Assignermnt: Extra Credit

Time to strike the set

Your extra-credit assignment asks that you reflect upon a semester's worth of reading and writing about television. What about the subject matter struck you as most interesting? What surprised you? Did you change your mind about any particular aspect of TV? Were any preconceived notions of yours changed or challenged? In a reflection-style response, consider the experience of studying various aspects of television in an English composition class.

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Worth up to 10 extra-credit pts.

Due: Friday, May 18th by noon via email

Week 16: I Love Lucy (CBS, 1951-57)

In-class: Course review

TV News 05.07.12

The King of All Media invades America's Got Talent

• Watch out: Howard Stern comes to America's Got Talent E!
• $250,000: What Lionsgate is said to have paid to use a Beatles song in last night's Mad Men Wall Street Journal 
• No, really: Catholic group honors Modern Family Chicago Tribune
• The Beastie Boys: Five great TV moments GlobalPost
• CBS to ABC: The Glass House is a Big Brother rip-off Huffington Post 
• Life without cable TV—it can happen! San Jose Mercury News 

 

Week 16: Leave It to Beaver (CBS, ABC 1957 - 1963)

Tu 5.8
In-Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies”

Th 5.10
In-Class: Final exam prep

Fri 5.11*

In-Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies;”Course review

*This is the final class meeting for Sec. 49

Sa 5.12

FINAL EXAM: 8 AM, SH100—Bring: 1 large yellow book, pens, and a print dictionary. No electronic devices allowed during the exam.

Week 17: I Love Lucy

Tu 5.15
In-class: Course review

TV News 05.02.12

• Ashton Kutcher under fire for going "brownfaced" in ad Yahoo!
• Glee star collapses on red carpet E! 
• Move over Hulu and Netflix: Amazon to begin producing original programming San Francisco Business Times
• The need for speed: DVRs changing the ways shows are put together Salon
• A look back at the days of NBC's "Must See TV" Christian Science Monitor
• Lifetime aims to be more inspirational with new logo and tagline MarketWatch

Week 15: Felicity (The WB, 1998 - 2002)

Tu 5.1
Class: Watch—“Man of the House” from America on Primetime (2011)

Th 5.3
Class: Lecture—“The Pieces Come Together: Writing as a Process"
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY; REFLECTION 8

Fr 5.4
Class: Watch—“Man of the House” from America on Primetime (2011); Lecture—“The Pieces Come Together: Writing as a Process,” “Speed Dates: Thesis Statements”
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY; REFLECTION 8

Upcoming:

Week 16: Leave It to Beaver
Tu 5.8
In-Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies”

Th 5.10
In-Class: Final exam prep

Fri 5.11*

In-Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies;”Course review

*This is the final class meeting for Sec. 49

Sa 5.12

FINAL EXAM: 8 AM, LOCATION TBD

Week 17: I Love Lucy

Tu 5.15
In-class: Course review

TV News 04.27.11

Girls is one of many all-white casts currently on TV

• Is TV too white? New York Times
• They won't go away: The Kardashians get a new three-year deal Hollywood Reporter
• Carrie Bradshaw's townhouse from Sex and the City sells for nearly $10 million US Weekly 
• Coming soon to TLC: Obese & Expecting Entertainment Weekly
• Netflix hurting Nickelodeon shows SlashGear
• Even less Americans are watching TV Washington Post
  

Reflection 08: The Electronic Babysitter—TV and Young Kids

How much TV were you allowed as a kid?

According to a recent study by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the average child watches three to four hours of television a day. Not surprisingly, the study ties excessive television watching by kids to lower grades, weight gain, a lack of reading, and less exercise. While the consequences of watching too much television may not be surprising, the fact remains that many American families rely on TV to babysit the kids. In an era when both parents must work, its tempting to let the kids sit in front of the television as dinner gets cooked or the laundry gets folded. To what extent do you believe this is okay? Should parents strive to severely limit television watching or do kids who watch a lot of TV basically turn out okay? And what will be the place of emerging technologies, such as tablets and mobile phones? Finally, what was your experience watching TV as a kid. Was your TV viewing monitored?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion: 

• "Kids and Television" (University of Michigan) 
• "Brain Development: How Much TV Should Children Watch?" (Huffington Post)
• "Perspective: Tot TV" (KQED)
• "A One-Eyed Invader in the Bedroom" (New York Times)

  Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length
• Works cited page

Due: Th 5.3 (Sec. 05) / Fr 5.4 (Sec. 49)

Assignment: Editorial Essay

Are today's TV families more realistic than before?

