Semarang, October 2, 2025 – The Master’s Program in Literary Studies, Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Diponegoro University , successfully held a Visiting Professor program entitled “Representation of Woman in Literature: A Study of Feminism and Media”. The event, which started at 08.00 AM, was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, S.S., M.Hum., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, who emphasized the importance of international academic forums in broadening perspectives and enriching scholarly traditions.
“Cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogues allow us to gain deeper insights into how women are represented in literature and media. This event is a valuable opportunity for all of us,” said Prof. Alamsyah in his opening remarks.
The program brought together three distinguished speakers from both international and national institutions, each an expert in literature, feminism, and media studies:
-
Iskandar Zulkarnain, Ph.D. (Media and Society Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, United States) delivered a presentation entitled “Feminist Perspectives on Film and Video Games.” He explored how popular media often reproduce gender stereotypes but can also serve as platforms for resistance and empowerment. “Video games are not merely entertainment; they can also become arenas where feminist discourse is tested, challenged, and debated,” he noted.
-
Ankita Rathour, Ph.D. (School of Literature, Media, and Communication, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States) presented “The Woman of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas’s Postcolonial India.” She highlighted how female characters in Abbas’s works reflect struggles for identity, social injustice, and political change. “Women in Abbas’s literature are not simply domestic figures, but also symbols of resistance and resilience,” she explained.
-
Dr. Ratna Asmarani, M.Ed., M.Hum. (Faculty of Humanities, Diponegoro University , Indonesia) discussed “The Portrayal of Feminism and LGBT in Some Novels: A Personal Tracing.” Her presentation traced how feminist and LGBT issues are represented in contemporary novels and emphasized literature as a space for identity expression and social critique.
The event attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, including graduate students of Literary Studies, faculty members of FIB, and undergraduate students across Diponegoro University . The lively discussion session became one of the highlights, where participants actively raised questions regarding digital culture, feminist perspectives in postcolonial literature, and the role of literature in advocating for gender issues.
One participant reflected: “This event opened our eyes that the representation of women in literature and media is not only a matter of texts, but also deeply connected to politics, culture, and identity. The discussions were truly enriching.”
By hosting scholars from diverse institutions and backgrounds, the Visiting Professor program reaffirmed the commitment of the Master’s Program in Literary Studies, FIB Undip, to fostering inclusive, progressive, and globally connected academic spaces. This event is expected not only to provide valuable academic insights but also to inspire students to engage in critical research relevant to contemporary global challenges.
“The Master’s Program in Literary Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Diponegoro University – Bridging Local Perspectives with Global Discourses”
Recent Comments