Module 9 Assignment: Gender and Advertising

STEP 1: Search magazines, websites, newspapers, blogs, or other media venues to find advertisements. Search for advertisements with people in them that are related in some way to sex, gender, or sexuality, as discussed in this module. They can be either print ads or commercials.

STEP 2: Find two different advertisements—one that portrays a “negative” or stereotypical view on gender or sexuality, and then one that portrays a “positive” view on gender or sexuality. Post pictures or provide links to these advertisements.

STEP 3: Answer the following questions about BOTH advertisements, in a paper of 250-500 words.

  1. How does this advertisement portray gender, sex, or sexuality? What is the ad intentionally trying to sell? What unintentional messages might it also be sending?
  2. Who is the intended audience of this advertisement? Are there any stereotypes in this ad? How do you think this ad is received? Do you think it is effective? Explain.
  3. If you could make adjustments or changes to this advertisement, what would you do, and why?

STEP 4: Write a summary paragraph describing your own personal views on gender in advertising. Do you think advertising on the whole is becoming less stereotyped, or more so? How have you seen examples of this in your own life? What steps, if any, do you think should be taken to improve future advertisements?

Rubric

Criteria Ratings Points
Advertisements Finds at least two advertisements related to module content on sex, gender, or sexuality Finds advertisements only loosely connected to module content Finds only 1 or non-applicable advertisements __/5
Analysis Answers analysis questions about how both advertisements relate to advertisements portrays sex, gender, or sexuality Partially answers analysis questions about how both advertisements relate to advertisements portrays sex, gender, or sexuality Does not thoroughly answer analysis questions about how both advertisements relate to advertisements portrays sex, gender, or sexuality __/10
Summary Provides summary of your own personal views on gender and sex in advertising Provides incomplete summary of your own personal views on gender and sex in advertising Provides partial of your own personal views on gender and sex in advertising __/5
Total: __/20