Looking back, we can probably all agree that the sitcoms of the 50s and 60s showed us family life as we wanted it to be, not as it really was. In the world of Father Knows Best and Leave it to Beaver, every family member knew their place and there was no problem too big for mom and dad—but mostly dad—to fix. Fifty years later, TV families have evolved dramatically. Today's sitcom families better reflect our evolving society. For example, it is now not uncommon to see divorce, adoptions, and same-sex couples on family sitcoms. But while the trend has been toward more realistic depictions of families, have we really achieved a more accurate portrait of contemporary America? Do the TV families of today struggle with the same issues real-life families do, including pervasive unemployment, rising foreclosure rates, high education costs, and lack of healthcare? In which ways do today's shows do a better job of reflecting reality and how do they continue to fall short? In a concise editorial, explore the state of today's American television families, as well as the extent to which they truly represent contemporary American society. To make your case, utilize one episode from at least two of the following current sitcoms:

• Raising Hope (FOX)
• Suburgatory (ABC)
• Two and a Half Men (CBS)
• Modern Family (ABC)
• The Simpsons (FOX)
• I Hate My Teenage Daughter (FOX)

Additionally, use at least four of the following articles to support your thesis:

• “The Fallout Over TV's Nuclear Families” (Los Angeles Times)
• “Family on Television” (Museum of Broadcast Communications)
• “'Cosby Show’ Comedy had a Serious Impact” (Boston Globe)
• “'Roseanne’-Colored Glasses” (Baltimore Sun)
• “'The Simpsons’: An Imperfect Ideal Family” (The Simpsons Archive)
• “American Family Sitcoms: Early Years to the Present” (Cercles)
• “How Much Have TV Moms Really Changed?” (ABCNews)
• “'Modern Family's' Indictment of Modern Families” (FlowTV) 

 Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Cite from at least four of the above articles
• Include a works cited page 

The best papers:

• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines an analysis of contemporary TV families
• Are written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
• Clearly support their thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing from at least four articles above
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Sample editorials from various national newspapers:

• "Rain, Snow, Sleet, and Congress" New York Times 
• "Why wait to get troops out of Afghanistan?" Chicago Sun-Times
• "Obama, the Happy Drug Warrior" San Francisco Chronicle 
• "Problem Children" Las Vegas Sun
• "Public Education Deserves Respect" Kansas City Star
• "Dalai Lama Proves an Endearing Icon" San Diego Union-Tribune 

Due: Th 5.3 (Sec. 05) / Fr 5.4 (Sec. 49)

Week 14: Beverly Hills, 90210 (FOX, 1990 - 2000)

Tu 4.24

Read: eR—“’The Simpsons’: An Imperfect Ideal Family” (The Simpsons Archive), “American Family Sitcoms: Early Years to the Present” (Cercles)

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Th 4.26

Read: eR—“How Much Have TV Moms Really Changed?” (ABCNews), “’Modern Family’s’ Indictment of Modern Families” (FlowTV)

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Fr 4.27

Read: eR—“’The Simpsons’: An Imperfect Ideal Family” (The Simpsons Archive), “American Family Sitcoms: Early Years to the Present” (Cercles), “How Much Have TV Moms Really Changed?” (ABCNews), “’Modern Family’s’ Indictment of Modern Families” (FlowTV)

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Upcoming:

Week 15: Felicity
Tu 5.1
Class: Watch—“Man of the House” from America on Primetime (2011)

Th 5.3
Class: Lecture—“The Pieces Come Together: Writing as a Process"
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY; REFLECTION 8

Fr 5.4
Class: Watch—“Man of the House” from America on Primetime (2011); Lecture—“The Pieces Come Together: Writing as a Process,” “Speed Dates: Thesis Statements”
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY; REFLECTION 8

Week 16: Leave It to Beaver
Tu 5.8
In-Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies”

Th 5.10
In-Class: Final exam prep

Fri 5.11*

In-Class: Final exam prep; Lecture—“The Final Exam: Thesis Strategies;”Course review

