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Facing Ourselves: Talking Back about Gender in the Media

Instructor: Dr. Jane Simonsen

Dr. Jane Simonsen is an Associate Professor of History and Women’s and Gender Studies at Augustana. She teaches classes in women’s history, introduction to Women’s & Gender Studies, and masculinity in the U.S., and has written about photography, race, and gender.

Program dates: June 23-26, 2013

Program cost: $450

Includes lodging, all meals and any field trips. Students arrive on campus Sunday, June 23, and depart Wednesday, June 26.

Course description

Most of us are familiar with the ways that the media sells us on images of the ideal man or woman (white, beautiful, slender, etc.), and that these images influence both our self-images and what others expect us to be. But while we easily recognize these images as stereotypes, we often aren’t sure why these images exist, how they affect us, or what we can do about them. In this three-day workshop, we’ll examine representations of men and women in the objects and media we consume every day, from TV to music to magazines, and think critically about what social ideals these images uphold.

We'll have open conversations not just about the media, but about the way that gender, race, and class function in our lives in an attempt to move beyond the surface of these images. Most importantly, we'll consider how we can begin to take responsibility for our own images, empowering ourselves and others through everyday acts. Students in this workshop should be ready to respectfully discuss and explore topics such as race and gender identity.

Tentative schedule

Sunday, June 23

  • Check-in
  • Welcome reception

Monday, June 24

  • Introduction : What do you know about Gender and the Media?
  • Discussion of media images: race, class and gender
  • Writing: what have you been taught about who you are?
  • Film screening 1: MissRepresentation
  • Discussion: Understanding Power and Privilege

Tuesday, June 25

  • Gender, leadership and civic engagement: lessons from history
  • Community leader panel: What’s their story?
  • Representing Ourselves: Workshop on developing a Voice
  • Group Brainstorm: Develop a project that counters media images and tells our own stories

Wednesday, June 26

  • Group Collaboration: Project Creation
  • Representing ourselves (film, photos, writing)