Course syllabus

15 points

Course Convener: Dr. Kirsten Zemke; HSB 808; k.zemke@auckland.ac.nz 

Course delivery format:

Six hours a week: Thurs 10-12; Fri 10-12; Fri 1-3

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

Course Description:              

Gender and sex related issues in relation to popular music: from "girl power" to boy bands; from outwardly gay and lesbian artists to the gay appropriation of heterosexual female divas, from the camp masculinity of heavy metal to lesbian rock and riot grrls, from women-hating gangster-rappers to powerful women in the recording industry. The ways in which gender and sexual identities are both reflected in and modified by mainstream popular musics will be explored.

 Course outcomes:

At the completion of the course students are expected to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of queer theory and feminist theory.
• Be able to apply theoretical perspectives to various genre and historical periods of popular music.
• Be familiar with some of the key research and academic writings on feminism and queer theory
• Demonstrate skills in reading, note taking, critical thinking and writing at the appropriate level

Purposes of the Course are to:

• Introduce the studying of Popular Music from feminist theory and queer theory perspectives
• Communicate research-based understandings of Popular Music and gender
• Approach the significant body of academic writing on Popular Musics and gender/sexuality
• Enhance students’ understandings of Popular Music and stimulate interest in the field of study

Assessment Summary:

The coursework for this paper represents 50% of your total mark for the paper (the exam is worth 50%). The coursework consists of:

• 15% Essay (1500 words). Due 19^th Jan at 5:00 pm
• 15% Essay (1500 words). Due 30^th Jan at 9:00 am
• 10% Creative Presentation (5 minutes in Week 6)
• 10% Chairing a readings discussion (you will be assigned a week- either 2,3,4, or 5)

Weekly Topics:

Prescribed Texts:

These are linked on Canvas into the Library

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 20 hours per week (for Summer School) on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may provide supporting information attached to your assigment if you do not want to lose marks. Late assignments without a med or counselling certificate will be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for further details.