Media and Film Studies

I.  PAPER TOPIC

As the culminating written project for this semester, this paper assignment requires you to select media theories that interest you most and apply them to media texts of your choosing.  You may conduct your study in one of two ways:

1. Select one media text and then analyze it using three of the media theories and/or theorists we have discussed in this course. 

            or

2.  Use one media theory or theorist we have discussed in this course, and then select three media texts to analyze.

Your theory selections must incorporate only the readings assigned in this class, including the Optional readings (please do not use theories that we have not discussed). 

For a media text, you must choose a feature-length film or a television series that has aired to mass audiences.  A short film or single web video will not suffice.  For a television series, one episode alone will likely not offer enough material.  However, rather than analyzing an entire series, a sampling of episodes will be adequate.  As a guideline, at least three episodes in a TV series could qualify as one text for this assignment.

As an example of approach #1, you might choose one film and examine it from the perspective of auteur study, genre study, and cultural study.  Or select a TV series and look at it from the perspective of multiple media effects theories.  Or choose cultural studies, humor theory, and montage theory.

As an example of approach #2, you may choose to study three films from the same director and approach them using an auteur study; or select three films and examine them using genre study.  Or choose one film and two TV series, etc.

NOTE: your texts may include documentary and other nonfiction media as well as fictional media.

It is very important to discuss your ideas and progress with Dr. Champion.

II.  TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

These guidelines are similar to Paper #1.

Your paper will need to contain a clear thesis statement in the opening paragraph.  You are basically asking a question or telling your reader what you want to explore in your paper.

Your opening should be followed by a brief literature review which summarizes the key theories you plan to address in your analysis.

The main body of your paper should stay focused on your thesis and use examples to illustrate your points.  This section will likely be the bulk of your paper.  You can assume your reader has not seen the films or TV shows, so use great detail in your descriptions.

To conclude your paper, you may briefly reiterate your thesis, but avoid being too repetitive.  Your conclusion is not meant to be a summary of your paper.  Instead, add your personal insights or opinions that you have gained through your analysis.

Papers should be between 2000 to 2500 words, which roughly works out to be between 6 and 8 full pages, with standard margins, 12-point font, double-spaced.

Use MLA style for all citations.  See examples on the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) website.  All ideas and quotes that are not your own must be attributed properly.

SEE ATTACHED WR RUBRIC AND GRADING SHEET FOR MORE GUIDELINES ON HOW YOUR PAPER WILL BE ASSESSED.

All papers must be submitted via Turnitin on Moodle by May 18th at 12:00 pm.

Students will briefly discuss their major thesis and conclusions with the class.

 

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