Definition:
Your 2 papers are a short (5 page each) essays based on your
readings, class lectures,
investigation, etc. You should formulate your
thesis and using
cultural theories and concepts
coherently and in a convincing manner. Make sure your papers reflect a
clear thought process and understanding of the topic, in
addition to a well-structured presentation. Use
examples and
quotes to support your argument,
but do not use them extensively, because you will not be able to include
all necessary information if you "waste" your space with too many
examples or quotes.
Requirements:
A paper should
-
incorporate readings
assigned for classes within that thematic grouping (check
'classes' link on the website);
-
evidence clear comprehension of the
primary argument presented in each author’s work; and
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draw connections between the readings and
the themes so that the paper is greater than the sum of its parts
REMEMBER! the
paper is NOT a simple summary (i.e. not a synthesis) of the readings but rather a
comprehensive
analysis and critical engagement with the overarching themes, authors
and texts covered in that section and in the course as a whole.
Your paper should provide an introduction
with a clearly articulated
thesis
statement that outlines your main
position or argument. (in other words, the answer you are seeking to the
specific questions you asked about the topic). The substance of the paper is
critical analysis,
which means you should offer your opinion/reflection based on
cultural theories from the readings and from class discussion. The paper should
end with concluding statements that address the areas and arguments you
have covered and link your conclusion to the opening statement.
Sources:
You can quote sources other than the
assigned readings. However, proper referencing is required both in the
body of your paper and in your works cited section.
-
How to
document your sources.
-
How to quote? Direct
"verbatim" quotes must be between " ". Non-verbal quotes (when you
"borrow" someone's idea but not the exact words) you still need to
indicate the source in parenthesis after the reference (see the MLA
format).
-
MLA style (Modern
Language Association).
-
A section of
"Works cited"
must be prepared.
Academic Integrity:
Format:
-
Length: 5 pages
-
follow the
MLA
style guidelines (see above),
-
number all pages, double space, and use
12-point Times New Roman font,
-
include footnotes (if needed for comments)
do not use footnotes for bibliographical information
-
include a section of Works cited (include
only those works you refer to in the paper).
-
submit you paper electronically
(virus-free MS Word) using "safeassign
icon" of the BB site.
-
How does safeassign work?
Click here.
Topics:
PAPER 1
Choose ONE of the following topics and
write 5 pages. You have to quote a min. of 5
sources of your research (only 3 can be electronic, at least 2
must be print):
|
1. How does new historicism understands history
compared to "old" historicism? How does each one relate to
Modernity and Postmodernity? 2. What is
the difference between sex and gender? How is gender (in
general) represented in print, visual and other media? |
PAPER 2
Choose ONE of the following topics and
write 5 pages. You have to quote a min. of 5
sources of your research (only 3 can be electronic, at least 2
must be print) Please follow the MLA format:
1. How is cultural phenomena represented in
the Media. Does media ownership has any influence on
representation? Pls. give specific examples and base your
arguments in Stuart Halls' theories about the media.
2. How is the image constructed in
advertising? What are hyper reality and simulacrum? What are spoof ads?
Please base your observation on pertinent cultural theories. (Barthes,
Baudrillard, etc)
Deadlines:
-
March 1.
Upload on BB SafeAssign your paper # 1
-
April 26.
Upload on BB SafeAssign your paper
# 2
-
Late papers will not be accepted.
-
________________________________________________________________________________________
Animoto project is due on
May 3 to be presented in class
Using Animoto to Illustrate a Research
Topic
You can use either
topic for your paper 1 or paper 2.
___________________________________________________________________________
Creating an Animoto Video
In this assignment you will use a multi-media video
application called Animoto to illustrate the main ideas in your
research paper. You will illustrate your topic with images, text and
music. As you collect these and upload them into Animoto, Animoto
will automatically combines these three elements into a "flashy"
video, all online and in the Internet "cloud." However, Animoto is
not free; you will have to pay $3 to create a "full length video"
(about 3 minutes) for the assignment.
Step 2:
Create a PowerPoint presentation
to be saved as jpeg files and uploaded into Animoto
- Briefly do a short sentence outline of your
Research topic and put sentences onto PowerPoint slides. (About 10)
Find and upload at least 7 images which illustrate or
relate in some way to the sentences on your PowerPoint text slides.
- You might want to use Google
Images search function to find images for your animoto creation.
Open each image to full size and save to your computer. Then upload
into your Animoto video.
Click here for IMPORTANT advice on
Creating an Effective Animoto
Step 3: Add your PowerPoint presentation to Animoto
(see helpful videos showing this process below)
Step 4: Add
Music--slower music means slower slide speed which is helpful for
text-based slide reading.
You can use mp3
files of your own. The music should correspond to your topic in some
way. Click on Upload and pick your music file to accompany your video.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Helpful Videos
- Old Mr. Patrick's "How
to Make an Animoto Video"--
- Note, if you are watching this video, unlike Mr.
Patrick here, you will select "full length" video (not short video).
You will be asked to pay $5 to create a "full length" video. Also,
be sure to select 1/2 speed for the slide show.
- Also DO NOT create your text slides in Animoto
which only allows for very short phrases--probably not long enough
for your Analysis post sentences.
-
Animoto Promo
From PowerPoint to Animoto
1.
Create and open your existing PowerPoint.
2.
Select save as- and in the save as type (right below the
file name), scroll down and select jpeg.
3.
Select save- the dialogue box will ask if you want to export
every file, select every slide. You now have a “picture” of each
slide.
4.
Logon on to
www.animoto.com and create a video (you
will upload the jpeg files you just made).
5.
When you are finishing the Animoto, I would select the ½ image
pacing (the photos will move a little slower and are easier to read.)
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Be sure to view your Animoto a few times for
readability. Revise text slides that are going by too fast or
otherwise hard to read.
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ALL CAPS is
considered “screaming” and hard to read—avoid them
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Similarly, avoid
italics--hard to read
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Choose a large
typeface (12 pt +) because small fonts are hard to read on slides
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Also, it’s best to
stick with one color scheme and one or two font types to give your
presentation more unity
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Be sure to click highlight on text slides, so
they'll stay onscreen longer.
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Also, slower tunes make for a slower slide
show--sometimes a good thing in terms of reading ease.
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Pay attention to slide background color, and be sure
text shows up well on it for easy reading. For example, black text
can hardly be seen on a dark purple background.
- Give your Animoto
a Title on the first slide, including your name as the creator.
- Identify any music
you use on an end slide.