2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMM5120M Gender and Media Histories: Feminist Methods

30 creditsClass Size: 48

Module manager: Yvonne Tasker
Email: Y.Tasker@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module will enable you to contextualise media texts within specific media landscapes and surrounding societal values related to gender, race, class and sexuality through research and attention to relevant scholarship. The module considers how ideas about feminism materialise at certain times and what historical research methods can be used to make sense of these ideas.

Objectives

The module offers an informed understanding of key epistemologies and research methods providing insight into the historical study of gender, feminism and the media. Teaching will be carried out through weekly two-hour seminars, ad-hoc screenings, readings and independent study. Critical to the module is the inclusion of feminist research methodologies that draw attention to historical data. In addition, it critiques the narrativisation of feminist histories through media texts. It will also provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to case studies and research contexts.  

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Utilise feminist research methods to critically analyse and contextualise historical media texts in relation to relevant feminist debates.  

2. Apply acquired knowledge and skills to independent feminist media research, analyse findings and interpret historical data.  

3. Engage in critical debates concerning the challenges and ethics of feminist media methodologies.

4. Interpret and evaluate historical evidence within specific cultural and media contexts.  

Skills Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will have acquired the following skills:-

1. Historical research skills: the ability to develop organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage and interpret diverse historical data. 

2. Communication skills: The ability to synthesise historical research findings and insights into well-structured and coherent arguments in written assessments. 

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	1	0.50	0.50
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			279.50
Total Contact hours			20.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students' attendance at seminars will be monitored to ensure they are actively engaged in the course. For a deeper understanding of the subject matter, active participation in seminars is encouraged. Students can receive one-to-one guidance and support from seminar leaders during dedicated office hours throughout the semester. There will be opportunities for students to discuss essay plans, research ideas, and course-related questions. Students will be encouraged to provide peer feedback during seminars, and may be prompted to reflect on their learning journey and progress at different intervals during the semester.  

As students work on their research essays, the module lead and/or seminar lead will help them refine their research topics and methodology, providing personalised guidance. Students will receive preparatory materials such as guidelines and criteria to aid their understanding of assessment requirements and expectations. Specific seminar exercises will help students to prepare for assessment, in particular through working with archive materials and relevant data sets. Before submitting their second essay, students will be provided with detailed feedback on their critical reviews, including constructive comments and suggestions for improvement. 

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Literature Review	Critical review of literature and research methods: 2000-2500 words	30.00
Essay	Final essay: 3000-3500 words	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/03/2024

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