Feminist Media – looking at anime, television, film, video games, and literature through a feminist lens

Instructor: Claire Graman

Dates and times: July 20, 21, 22, 23, & 24, 2020, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

For ages 13-17

Platform: Computer with Zoom

Supplies/requirements: Writing materials and access to a computer with Zoom.

Art and entertainment reflect and shape the world around us, but not always in the best way. This class teaches girls to think critically about the media they consume. From literature to anime, we’ll practice critiquing media for feminist and sexist themes, empowering girls to better understand the world around them.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction to Feminist Media

We talk about what feminism is and how to do a feminist critique/close reading of media with tools like the Bechdel Test, introducing concepts like the Male Gaze and Intersectionality.

2. Literature

We read poems and other literature and discuss.

3. Media

We watch clips from movies and television and discuss.

4. Pop Culture

We watch bits of anime, video games, and memes.

5. Conclusion

Girls choose a piece of media and present it, analyzing it with what they’ve learned.