Rating systems and V-chip
Paper instructions:

•    FCC
•    Rating systems and V-chip
•    Technology (Podcasting, web blogging, dedicated websites)
•    Watchdog groups
•    TV networks and corporate ownership
•    Edutainment
•    Entertainment News
•    Reality TV’s impact on writers, agents and actors
•    The cult of celebrity
•    Genre specific issues
•    Trends in programming
•    Parody (e.g. YouTube versions)
•    Audience research practices
•    Marketing/Advertising
•    Media power players
•    Ethnicity & Race issues
•    Gender and/or sexuality
•    Social and/or cultural issues

The graded components for this assignment include the submission of a paper proposal, a draft for peer review, and a final paper.

Proposal (5 points)
There are endless possibilities of topics for this paper.  Because of this, I require every student to submit a paper proposal so that I am better equipped to help you focus your paper and guide your research and writing.  Your proposal should include the following information:
•    Topic
•    Possible thesis (your argument)
•    Purpose for choosing this topic and making this particular argument
•    Research Strategy describing what sources you will use (scholarly articles, shows, books, interviews with writers/directors/actors, blogs, etc.), theoretical approach (including specific concepts), guiding questions, and method of analysis (for example:  How many shows/seasons?  What are you looking for?).
•    Academic Pledge stating, “I will properly cite any work or information that is not my own thought or idea.  I understand if I plagiarize I will be reported to the committee of Academic Misconduct.”  We have had trouble with students plagiarizing (ranging from not citing sources to “borrowing” someone else’s paper), so please be mindful that there are real consequences for not doing your own work.
A sample paper proposal is included below.

The final paper should be a critical analysis of a specific topic, genre, theme or any issue related to television production and or broadcasting.  A partial list of possible ideas follows:

•    FCC
•    Rating systems and V-chip
•    Technology (Podcasting, web blogging, dedicated websites)
•    Watchdog groups
•    TV networks and corporate ownership
•    Edutainment
•    Entertainment News
•    Reality TV’s impact on writers, agents and actors
•    The cult of celebrity
•    Genre specific issues
•    Trends in programming
•    Parody (e.g. YouTube versions)
•    Audience research practices
•    Marketing/Advertising
•    Media power players
•    Ethnicity & Race issues
•    Gender and/or sexuality
•    Social and/or cultural issues

The graded components for this assignment include the submission of a paper proposal, a draft for peer review, and a final paper.

Proposal (5 points)
There are endless possibilities of topics for this paper.  Because of this, I require every student to submit a paper proposal so that I am better equipped to help you focus your paper and guide your research and writing.  Your proposal should include the following information:
•    Topic
•    Possible thesis (your argument)
•    Purpose for choosing this topic and making this particular argument
•    Research Strategy describing what sources you will use (scholarly articles, shows, books, interviews with writers/directors/actors, blogs, etc.), theoretical approach (including specific concepts), guiding questions, and method of analysis (for example:  How many shows/seasons?  What are you looking for?).
•    Academic Pledge stating, “I will properly cite any work or information that is not my own thought or idea.  I understand if I plagiarize I will be reported to the committee of Academic Misconduct.”  We have had trouble with students plagiarizing (ranging from not citing sources to “borrowing” someone else’s paper), so please be mindful that there are real consequences for not doing your own work.
A sample paper proposal is included below.

Peer Review (10 points)
You will submit a draft for peer review.  Instructions are forthcoming.

Final Paper (20 points)
This paper in not a report.  It is a critical inquiry into a specific area with a particular point of view.  This means that you will choose a topic of interest to explore further using television media (shows, advertisements, etc.), scholarly articles to explore what others are saying about these shows and issues, theoretical approaches discussed in class, semiotics, and other sources to build and support your argument.  You will want to review the articles we read throughout the semester as models of critical inquiries (look at their organization, arguments, support, and sources).  Also, read Chapters 9 and 10 in your textbook for guiding questions and a sample paper.

This is an argument paper; keep in mind the guidelines offered in Writing Workshops throughout the semester.   I expect that you will have clear organization (introduction, background, lines of argument, and conclusion), a strong thesis statement, well supported ideas using multiple and different sources, and correct APA citations (both in-text and in the end reference section).

The final paper is 5-7 pages double-spaced, but can be longer if need be. Five is the minimum, however. All evidence must be properly cited following APA guidelines.  Please include a cover page and page numbers.  Cover page and references do not count towards your five page minimum.

Please review the Writing process and development section of the syllabus for information about grading and feedback.  There is no rewrite opportunity for the final paper.

Due Dates:
•    Proposal: Sunday 7/20 by 11:59 pm in dropbox
•    Draft for peer review:  Wednesday 7/30 by 11:59 pm in Final Peer Review discussion forum for your presentation group; Peer review work completed by 11:59 pm on Friday 8/1.
•    Final paper:   Sunday 8/3 by 11:59 pm in the dropbox

PROPOAL EXAMPLE
Final Paper Proposal
Art Education 2367.03
November 9, 2013
Your name here

Topic: Representations of LGBTQ cast members on MTV’s The Real World

Possible Thesis: Token lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or questioning cast members are positioned in a spokesperson role each season on The Real World, and as such are forced to represent an entire sexual orientation. These portrayals are often edited toward promiscuity.

Purpose: To examine and explore how LGBTQ subjects are situated within the cast dynamics as both spokespersons for “gay” lifestyles and as sexually promiscuous people. These edited versions of queer representations are served up as “real” depictions and may have notable effects on how others understand and relate to gay persons.

Research Strategy:  I will analyze three seasons of The Real World and identify specific conversations and events that appear to position gay cast members as speaking for a particular group. Additionally, I will compare and contrast how straight cast members sexual encounters are portrayed alongside their gay counterparts, using concepts of representation. If possible, I will locate post-season interviews with former gay cast members for additional supportive evidence.

Academic Pledge: I will properly cite any work or information that is not my own thought or idea. I understand if I plagiarize, I will be reported to the committee of Academic Misconduct.

Sign: (electronic signature accepted)
Date: