Why is it worth watching?What is some of the text and subtext occurring in it?
Media – TV Show Analysis
You will submit a 1,500 word research essay. You should offer a thesis statement; a detailed explanation of the major issues relevant to your theme; offer a critical analysis of the sources you have selected, including commentary on whether or not their arguments are convincing; relate your chosen sources and topic to the general themes and concepts of the course; and, explain how they address current social problems and debates. In your critical analysis, you may agree or disagree with the readings, but you must offer evidence for your arguments.
Your research essay can cite course readings, but you must also use at least three PEER-REVIEWED social science sources that are not course readings. You can also bring in other forms of relevant media, including newspapers, broadcasts, etc.
Choose a film or television series and do an entertainment media analysis. There are two rules for this topic. First, to make sure the film or television series has some current relevance, it must have come out since 2005. Second, you must choose a film or television series that you think has merit; you need to be able to argue why you think it has good qualities that make it worth watching, and yet, nonetheless deserves critical analysis. (It would be too easy to choose a bad film or television series and then offer criticisms.) Once you have chosen your film or television series, here are a number of questions to consider. Why is it worth watching? What is some of the text and subtext occurring in it? Does it engage in harmful stereotypes, or does it attempt to challenge certain stereotypes, or does it do both? Is it likely to create any form of cognitive dissonance among its audience, and if so, why? Does it contribute to a certain hegemonic idea or ideas, or does it challenge hegemonic ideas, or does it do both? (Remember, write the essay as if your reader hasn’t watched this film or television series, and don’t forget to define the concepts you use.)
