Illustrate and critically discuss the representation of gay people in television sitcoms or soap operas.

Guidance

For general guidance about what is expected in your essays for this module, see the guidelines for writing essays and reports.

What Key Features Do I Look For? Familiarity with relevant texts Evidence - the stronger the better Argument - coherent and balanced Theoretical discussion - relation to relevant theories Understanding of relevant concepts Reflexivity - reflections on methodology Examples - insightfully analysed Style - readability and effective presentation

Please remember to avoid footnotes and to include an alphabetical list of 'References' which have been cited in the text (not a Bibliography of anything you have read for the essay). This list should include author's names, date, book titles (in italics), place of publication and publisher. Within the text always cite author's surname, date and page number. Double-space your text and number your pages.

Guidance for this assignment: Semioticians have problematised the concept of 'representation'. Note the glossary entry for 'representation' in the online text of Semiotics for Beginners. Show that you are aware of this problematisation as it affects this topic. Critically reflect on the representational issues raised by the representation of gays/lesbians in film. Clearly, you'll need to discuss stereotyping, for instance. What are regarded as 'positive', 'negative' and 'realistic' representations (problematise the latter term in particular!)? Also, consider how this issue relates to an 'essentialist' notion of gay or lesbian identities - for which you need to consult some introductions to 'queer theory'. Anchor your text in extended discussions of particular examples. Discuss whether (and if so, why) the genre lends itself to stereotyping. Tip - don't attempt comprehensive historical coverage - limit yourself to a specific decade or so. At all costs, avoid 'moralising' about the subject - about what film-makers or policymakers should or should not do about this - stick to the topic!

Note also that this is an assignment for which the inclusion of relevant pictorial illustrations may be useful. Use these to illustrate particular points. Contrasting one with another can also be productive. Incorporate illustrations electronically into your text (e.g. by scanning or downloading from the Internet) rather than literally cutting and pasting. For guidance on capturing stills, click here.

Check out this former Aber student's database:

• Queer TV Database: Chris Hearn