Exploring Feminism & Pop Culture
In this 6-week course, students will be apply several intersectional feminist theories to movies, TV, the internet, and pop music.
Liz Boltz Ranfeld
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(193)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. 2-3 short writing assignments spread out over the course of the class + 1 option to write a 3-4 page paper on feminist theory at the end of the course. 1 weekly reading assignment.Assessment
Students who submit a paper at the end of the course will receive individualized written feedback.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Feminism & Pop Culture are intertwined! Pop culture influences feminism, and feminism influences pop culture. In this class, we will discuss several feminist theories and how they can be applied to analyze pop culture, including movies, TV, music, YouTube, social media apps like TikTok, and more. Let's talk about Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Bluey, Hamilton, kids' movies, influencers, and so much more! This is an Intro-level course that students can join regardless of how much experience they have with feminist theory. Each week will involve: -short, discussion-driven presentations of 1-2 feminist concepts (with accompanying slideshow) -discussion of an online reading that was assigned the week before -application of those concepts to teacher-provided pop culture texts -application to student-provided pop culture texts Pop culture texts we will discuss include: princess movies, superhero movies, musicians like Taylor Swift and Lizzo, popular YouTubers, Nickelodeon and Disney TV series, and much more. Feminist concepts include: empowerment, objectification, LGBTQ+ representation, intersectionality, and more. Week One: Introductions (Get to know each other & introduce basic definitions of feminism, diversity, and intersectionality) & topic decisions, based on the class's interests; Feminism in Movies & TV, Part 1 Week Two: Feminism in Movies & TV, Part 2 Week Three: Feminism on the Internet (Feminism in Movies & ON TV writing assignment is due) Week Four: Feminism & Pop Music, Part 1 Week Five: Feminism & Music, Part 2 (Feminism on the Internet writing assignment is due) Week Six: Course Wrap-Up (Final Feminism paper due) post-class: Feedback on your writing papers will be sent via OS Messages Students will be expected to read one short article most weeks. Because this is a long course, students will also be asked to contribute 2-3 short writing assignments over the course of the class. At the end of the course, students will be encouraged to write a short (2-3 page) paper on feminist theory and a pop culture text of their choice. Students who write these texts will receive individual feedback from the instructor PARENTS: Please see parental content note below. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN 2023, I UPDATED THE CLASS TO BE 6 WEEKS LONG INSTEAD OF 8 WEEKS LONG. The course price was lowered to reflect this change.
Learning Goals
Students will understand the basics of feminist theory and be able to apply those to the pop culture texts of their choice.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I teach from an intersectional feminist perspective, which means that I view gender as just ONE aspect of the world where equality has not yet been attained. We may address additional areas of social injustice, including racism, classism, ableism, and more. I also teach from a non-binary perspective. Although I periodically use gendered language including "boys" and "girls," I also use language like "all genders" and avoid promoting a gender binary. Transgender and non-binary children should feel welcome in this course, and we will do our best to use gender-inclusive language.
Supply List
These readings will be online, free, and available to access for all students.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2020
4.9
193reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I was an English professor for nearly 15 years and have taught on diversity and feminist theory in numerous classes. On Outschool, I teach courses on Feminism & pop culture. My writing about feminist issues has been published by Jezebel.com, Everyday Feminism, Role Reboot, The Shriver Report, Salon.com, and more. Reviews
Live Group Class
$17
weekly or $100 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
50 min
Completed by 26 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-10 learners per class
