Pulse of the Class

1. Using plenty of adjectives and also lyrics from a popular song, describe your impressions of the course so far. How would you describe your experience of the readings, screenings, lectures, discussions (Twitter and in class)?
The course has already gone above and beyond on what I thought it would be about. In just eight weeks, this class has increased my knowledge of gender and sexuality in the media. Some of the readings we have experienced in class so far have been a bit confusing to me. But when we discuss in class and watch the screenings, it really has the readings come to life. Therefore, with the discussion it allows me to fully understand what the author is trying to point out. Although I may be pretty quiet in class, I thoroughly enjoy this class.

 2. Has the course material challenged, reinforced, surprised, baffled, you-fill-in-the blank, your existing ideas about gender, sexuality, and media representations? Please remember that you have seen a range of media representations in this class -- mainstream and independent and or "alternative."
This course material has surprised me about gender, sexuality, and media representations. I have always known how women's representation in the media was not the same as men, but never really thought about the different levels of breaking it down. This class has really opened my eyes to what is going on in the media when it comes to gender and sexuality. Although this class is just 3 hours long, it has opened my eyes up outside of class when I am watching television, a movie, or even just simply looking at an advertisement.  Through out the movies we've watched in class, it has really opened my eyes up to the social "norms". While watching Ma Vie En Rose, it created such a mix of emotions from being upset to super furious. Ludo goes through the struggle of not being accepted by society and his own family. Even though this movie was created in 1997, people still are faced with the same struggles today as Ludo did.
 
 3. What has been the single most engaging reading/topic so far and why?
The most engaging reading so far I would have to say is the Kate Bornstein's piece. Her choice of words really made it easy to connect with the author. As she compared gender to being like a cult, it was really shocking to me how correct she is. Although it seemed a bit drastic, but I believe that it is the truth. Today society's views on gender & sexuality for what should be and should not be accepted is so wrong. Bornstein's style of writing made it easy and an enjoyable read.

 4. What has been the single most difficult reading/topic so far and why?
When reading Butler's article at home, it seemed to be the most difficult reading so far. Although after getting to class on that Tuesday, it seemed much easier after Professor Fuqua and the cats broke it down to simpler terms. It was difficult when reading at home that Butler's article related to the previous weeks reading from David Gauntlett's article.