MSCR 1300: Television: Text and Context (Fall 2012, CRN: 16749) Class: TF 9:50am-11:30am, 452 RY Instructor: Dr. Drew Ayers Office: 144 Meserve Email: [email protected]Office Hours: TW 12:00pm-2:00pm and Website: www.drewayers.com By Appointment N.B. 1) Blackboard will reflect updates to the course, changes in the syllabus, assignments, etc. Be sure to check it regularly. The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary. 2) Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Northeastern University. Upon completing the course, please take the time to fill out the TRACE evaluation. Course Description This course introduces students to critical television studies, and it explores television from six critical perspectives: as a commercial industry, as a democratic institution, as a textual form, as a site of cultural representation, as a part of everyday life, and as a technological medium. The course incorporates a variety of screenings and readings in order to address the multiplicity of contemporary and historical television programming and criticism. Special attention is paid to critical writing about television, and this course develops the critical thinking and writing skills needed for academic television criticism, including the specialized concepts and vocabulary required for scholarly writing about television. Course Objectives By the end of the course, students will be able to: Define terms/concepts fundamental to television studies Employ these terms/concepts in academic writing, class discussion, and class presentations
Transcript
MSCR 1300: Television: Text and Context (Fall 2012, CRN: 16749)Class: TF 9:50am-11:30am, 452 RY
Instructor: Dr. Drew Ayers Office: 144 MeserveEmail: [email protected] Office Hours: TW 12:00pm-2:00pm andWebsite: www.drewayers.com By Appointment
N.B. 1) Blackboard will reflect updates to the course, changes in the syllabus, assignments, etc.
Be sure to check it regularly. The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.
2) Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Northeastern University. Upon completing the course, please take the time to fill out the TRACE evaluation.
Course DescriptionThis course introduces students to critical television studies, and it explores television from six critical perspectives: as a commercial industry, as a democratic institution, as a textual form, as a site of cultural representation, as a part of everyday life, and as a technological medium. The course incorporates a variety of screenings and readings in order to address the multiplicity of contemporary and historical television programming and criticism. Special attention is paid to critical writing about television, and this course develops the critical thinking and writing skills needed for academic television criticism, including the specialized concepts and vocabulary required for scholarly writing about television.
Course ObjectivesBy the end of the course, students will be able to:
Define terms/concepts fundamental to television studies Employ these terms/concepts in academic writing, class discussion, and class
presentations Write analytical/critical essays that show understanding of, engagement with, and
thoughtful use of television studies vocabulary and concepts Conduct research specific to television studies
The critical, argumentative, and written skills gained in this course are those required for upper-level courses as well as for other critical engagements with the world.
Required Texts1) Jason Mittell, Television and American Culture (New York: Oxford University Press,
2010).2) Readings on Blackboard3) Course screenings
ScreeningsScreenings will be held during class time as indicated in the daily schedule. Students are expected to attend all screenings, and absences from screenings will count against the
attendance/participation grade. If a student cannot attend a screening, s/he must conduct the screening on his/her own time. Some materials are available through the library, and most materials are available through online rental and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.
Attendance and ParticipationAttendance for this course is mandatory. My approach to this class will integrate lectures, class discussions, student presentations, and various exercises and activities in order to explore the principles discussed in the readings and lectures – you can’t participate if you’re not there. Attendance will be taken during the first fifteen minutes of each class by using a sign-in sheet. If a student arrives to class after the first fifteen minutes, s/he will be counted as tardy. Each tardy counts as one-half of an absence.
Each student will have three personal days during the semester to cover absences from class. These days may be used for any reason you choose and should include time out for illness, emergencies, religious holidays, travel, and family obligations. For each absence after the initial three, the overall attendance grade will be lowered by 10%. If a student has an ongoing situation that requires special consideration, please discuss this with me at the beginning of the semester.
Group discussion of course material will comprise a large portion of our in-class activity. It is essential that students have carefully read the assigned material prior to class in order to fulfill their responsibilities as a member of our learning community. Further, students are expected to participate actively in class discussion. Attendance/Participation comprises 10% of the final grade, and the participation grade will be based on both the frequency and quality of a student’s participation. Everyone is expected to participate in class discussions.
