Directions: Choose one of the following analysis projects to complete in a group of no more than three. You will be working on this project outside of class so choose group members wisely. The project will consist of the following:
· Choose a topic
· Research and collect data on television shows
· Present on topic
Topics
1. Gender – Choose several TV shows to examine in terms of gender. Look at the characters closely focusing on the gender of the characters. How is their gender important to the roles that they play (or is it)? To what extent are the characters in roles that could not have been played by an actor of the opposite gender? Are the shows playing with gender? Explore the ways that gender enhances or detracts from the shows that you are examining – consider all the major characters of the program, looking particularly at any stereotypes and any roles that break with more traditional gender roles.
2. American Culture – Choose several TV shows to examine how American culture is reflected by television. Does TV reflect culture or create culture? What populations and cultures are not represented by television? What populations are only represented in stereotypical forms? What shows have shown breakthrough in this area and how have they been received? You may focus on one culture such as teenagers or Asian Americans or examine all American cultures in several shows. You may also choose to examine one show for how the production staff uses culture to express truth or an agenda.
3. Reality TV – Choose several reality TV shows to examine their purpose and impact. Why are Americans watching these shows? What needs do they serve? What messages do these shows communicate about American culture, men, women, daily life, etc? Examine American ideals and morality in terms of the shows. How is American culture portrayed to American viewers and throughout the world? What impact do these shows have on American culture and American television? How will this genre possibly shape the future of American television and culture?
4. Commercials – In addition to watching the television shows, pay careful attention to the commercials that come on. What products are advertised? What commercials are used? As you watch, make a complete list to the commercials and the order in which they appear. If there are repeats, be sure to note them. Once you have a list, look for connections. Just who is the audience for all those commercials – who would buy the products or services? Would the characters on the program be likely to buy the products or services? After you’ve gathered all the details on the audience for the commercials, apply that information to the television show. How does the audience for the commercials fit the programs? Based on the commercials that you see who is being targeted by TV show? Explore the relationship between commercials and the television program, focusing on what you can tell about the audience for the program and their interests and desires.
5. Realism or Stereotype – Choose several programs and consider the characters in the programs that you’ve watched. In what ways are the characters real and in what ways do they seem to be stereotypes or caricatures? Do the characters have real emotions? Or do they just have the emotions that seem politically correct for the time and place that the programs consider? Are their emotions predictable? Do they look like real people or like models? Explore the degree of realism in the programs or re-write one of the episodes that you watched from a more realistic perspective and explain the decisions you made.
6. Clothes - How do clothes and costumes play a role in the programs that you have watched? For each major character, record the clothes and accessories that they wear in each show. Once you have assembled your list; look for patterns for each character – and among and between characters. To what extent does the show use clothing, jewelry, and the like to communicate information about the characters, their lives, and their interests? Consider how the program would be different if everyone wore generic clothing. Explore the function that costumes play in the programs you have watched.
The Presentation – Prepare a presentation in which you teach the class about your research. Incorporate the following into your presentation:
· Deliver the information in the form of a handout, power point, mash-up, etc.
· Use visual aids and bring in video clips of selected scenes from your program.
· Involve the class in your presentation by discussion, brainstorm, writing, and participation.
Presentation grading criteria
The information presented was relevant and insightful.
The information presented reflected thoughtfulness and in-depth analysis
The TV clips were stimulating
The presentation reflected hard work and effort
The presentation reflected creative use of space, time, and materials
The presentation stimulated thought in fellow classmates
