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The University of Melbourne

Sexing the Canvas: Art and Gender

What do paintings tell us about sex? How is art gendered? In this course we will study some of the world’s most beloved pictures guided by expert curators and art historians who step outside of the square, bringing a gendered reading to the masterpieces contained in the magnificent collections that we have been lucky enough to bring to the Coursera platform. In this course you will learn how: * Gender and sexuality is an integral part of the production and reception of works of art * To increase your understanding of paintings through theories of gender and sexuality * To understand key terms from gender-related theories of art history and museology * To recognise the operation of what is termed ‘the gaze’ and how it works in relation to paintings * Ideas about gender and sexuality can productively be employed in theorising art curatorial practices * To take the initiative in relating theoretical ideas about gender and sexuality to the reading and display of art and visual cultures. View the MOOC promotional video here: http://tinyurl.com/hm7qbl3

Status: Culture
Status: World History
BeginnerCourse17 hours

Featured reviews

EI

5.0Reviewed Apr 4, 2022

This is a fascinating course with an exciting title. The professors are very good and interesting. I have already discussed what I learned with others in conversation.

NM

5.0Reviewed Aug 24, 2017

Very interesting course. Gives you insights on how gender played an important role in the arts. Also how to differentiate and read work on sexuality and gender.

LB

4.0Reviewed Jul 23, 2021

This course gave a comprehensive survey of issues relating to women and art. I loved the choice of artists and the historical context.

TL

5.0Reviewed Jul 7, 2020

I really enjoyed this course. It was so interesting and I am now looking at paintings from new perspectives and with greater depth.

PS

4.0Reviewed Sep 13, 2017

This course is great, except for the last part about the australian aborigen art. It's SO difficult for us -non english speakers- to understand this classes. The rest of the course is excellent!

JQ

5.0Reviewed Apr 20, 2016

Great Course! I loved looking at the art presented with a different context and understanding. Thanks so much.

LB

4.0Reviewed Jul 1, 2017

The gradual depiction of gender since conventions were flouted and refinements textured was portrayed brilliantly from the pastoral paintings to Indigent 21st century works.

NW

5.0Reviewed Jun 19, 2017

Great course! It has changed the way I view art. The lecturers make complex material accessible and interesting.

CM

4.0Reviewed Sep 30, 2021

I found this course very interesting, especially the content of Week 9, which was fascinating and has encouraged me to research more on Australian Indigenous Art.

MB

4.0Reviewed May 4, 2017

It is an great course with an amazing content! The only problem is that sometimes it gets extremely monotonous =/

CH

5.0Reviewed Dec 23, 2018

What a unique and interesting class!! I'm extremely happy that I took this class. Would highly recommend it!

SS

5.0Reviewed Jan 4, 2018

Fantastic! A great range of images and artists have been selected for study, and the concepts are fascinating.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 105

Nikita Maheshwary
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Reviewed Aug 24, 2017
Ellin Iselin
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Priscila Sorenson
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Barbora Kraml
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Reviewed Jun 16, 2020
Graziano Corsini
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Reviewed Mar 4, 2021
Ilse de Ycaza Clerc
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Reviewed May 30, 2020
Alina Liu
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Reviewed Dec 31, 2016
Kathryn
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Reviewed Jun 13, 2016
Petra Suttle
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Reviewed Apr 27, 2018
Michael Barrett
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Reviewed Dec 12, 2020
Mary Kleinenberg
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Reviewed Sep 22, 2021
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Reviewed Jan 8, 2018
Alexandra Mashkina
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Reviewed May 15, 2021
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Erin J
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Reviewed Nov 25, 2022
Dalia M Ahmed
5.0
Reviewed Mar 4, 2017
Maria Soley
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Reviewed May 17, 2022
aleks lane
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Reviewed Oct 11, 2019
Elizabeth Soufli
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Reviewed Jun 6, 2018