Late Assignment PolicyIf an assignment is turned in late, one full letter grade will be deducted for each day the assignment is late. If a student is unable to attend class on a day that an assignment is due, s/he must contact me prior to the class and make alternative arrangements. Assignments must be uploaded to Blackboard by class time on the day they are due (9:50am). Assignments uploaded after 9:50am will automatically be marked as late. When assignments are due, expect the unexpected. Assume that one (or perhaps all) of the following will happen on exam dates and assignment due dates:
Your internet connection suddenly stops working Blackboard crashes or experiences some other kind of technical difficulty Your computer crashes and all your data is lost Your car will not run, your T line is undergoing maintenance, busses will skip your stop,
and all of your friends will be out of townPlease take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these events from affecting the timely submission of assignments and exams.
Additional Sources of Academic SupportThe University offers a range of support services for students. Among the resources available are:
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The Writing Center (http://www.northeastern.edu/english/writing-center/) – Provides advice and tutoring in composition
Office of Academic & Student Support Services (http://www.cps.neu.edu/student-resources/oasss.php) – Offers a variety of services, including tutoring, career counseling, and support groups
Policy for Make-Up ExamsUnless we have discussed rescheduling an exam before the exam date, exams may only be made-up in instances of extreme hardship. I will require documentation verifying the hardship, and the option to complete a make-up exam is at my discretion.
Special AccommodationsStudents who wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so by registering with the Disability Resource Center (http://www.northeastern.edu/drc/). Students may only be accommodated upon issuance by the DRC of a signed accommodation plan and are responsible for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which accommodations are sought.
AssignmentsThere are five primary assignments for the semester. We will talk about each in more detail as the due dates approach.
1) Quizzes and Reading/Screening Responses : Students will complete ten short quizzes/responses over the course of the semester as indicated in the daily schedule. These quizzes/responses are located on Blackboard under the “Assessments” tab. Quizzes/Responses must be completed by the beginning of the class for which they are due (9:50am), and each quiz/response is worth 2% of your overall grade. Quizzes/Responses cover the material assigned for the day, and they may be completed using the course text, films, or any other helpful material (in other words, they are “open-book”).
2) On-Going Group Project : During the first two weeks of class, students will break into groups of 3-4 students. Each group will choose one network or channel to analyze throughout the semester. Using the blog feature of Blackboard, students will post analyses of the channel/network’s programming, marketing, aesthetic, and online strategies. Students will also present their findings to the class. See page 9 of this syllabus for more details.
3) Mid-Term Exam : Students will complete a take-home midterm exam, consisting of short answer and essay questions. The exam is due on October 26, and students will have one week in which to complete the exam. This exam is meant to assess your understanding and synthesis of the course material, and students who keep up with the readings and attend and participate in class discussions and screenings should perform well.
4) Final Paper Proposal : Each student must submit a short proposal for his/her final paper. The proposal is due on November 20 and will be accompanied by a conference with me. See page 10 of this syllabus for a template of the proposal.
5) Final Paper : Students will write a 2000-2500 word critical analysis of a television program or selection of television programs of their choosing.. The final paper is due at
the beginning of our final exam period (December ## at ##:##am). See page 11 of this syllabus for more details.
All materials must be submitted to Blackboard by the beginning of the class for which they are due (9:50am), and papers should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins on all sides, and double-spaced. Each page should also include your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner. The upper left-hand corner of the first page should include your name, my name, the course name, and the date of submission. Use Chicago format for your citations and works cited page.
GradingQuizzes and Reading/Film Responses: 20%On-Going Group Project (4x5% Blog Posts): 20%Midterm Exam: 20%Final Paper Proposal: 5%Conference about Final Paper 5%Final Paper: 20%Attendance/Participation: 10%
B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69%A 94-100% B 84-86% C 74-76% D 64-66% F Below 60%A- 90-93% B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%
Regarding Scholastic Dishonesty: I take this matter very seriously and will report any suspected cases of academic dishonesty to the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. For details on the University’s policy on Academic Integrity, please consult the Office’s website at http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academicintegrity/index.html. The policy prohibits cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, participation in academically dishonest activities, and facilitating academic dishonesty. The process by which the university handles academic misconduct cases is also very specifically spelled out in the policy. Violation of the policy may result in failing the class as well as disciplinary sanctions. The internet makes it easy to plagiarize, but also easy to track down plagiarism – If you can google it, I can google it. Bottom line: Don’t plagiarize – it’s not worth it. Cite all your sources, put all direct quotations in quotation marks, and clearly note when you are paraphrasing other authors’ work.