*This is the final class meeting for Sec. 49

Sa 5.12

FINAL EXAM: 8 AM, LOCATION TBD

Week 17: I Love Lucy

Tu 5.15
In-class: Course review

TV News 04.18.12

 

• Dick Clark, icon of American television, has died at 82 Hollywood Reporter
• Lawsuit: The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are discriminatory Associated Press
• Is Microsoft, not Apple, most likely to buy Tivo? Forbes
• $15,000,000: Britney Spears' purported contract value for joining X Factor's judging table New York Daily News
• SyFy readies Total Blackout, a scary new competitive reality series Huffington Post
  
• Netflix to release ten new episodes of Arrested Development at once Entertainment Weekly

Week 13: Charlie's Angels (ABC, 1976 - 1981)

 

Tu 4.17

Read: eR—“The Fallout Over TV's Nuclear Families” (Los Angeles Times), “Family on Television” (Museum of Broadcast Communications)

Class: Watch—Excerpts from “Beaver Takes a Bath” from Leave It to Beaver (1959) and “Goodbye, Mr. Goldfish” from The Cosby Show (1984); Reading discussion

 

Th 4.19

Read: eR—“’Cosby Show’ Comedy had a Serious Impact” (Boston Globe), “’Roseanne’-Colored Glasses” (Baltimore Sun)

Class: Watch—Excerpts from “Lisa’s Pony” from The Simpsons (1991) and “Pilot” from Modern Family (2009); Preview—Editorial essay

Due: REFLECTION 7

 

Fr 4.20
Read: eR—“The Fallout Over TV's Nuclear Families” (Los Angeles Times), “Family on Television” (Museum of Broadcast Communications), “’Cosby Show’ Comedy had a Serious Impact” (Boston Globe), “’Roseanne’-Colored Glasses” (Baltimore Sun)

Class: Watch—Excerpts from “Beaver Takes a Bath” from Leave It to Beaver (1959), “Goodbye, Mr. Goldfish” from The Cosby Show (1984), “Lisa’s Pony” from The Simpsons (1991), “Pilot” from Modern Family (2009); Reading discussion; Preview—Editorial essay
Due: REFLECTION 7

 

Upcoming:

 

Week 14: Beverly Hills, 90210

Tu 4.24

Read: eR—“’The Simpsons’: An Imperfect Ideal Family” (The Simpsons Archive), “American Family Sitcoms: Early Years to the Present” (Cercles)

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Th 4.26

Read: eR—“How Much Have TV Moms Really Changed?” (ABCNews), “’Modern Family’s’ Indictment of Modern Families” (FlowTV)

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

Fr 4.27

Read: eR—“’The Simpsons’: An Imperfect Ideal Family” (The Simpsons Archive), “American Family Sitcoms: Early Years to the Present” (Cercles), “How Much Have TV Moms Really Changed?” (ABCNews), “’Modern Family’s’ Indictment of Modern Families” (FlowTV)

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

 

Reflection 07: Hey, That's Me!—Seeing Yourself on TV

To a young Whoopi Goldberg, the sight of an independent black woman on the bridge of the USS Enterprise was life-altering. Star Trek offered the future-superstar not only an opportunity to see her likeness on television, but a glimpse at a hopeful and prosperous future for her wary people. Meanwhile, Korean-Canadian and Grey's Anatomy cast member Sandra Oh laments that she never had the same opportunity as Goldberg: "I grew up never seeing myself on-screen, and it's really important to me to give people who look like me a chance to see themselves. I want to see myself as the hero of any story. I want to see myself save the world from the bomb." What is the significance of seeing people like yourself on television? Have you ever seen you and your life reflected on-screen? If so, were you represented accurately? If you've never seen yourself represented on television, why do you believe that is? What would it take for television to accurately represent who you are?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Asexuality on 'House': You're Doing it Wrong" (Hollywood Jane)
• "Disability Characters on TV: Who's Getting it and Who's Missing the Mark?" (Disaboom) 
• "The Thing About All These New TV Shows About Girls" (Thought Catalog) 
• "Thought Catalog: The First Time I Saw Myself on TV (Hulu)

 Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 4.19 (Sec. 05) / Fr 2.20 (Sec. 49)

