COM 375 Assignments
Introductory Movie Paper - based on the movie, write a 2-3 page paper that addresses the film based on the material from the first four chapters in the textbook. In particular, it should have all four components of criticism as seen in the Communication model (ch. 3) and include empirical and normative evaluations (ch. 4). Make sure to include all 5 stages of the critical process as you apply the communication model. Structure your paper by specificially using headings based on the four components of the communication model framework. Then write a 1-2 page paper exploring meaning/lesson. These two papers should be submitted as one paper. 25 points
Ingredients Presentation - for your group's assigned medium, construct and present an ingredients list, complete with examples. Each group will have 25-30 minutes to present. 25 points
Fahrenheit 451 paper - Write a 5-6 page critique based on the book Fahrenheit 451. The paper should consist mainly of a critique of meaning/message. You may also include an introduction and/or conclusion if you think it helps the flow of your critique. The framework is open ended, you may consider as elements the 5 stages of the critical process, the same framework as used in the movie paper, and the addition of any of the ingredients you see as relevant. At its core, the paper should address the general question, "How is Fahrenheit 451 relevant (if at all) to present day American society?" It will be your task to make that question more specific. Write the paper as if you were publishing it for an audience and not as a paper for a class. 50 points
Disney Paper - Research Disney and address the following in a 2-3 page paper. Analyze Disney as: a business and an "artist," according to the materials from Chapter 7 and from in-class materials Then, to explore the impacts of business on "art", pick a former Disney recording artist (any label) and analyze the artist and their music while under Disney contract and then after leaving Disney. (25 points)
TV series assignment - Choose a TV series. Each group choice must be unique. It's first come, first served for choices. Analyze your choice based on the content of chapters 9 & 10 (depiction analysis and structural analysis) and give a 30 minute presentation of the analysis to the class. There is no paper to turn in, just the presentation. The presentation should include at least one video clip. (25 points)
Christian Film paper - Analyze a Christian film (must be approved by me) using any framework/s that we have looked at in the class, the more comprehensive the better. This is the opportunity for you to apply all the skills you have learned in the class. There is no specific length requirement. Wow me with a critique that would be publishable in a leading medium. (75 points)
The Final Project - Groups will apply all of the skills they have learned to critique movies/TV shows/music and/or books of their choice. You may use any frameworks/concepts we have discussed this semester. The focus should be on educating the audience about the content with information they may not know or have access to. In other words, a more pro-active critique that goes beyond informing (as an example, think of my Native American presentation - the material I presented helps the audience better understand the scenes I screened). You can choose to critique one text or several, one medium or several. The nature of the educating does not have to be cultural, it can cover any area in which an audience would benefit from a deeper look. Presentations should be in the 25-30 minute range. No paper is required. Presentations will take place during the final exam period. (50 points)
Note: Any assignments that need to be turned in should be emailed to me. The file name should include your first name, your last initial and then the assignment name. For example: ScottSIntroductory.docx
Assignments should be in .docx form.