Cross-listed with WGSS428O. Credit only granted for JOUR458O or WGSS428O.

Examines the ways in which news (and other) media address issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation, and, thus, influence public perception. It delves into how the dominant media depiction of the g/l/b/t community has evolved, factors that influenced coverage, and the constraints - internal and external that affected media representations. The course aims to stimulate critical thinking about issues involving sexual orientation within the framework of ethical journalism, American culture, and public discourse.