A commitment to the principles of academic integrity is essential to the mission of Northeatern University. The promotion of independent and original scholarship ensures that students derive the most from their educational experience and their pursuit of knowledge. Academic dishonesty violates the most fundamental values of an intellectual community and undermines the achievements of the entire University.
The following is a broad overview, but not an all-encompassing definition, of what constitutes a violation of academic integrity.
Cheating: The University defines cheating as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. When completing any academic assignment, a student shall rely on his or her own mastery of the subject.
Examples: Unauthorized use of notes, text, the Internet, or other aids during an examination. Copying from another student’s academic work. Unauthorized communication during an examination. Handing in the same paper for more than one course without the explicit permission of the instructor(s). Intentionally viewing a test before it is administered. Storing notes in a portable electronic device for use during an examination.
Fabrication: The University defines fabrication as intentional and unauthorized falsification, misrepresentation, or invention of any information, data, or citation in an academic exercise.
Examples: Inventing data or facts for an academic assignment. Altering the results of a lab experiment or survey. Citing a source in a bibliography that was not used. Stating an opinion as a scientifically proven fact.
Plagiarism: The University defines plagiarism as intentionally representing the words, ideas, or data of another as one’s own in any academic exercise without providing proper citation.
The following sources require citation: Word-for-word quotation from a source, including another student’s work. Paraphrasing (using the ideas of others in your own words). Unusual or controversial facts not widely recognized. Audio, video, digital, or live exchanges of ideas, dialogue, or information. Students unclear as to whether or not a source requires citation should speak with their professor or consult the Writing Center in 412 Holmes Hall.
Unauthorized Collaboration: The University defines unauthorized collaboration as instances when students submit individual academic works that are substantially similar to one another. While several students may have the same source material, the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of the data must be each individual's independent work.
Examples: Sharing a take-home examination, case write-up, lab report, or any other assignment with a peer without express permission from the instructor. Completing an academic exercise with the aid of a peer, but unfairly crediting all work to oneself.
Participation in Academically Dishonest Activities: The University defines participation in academically dishonest activities as any action taken by a student with the intent of gaining an unfair advantage.
Examples: Misrepresenting oneself or one's circumstances to an instructor. Stealing an examination. Purchasing a pre-written paper. Selling, loaning, or otherwise distributing materials for the purpose of cheating, plagiarism, or other academically dishonest acts. Destroying, altering, stealing, or forging another student's work, library materials, laboratory materials, academic records, course syllabi, or examination/course
grades. Intentionally missing an examination or assignment deadline to gain an unfair advantage. Forging information or signatures on official University documents.
Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: The University defines facilitating academic dishonesty as intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to violate any provision of this policy.
Examples: Doing academic work for another student. Making available previously used academic work for another individual with the intention of resubmitting the work for credit.
GuidelinesAll members of the Northeastern University community share a role in upholding the Academic Integrity Policy. Any member of the community who witnesses a violation of this policy should report it to the appropriate faculty member or the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution.
Cases referred to the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution will be investigated and, if sufficient evidence is presented, the case will be referred to the University's Student Conduct Board. If a student is found responsible for violating any of the preceding items, a minimum sanction of deferred suspension will follow. A second violation will meet with expulsion from the University.
Students who violate Northeastern University's Academic Integrity Policy may also be subject to individual course penalties. This can result in, but is not restricted to, failing the course, in addition to any University penalty. All instructors must reference academic integrity in their syllabi.
If a student feels that he or she has been wrongly accused of violating the Academic Integrity Policy, the student has the right to appeal the charge to the body that first issued the sanction.
