass.edu