2026/27 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMM5250M Feminism, Identity and Media

30 Credits Class Size: 52

Module manager: Dr Maitrayee Basu
Email: M.Basu@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module introduces students to the main theoretical and critical arguments and approaches associated with feminist media studies, exploring the history of the field as well as contemporary debates. Drawing on intersectional, decolonial, and queer feminist approaches, the module explores how the intersections of gender with race, class, sexuality and disability are theorised in relation to a range of media and geographical contexts, across the global South and the global North. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

The module aims to provide students with an informed understanding of the main theoretical and critical debates associated with feminist media studies, covering the history of the field as well as engaging with contemporary intersectional, decolonial and queer feminist perspectives and debates. Students will explore questions of identity from a feminist perspective, looking at a range of media including television, film, advertising, music and new media. The module will enable students to evaluate and contribute to ongoing public and theoretical debates related to feminism and the media as well as assess the strengths and limitations of the main methodologies of the field.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Critique key theoretical debates concerning feminist media studies, drawing on intersectional, decolonial and queer feminist perspectives.

2. Apply advanced theories of gendered power relations to media outputs
3. Critically engage with and evaluate the main methodologies of feminist media studies
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

4. Effectively communicate knowledge and ideas about identity and gender in collaboration with others on an area or topic of feminist media studies.

5. Critically evaluate different arguments and perspectives on identity and gender, using this scholarship to form arguments, theories and ideas.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 10 1.5 15
Seminar 10 1 10
Private study hours 275
Total Contact hours 25
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 300

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be given to students during seminar tasks and discussions. Progress will also be monitored by performance in seminars and assessment preparation material.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Group Project Group project 30
Essay Essay 70
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

To resit the presentation, please select an alternative topic to present individually. To resit the essay component, please select an alternative question from the module handbook.

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team