TV News 04.11.12

• The battle for Britain: BBC's The Voice UK beats down Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent Independent
• Alis volat propiis: Simpsons creator says Springfield is in Oregon Entertainment Weekly 
• Is your favorite show on life support? Boston Herald  
• Flashback: Fox to re-air Married ... with Children pilot Hollywood Reporter
• Sour note: Glee returns to low ratings Seattle Post-Intelligencer
• General Hospital will live to love another day Deadline

 

Week 12: NYPD Blue, 1993-2005 (ABC)

Tu 4.10

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 6

Th 4.12

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: 1. ONE COPY OF DRAFT 1 AND 2. A ONE PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR REVISIONS)

Fr 4.13 

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: 1. ONE COPY OF DRAFT 1 AND 2. A ONE PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR REVISIONS); REFLECTION

Upcoming:

Week 13: Charlie’s Angels

Tu 4.17
Read: eR—“The Fallout Over TV's Nuclear Families” (Los Angeles Times), “Family on Television” (Museum of Broadcast Communications)

Class: Watch—Excerpts from “Beaver Takes a Bath” from Leave It to Beaver (1959) and “Goodbye, Mr. Goldfish” from The Cosby Show (1984); Reading discussion

Th 4.19

Read: eR—“’Cosby Show’ Comedy had a Serious Impact” (Boston Globe), “’Roseanne’-Colored Glasses” (Baltimore Sun)

Class: Watch—Excerpts from “Lisa’s Pony” from The Simpsons (1991) and “Pilot” from Modern Family (2009); Preview—Editorial essay

Due: REFLECTION 7

Fr 4.20
Read: eR—“The Fallout Over TV's Nuclear Families” (Los Angeles Times), “Family on Television” (Museum of Broadcast Communications), “’Cosby Show’ Comedy had a Serious Impact” (Boston Globe), “’Roseanne’-Colored Glasses” (Baltimore Sun)

Class: Watch—Excerpts from “Beaver Takes a Bath” from Leave It to Beaver (1959), “Goodbye, Mr. Goldfish” from The Cosby Show (1984), “Lisa’s Pony” from The Simpsons (1991), “Pilot” from Modern Family (2009); Reading discussion; Preview—Editorial essay
Due: REFLECTION 7

TV News 04.07.12

• Eliminated: San Jose's DeAndre Brackensick sent packing on American Idol (E!)
  
• Mad Men making secretaries fashionable again (Business Insider)
• Seven years in and hotter than ever: How I Met Your Mother (New York Times)
• Coming soon from Apple: The iPanel (Digital Spy)
• VH1 spotlights the 20th anniversary of the LA Riots (TVbytheNumbers)
• What Say Yes to the Dress can teach you about your finances (Huffington Post)

Reflection 06: Do-It-Yourself—Learning from How-To Reality Shows

Lost in the wilderness? Man vs. Wild can help!

The promise of how-to reality shows is simple: You can do this! Be it building a cedar deck or cooking a French meal, these shows present viewers with a world of possibility. In reality, a kitchen renovation takes longer than 30 minutes and a simple wardrobe makeover may not the key to a happy life. Nonetheless, anything is possible on a how-to reality show. But if the big ratings of these shows are any indication, people want to be made to feel like anything is possible. What is your experience with how-to reality shows? Do you watch them and have you ever been inspired to try something they feature? For this reflection, watch, then write about, one of the following how-to segments. Would you attempt the task demonstrated in the clip? Why or why not? What do you believe is the appeal of this particular how-to for viewers? Ultimately, what does the clip promise viewers?

• "From Weedy to Wonderful" from HGTV's Designed to Sell 
• "Veggie Penne with Pesto" from Food Network's 30 Minute Meals
• "Indoor Pulled Pork" from PBS' America's Test Kitchen 
• "Girl Reconstructed" from Style Network's How Do I Look? 
• "Tin Tiles Ceiling" from HGTV's Don't Sweat It
• "Sour Cream Cheesecake" from Food Network's Good Eats
• "Seal-Skin Wetsuit" from Discovery Channel's Man v.s Wild (Warning: Graphic)
• "Laying a Stone-Paver Patio" from DIY Network's Extra Yardage 
• "The Contessa's Mac and Cheese" from Food Network's Barefoot Contessa
• "Worldly Color" from HGTV's Design on a Dime 
• "Sloppy Sweaters and Giant Jeans" from TLC's What Not to Wear
• "Homemade Biscuits" from Hallmark Channel's The Martha Stewart Show