Community, “Digital Estate Planning” (2012)Assignment: Quiz #8 Due
11/16 Topic: Children and Media LiteracyReading: Mittell, “Chapter 10: Television for Children”Assignment: Group Blog #3: Aesthetics
Television and Technology11/20 Topic: TV’s Technological History
Reading: Mittell, “Chapter 11: Television’s Transforming Technologies”Screening: Clips from The Guild (2007)
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (2008)Assignment: Final Paper Proposal Due
11/23 NO CLASS
11/27 Topic: New Media and ConvergenceReading: Jenkins, “‘Worship at the Altar of Convergence’”Assignment: Quiz #9 Due
Globalization and American Television11/30 Topic: Global TV
Reading: Mittell, “Conclusion: American Television in a Global Context”Assignment: Group Blog #4: Online/Paratextual Strategies and Viewer
Engagement
12/4 Topic: Cultural Imperialism?Reading: Buonanno, “The Paradigm of Indigenization”
Buonanno, “Travelling Narratives”Assignment: Final Paper Presentations
Quiz #10 Due
12/## Assignment: Final Paper Due
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On-Going Group Project1) Students will break into groups of 3-4 students and choose a television network or
channel to analyze over the course of the semester.2) Students will complete four online posts using the blog feature of Blackboard. Each post
should be 350-400 words in length, and all members of the class are expected to read the posts of the other groups. Each blog post is worth 5% of the overall grade.
3) For each blog post, students should examine a particular feature of the network/channel they have chosen. Using contemporary journalistic resources such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Salon, The New York Times, etc., other online resources such as Twitter and blogs, and their own engagement with the network/channel, students will provide an analytic summary of how their network/channel operates.
a. Post #1 addresses the programming strategies of the network/channel. Be sure to note things like the types of programs the network/channel airs, the strategies for programming line-ups, the days of the week particular programs air, and how the network/channel “counter-programs” against other networks/channels.
b. Post #2 addresses the advertising and marketing strategies of the network/channel, as well as its perceived target audience. Be sure to note the target demographic of the network/channel and information about its ratings.
c. Post #3 addresses the aesthetic and stylistic strategies of the network. Be sure to pay attention not only to the aesthetics of individual programs but also the interstitial material that helps brand the network/channel.
d. Post #4 addresses the online/paratextual strategies of the network/channel, as well as the ways in which it attempts to engage viewers with new media.
4) Be sure to provide citations and/or hyperlinks to the sources from which you gather information.
5) On the Fridays for which the posts are due, groups will give a brief presentation of their findings to the class.
6) Blog posts are due by 9:50am on the day for which they are due. a. Post #1 is due on September 21.b. Post #2 is due on October 5.c. Post #3 is due on November 16.d. Post #4 is due on November 30.
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Final Paper Proposal Information and Template
1) Your final paper proposal should include the following information:a. The title of your final paperb. A thesis statement/research question and summary of your argument. Be specific
here. Let me know exactly what argument you’re going make, the main points of the argument, and how you’re going to support the argument.
c. An outline of your final paper2) Remember, the more thorough and detailed you are, the better feedback I can provide.3) This assignment must be uploaded to Blackboard by the beginning of class (9:50am) on
November 20.4) Here is a template for the proposal:
a. Title of Final Paperb. Thesis and Summary of Main Argumentc. Outline of the Complete Paper
5) 15-minute conferences with me will be held during my office hours and additional times during the week of November 26-30. The conference is worth 5% of the overall course grade. Students will sign up for a conference time before Thanksgiving break. If the times don’t work with a student’s schedule, we will make alternative arrangements. During this conference, we will go over my comments on the outline of the final project.
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Final Paper Assignment
1) For this paper, you will develop an argument that engages with a topic and television program(s) of your choosing. I will leave the exact topic up to you, but your paper should demonstrate a clear understanding of the concepts we’ve discussed in class.
2) This paper should expand on the work you did in your proposal, and you should expect to do significant rethinking/revising of your initial argument, incorporating any suggestions I might have provided you. Failure to take my revision suggestions into account will negatively affect your grade on this paper.
3) Your paper must be 2000-2500 words in length, and you should include a title page and bibliography (if necessary). The title page should include your name, my name, the course name, the date of submission, and a title for your paper.
4) If you use information from any outside sources (including Wikipedia and the course texts), be sure to cite these using Chicago format. Remember, any time you use another author’s work (either paraphrased or directly quoted), you must cite that author. Plagiarism will result in an automatic zero for the assignment and possible academic sanctions. See the library’s research page for more information: http://subjectguides.lib.neu.edu/content.php?pid=30708.
5) The essay should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins on all sides, and double-spaced. Each page should also include your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner.
6) The paper is due at the beginning of our final exam period – December ## – and it must be uploaded to Blackboard by ##:##am. Late papers will be deducted one letter grade for each day they are late.
