This class will examine both representations of gender identity and the lived experiences of gender identity online. During the early history of the Internet, gender play and experimentation were practiced in many ways, from games to seemingly non-fictional self-representations. Despite this sense of free play, representations of online gender often became stereotypical, shoring up categories like "geek" and "cute" in particularly technological contexts. While we no longer live in an era when the Internet is an anonymous place, online cultures still celebrate identity and representation. By using gender as a lens, this course will seek to understand how gender and identity are performed together, whether to play a role or to function in society. This course takes a media studies approach that is informed by cultural studies, material history, and cultural ethnography.

Class Format:

Class meetings will include lecture and discussion. Participation in class discussion is an important part of the course.