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly one page in length*
• A Works Cited page 

*Note that this reflection should not exceed one full page

Due: Tu 4.10 (Sec. 05) / Fr 4.13 (Sec. 49)

Week 11: Father Knows Best (CBS, 1954 - 1960)

Tu 4.3
Read: STREET—Ch. 16 – 18

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Th 4.5
Class: Reading discussion, Writers workshop

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)

Fr 4.6

Read: STREET—Ch. 16 – 18

Class: Reading discussion; Writers workshop; Presentations

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)

Upcoming:

Week 12: NYPD Blue

Tu 4.10

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 6

Th 4.12

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: 1. ONE COPY OF DRAFT 1 AND 2. A ONE PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR REVISIONS)

Fr 4.13 

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: 1. ONE COPY OF DRAFT 1 AND 2. A ONE PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR REVISIONS); REFLECTION 6

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
As we wind down, I have decided to mix things up a bit in class. So, in the spirit of some of the most popular reality competition shows, such Survivor, you now have the option of passing on the final exam. If you choose to pass, you will instead participate in a SJSU-based scavenger hunt. The details will be revealed later, but should you win, you will automatically gain the full 50 points of the assignment, plus 30 points. If you lose, however, you will receive 0 points and potentially devastate your grade. If interested, leave your name and section number in the Comments section below. All entries must be in by midnight on 04.01. Good luck!

Assignment: Cause and Effect Essay

What were the circumstances under which the Children's Television Network (CTW) was created. How did the landscape of children's television in the late 60s influence the design of Sesame Street? Specifically, who was the focus of this new program and how did they differ from that of earlier children's shows? Likewise, what was the immediate impact of Sesame Street's debut? How did it alter subsequent programs and how does it continue to influence television today, here and around the world? Cite extensively (and exclusively) from Michael Davis' Street Gang to support your thesis.

Note: For your benefit, here is Sesame Street's premier episode from 1969 (via YouTube—in multiple parts)

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt, examining the circumstances that precipitated the CTW's creation of Sesame Street, as well as its subsequent impact
• Have a concise thesis that both addresses the subject matter and contains a viable argument
• Clearly support their thesis utilizing solid evidence presented in a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence from Street Gang using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of the main points
• Be formatted according to MLA Style 

Due: Th 4.05 (Sec. 05) / Fr 4.06 (Sec. 49) Draft 1—Bring 3 copies

TV News 03.29.12

• ABC to Madonna: Cover up! New York Post
• Will we finally see a black Bachelor? Huffington Post
• An online petition to stop the Kardashians from selling fur takes off Hollywood Reporter
• The Voice turns to Facebook Washington Post
• Who needs a television?: Verizon wants to bring cable TV to your phone Mobiledia
  
• NBC News accused of editing Trayvon Martin 911 call Hollywood Reporter

 

Week 10: All in the Family (CBS, 1971 - 1979)

Tu 3.27

No class: Spring break

Th 3.29

No class: Spring break

Fr 3.30

No class: Spring break

Upcoming: 

Week 11: Father Knows Best

Tu 4.3
Read: STREET—Ch. 16 – 18

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Th 4.5
Class: Reading discussion, Writers workshop

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)

Fr 4.6

Read: STREET—Ch. 16 – 18

Class: Reading discussion; Writers workshop; Presentations

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)

Week 09: The Golden Girls (NBC, 1985 - 1992)

Tu 3.20

Read: STREET—Ch. 10 – 12

Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“The Cause and Effect Essay—A Primer”

Th 3.22

Read: STREET—Ch. 13 – 15

Class: Watch— Excerpt from “Episode 4168” from Sesame Street (2008); Reading discussion

Due: REFLECTION 5

Fr 3.23

Read: STREET—Ch. 10 – 15

Class: Watch—Excerpt from “Episode 4168” from Sesame Street (2008); Reading discussion; Lecture—“The Cause and Effect Essay—A Primer”

Due: REFLECTION 5

UPCOMING:

Week 10: All in the Family

Tu 3.27
No class: Spring break

Th 3.29

No class: Spring break

Fr 3.30

No class: Spring break

Week 11: Father Knows Best

Tu 4.3
Read: STREET—Ch. 16 – 18

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Th 4.5
Class: Reading discussion, Writers workshop

