Identity and Media

Theories of Identity

In this course, Dr Vana Goblot (Goldsmiths, University of London) discusses the topic of theories of identity. In the first module, we look at what theories of identity are, how they relate to media studies and why they are important. In the next module, we discuss the work of Anthony Giddens and look at how his theory of identity can be applied to different media texts. After this, we look at the work of Michel Foucault and discuss how his theory of identity can be applied to different media texts. Then, we discuss the work of Judith Bulter and look at how their theory of identity can be applied to different media texts. In the final module, we discuss the work of Stuart Hall and look at how his theory of identity can be applied to different media texts.

Identity and Media

In this module, we look at what theories of identity are, how they relate to media studies and why they are important. In particular, we discuss: (i) what we mean by identity; (ii) the essentialist perspective on identity; (iii) other approaches to identity based on gender, sexual, religious, racial, or class identities; and (iv) David Gauntlett's book "Media, Gender, and Identity" and why some of its conclusions are now somewhat out of date.