Course information

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the relationship between gender and communication and to examine how communication shapes, reflects, and challenges gender identities, roles, and power relations in society. The course explores key theories and concepts in gender communication while critically examining the influence of interpersonal communication, language, media, culture, politics, and digital technologies on the construction and representation of gender. Drawing on examples from Namibia, Africa, and the wider global context, students will analyse how communication practices contribute to issues such as gender inequality, representation, stereotyping, inclusion, advocacy, and social change. The course also explores contemporary issues, including gender and social media, artificial intelligence, online harassment, and digital activism. By the end of the course, students will have developed the critical knowledge and analytical skills required to evaluate gendered communication practices and to promote inclusive, ethical, and socially responsible communication in professional and everyday contexts.