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)

Fr 4.6

Read: STREET—Ch. 16 – 18

Class: Reading discussion; Writers workshop; Presentations

Due: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY (DRAFT 1—BRING 3 COPIES)

 

TV News 03.17.12

Southern-themed reality TV is suddenly all the rage

• The new force in reality television: Rednecks USA Today
• Has American Idol found its (black) Jeremy Lin? Washington Post
• Smelling MySpace's blood, MTV sets sights on dominating online music New York Times
  
• Wait and see: Simon Cowell mum on Britney Spears as judge on X Factor Daily Mail
• Factual: Stephen Hawking to appear on Big Bang Theory New York Daily News
• BBC planning iTunes-style downloading service Reuters

 

Reflection 05: What's on Telly?—Exploring British Television

Absolutely Fabulous has been a hit on UK TV for 20 years

In this country, we don't often get the opportunity to watch a wide range of British television. The American preference for television produced in this country means that British-made programs have a more difficult time reaching mainstream audiences here. In fact, Americans often prefer remakes of British shows to actual British shows. While some British shows have achieved US success (e.g. Downton Abbey), most of UK television is unknown to American viewers. For this reflection, watch, then write about, two of the following UK programs. In your analysis, examine the differences and similarities between the two countries, such as tone, language, subject matter, and comedy.

• Episode 2 of Cycle 6 from Britain's Next Top Model (Sky Living, 2005 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Gym" from Peep Show (Channel 4, 2003 - Present) via Hulu
• "Teacher" from Miranda (BBC Two, 2009 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Beginnings" from Spaced (Channel Four, 1999 - 2001) via YouTube
• "Fast Food" from Nigella Bites (Channel Four, 1999 - 2001) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Dear Sexy Knickers" from Are You Being Served? (BBC One, 1972 - 1985) via YouTube
• "Daniel Radcliffe" from Extras (BBC Two, 2006 - 2007) via YouTube
• "Chris" from Skins (E4, 2007 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Flotsam and Jetsam" from Being Human (BBC Three, 2009 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• Episode 10 of Series 8 from The X Factor (ITV, 2004 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts 
• Episode 6 of Series 8 from The Graham Norton Show (BBC Two, 2007 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• Episode One of Series One from The F Word (Channel Four, 2005 - Present) via YouTube
• "Episode One" from Shameless (E4, 2004 - Present)
• "Dressed" from Coupling (BBC Two, 2000 - 2004) via Hulu
• Episode 1 of Series 1 from Geordie Shore (MTV UK, 2011 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Episode One"from Misfits (E4, 2009 - Present) via Hulu
• "The Camping Trip" from The Inbetweeners (E4, 2008 - 2010) via YouTube
• "Appraisals" from The Office (BBC One, 2001 - 2003) via Hulu
• "Fish Farm" from Absolutely Fabulous (BBC One, 1992 - Present) via Logo
• Episode 2 of Series 2 from The Catherine Tate Show (BBC Two, 2004 - 2009) via YouTube

Note: UK broadcasting standards are different than those in the US, so you may find more profanity, violence, even nudity, in British shows.

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 3.22 (Sec. 05) / Fr 3.23 (Sec. 49)

Week 08: Roseanne (ABC, 1988 - 1997)

Tu 3.13

Read: STREET—Ch. 1 – 5

Class: Watch—Excerpt from “Episode 2483” from Sesame Street (1988); Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 4

Th 3.15

Read: STREET—Ch. 6 – 9

Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES

Fr 3.16

Read: STREET—Ch. 1 – 9

Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Watch—Excerpt from “Episode 2483” from Sesame Street (1988); Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 4

UPCOMING:

Week 09: The Golden Girls

Tu 3.20

Read: STREET—Ch. 10 – 12

Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“The Cause and Effect Essay—A Primer”

Th 3.22

Read: STREET—Ch. 13 – 15

Class: Watch— Excerpt from “Episode 4168” from Sesame Street (2008); Reading discussion

Due: REFLECTION 5

Fr 3.23

Read: STREET—Ch. 10 – 15

Class: Watch—Excerpt from “Episode 4168” from Sesame Street (2008); Reading discussion; Lecture—“The Cause and Effect Essay—A Primer”

Due: REFLECTION 5

TV News 03.07.12

Paula Deen is at the center of new allegations

• Bad taste: Food Network's Paula Deen sued for sexual harassment Hollywood Reporter
• Liam Hemsworth: Punk'd Huffington Post
• Apple introduces the iPad 3 Digitaltrends
• Twists and turns: The Desperate Housewives trial Washington Post
• Canceled by FOX, Terra Nova may be picked by Netflix Hollywood Reporter
• Sandra Fluke visits the ladies of The View Washington Post

Reflection 04: Did You See That?—When History Unfolds on Television

In 1981, 750 million worldwide watched the Royal Wedding

There are moments in which television transforms itself from a form of entertainment into a window to world events. During these times, history plays itself out in real time and, thanks to television, we are afforded a front row seat. Whether what we see inspires us, or terrifies us, historical events on television often captivate us. For this reflection, watch excerpts from two of the following historical events. As you watch, consider the unique perspectives that television provides. What do we gain by watching history unfold on TV? And what historical event have you see played out on television?

Write about two of the following events:

• The Launch of Sputnik 1 (1957)
• The Assassination of President Kennedy (1963)
• The Assassination of Dr. King (1968)
• The Apollo 11 Moon Landing (1968)
• The Apollo 13 Splashdown (1970)
• The Resignation of President Nixon (1974)
• The "Miracle on Ice" (1980)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana (1981)
• The Live-Aid Concerts in Philadelphia and London (1985)
• The Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion (1986)
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)
• The OJ Simpson Murder Trial (1994 - 1995)
• The Funeral of Princess Diana (1997)
• The Attacks of September 11th (2001)
• The Inauguration of President Obama (2009)
• The Memorial of Michael Jackson (2009)
• The Japanese Earthquake and Tsunamis (2011)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2011)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length
• A Works Cited page

Due: Tu 3.13 (Sec. 05) / Fr 3.16 (Sec. 49)

Week 07: Survivor (CBS, 2000 - Present)

Tu 3.6
Read: HOME—pg. 61 – 120
Class: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY

Th 3.8
Read: HOME—pg. 121 – 168
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Preview—Literary Analysis / Short Answer Responses

Fr 3.9
Read: HOME—pg. 61 – 168
Class: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY; Reading discussion; Presentations; Preview—Literary Analysis / Short Answer Responses

Upcoming:

Week 08: Roseanne

Tu 3.13
Read: STREET—Ch. 1 – 5

Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES
Due: REFLECTION 4

Th 3.15
Read: STREET—Ch. 6 – 9

Class: Watch—Excerpt from “Episode 2483” from Sesame Street (1988); Reading discussion; Presentations

Fr 3.16

Read: STREET—Ch. 1 – 9

Class: LIT. ANALYSIS / SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Watch—Excerpt from “Episode 2483” from Sesame Street (1988); Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 4 

 

TV News 03.03.12

Gonna be just fine: Eliminated X Factor singer, Rachel Crowe, lands major TV and record deal Hollywood Reporter

Kristin Chenoweth defends the representation of Christians in her new show Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Has "TV Everywhere" gone anywhere? Wall Street Journal

Purists up in arms: Lucy Liu cast as Dr. Watson in CBS' new Sherlock Holmes series amid controversy Washington Post

Conan O'Brien vs Chinese copycatters MSN

San Jose teen amongst American Idol's final 13 KTVU

Week 06: Star Trek (NBC, 1966 - 1969)

Tu 2.28

Read: eR—“Blessing or Curse? How DVRs are Impacting Viewing Habits” (TV Genius), “The Age of Egocasting” (The New Atlantis)

Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“On Wordiness: Exercises”
Due: PERSUASIVE ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: 1. ONE COPY OF DRAFT 1 AND 2. A ONE PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR REVISIONS)

Th 3.1
Read: HOME—pg. 1 – 60
Class: Reading discussion; Watch—Excerpt from “Ep. 1: Planes, Trains, and Paddywagons” from The Real World: San Francisco

Due: REFLECTION 3

Fr 3.2

Read: eR—“Blessing or Curse? How DVRs are Impacting Viewing Habits” (TV Genius), “The Age of Egocasting” (The New Atlantis); HOME—pg. 1 – 60

Class: Reading discussion; Watch—Excerpt from “Ep. 1: Planes, Trains, and Paddywagons” from The Real World: San Francisco, Lecture—“On Wordiness: Exercises”
Due: PERSUASIVE ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH: 1. ONE COPY OF DRAFT 1 AND 2. A ONE PARAGRAPH RATIONALE FOR YOUR REVISIONS); REFLECTION 3

Upcoming:

Week 07: Survivor

 Tu 3.6
Read: HOME—pg. 61 – 120
Class: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY

Th 3.8
Read: HOME—pg. 121 – 168
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Preview—Literary Analysis / Short Answer Responses

Fr 3.9
Read: HOME—pg. 61 – 168
Class: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY; Reading discussion; Presentations; Preview—Literary Analysis / Short Answer Responses

Reflection 03: The Invisible Sell—Product Placement on TV

You may not realize it, but that episode of American Idol or How I Met Your Mother or The Vampire Diaries you just watched may have contained subtly embedded ads for a variety of products. The practice is called product placement, the intentionally seamless integration of commercial products into the narrative of a film or television program. Carrie Bradshaw's Jimmy Choo shoes, Dr. House's Macbook Pro, and Sue Sylvester's Adidas track suits are all examples of the subtle (or not so subtle) placements we've seen in recent years. In fact, the practice dates back to the beginning of television, when programs were openly sponsored by major companies (e.g. Texaco Star Theater, Hallmark Hall of Fame). Today, the practice is more covert, with many shows aiming to integrate products as naturally as possible. As a result, you may not even be aware of the presence of these products. How do you feel about this? Should programmers be mandated to inform viewers of product placements or should a viewer be savvy enough to identify those instances on his or her own? Finally, are you more bothered by the most blatant or the most subtle of product placements?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "'Smallville' Product Placement Hits New Low (About.com)
• "'Big Bang Theory' Has the Most Remembered Product Placement Among Dramas/Sitcoms; 'American Idol' Had Most Placement Overall" (TVbyTheNumbers)
• "Product Placement: Is TV Selling Out?" (TV Guide)
• "TV Shows With the Most Product Placements" (Businessweek)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length
• Works Cited page

Due: Tu 2.28 (Sec. 05) / Fr 3.02 (Sec. 49)

TV News 02.21.12

The Drapers are back for the new season of Mad Men

• AMC's new Mad Men season 5 teaser is here Huffington Post
• Most TV viewers not quite ready to cut the cable cord Broadcast Engineering
• Tired of reality TV singing competitions yet? TV Guide
• MTV to gay teens: It gets better New York Daily News 
• Saturday Night Live spoofs the stereotypes surrounding Jeremy Lin USA Today
• Coming soon: Diddy's own music channel, Revolt NME

Assignment: PowerPoint Presentations, Sec. 49 (FINAL UPDATE)

The first 24-hour music network, MTV, debuted in 1981

Here is the final presentation schedule for Sec. 5:

Week 05:

Fr 2.24

1. Nelson Zepeda, Eduardo Garcia, Eduardo Ozuna: (Based on the Brits: Three’s Company, The Office, Skins, and The X Factor)

Week 07:

Fr 3.9 

1. Pedro Lorenzana, Saul Perez, and Jose Saenz: (Iconic Latino Characters: Ricky Ricardo, Chico Rodriguez, Dora the Explorer, and Betty Suarez)
2. Jaco Wong, Victoriya Telepun, and Diana Hernandez (TV Pioneers: Lucille Ball)

Week 08

Fr 3.16 

1. Kristina Leung, Meyling Huang, and Kelly Dang (Groundbreaking Television: The Twilight Zone)
2. Joey De Stephano, Alejandor Curiel, Choon Dee (Iconic Asian Characters: Lt. Sulu, Apu, Sun & Jin, and Kelly Kapoor)

Week 11:

Fr 4.6
1. David Silva, Ken Kim, and Sebastian Tumbale (Visions of the Man of Steel: Adventures of Superman, Super Friends, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and Smallville)

Week 12:

Fr 4.13
1. Brandon Siu and Kevin Louie (TV Genres: Variety Shows)
2. Alejandro Curiel and Christina Sotelo (MTV: The Early Years)

Week 14:
Fr 4.27
1. Betzaida Orozco, Pavithra Rajeswaran, and Uyi Ogbeiwi (A Brief History of Soap Operas)