Word limit: 750-1000 words

Choose a popular text and discuss its relation to genres. Describe it in terms of the repertoire of elements and develop an argument regarding its representation of social values (ideology) through analysis of connotations in critical scenes.

Students are required to present this paper using what is known as the five paragraph essay structure - an example can be found at the Purdue Online Writing Lab: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/ ;

Word limit: 750-1000 words

Weighting: 20% of overall grade

Five Paragraph Essay: other examples:

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/five_par.htm ;
http://www.studygs.net/fiveparag.htm ;
http://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/writing-five-paragraph-essays-for-standardized-test/

This assignment will be evaluated on the extent to which it demonstrates:

1. A clear recognition and understanding of the defining elements of relevant popular genres, and the ability analyze the significance of these using the repertoire of elements and semiotic concepts in particular texts;
2. Effective use of the five paragraph essay structure; including the ability to identify and evaluate arguments, synthesize ideas, and develop coherent positions;
3. The ability to demonstrate an understanding that popular texts both affirm and subvert ideological norms;
4. Critical clarity of expression and presentation (including spelling and grammar); and, critical references to no less than 5 scholarly sources and has appropriately acknowledged all sources using the Harvard (author-date) referencing style.

Each week you will address the forum discussion question (see Moodle website) and post it to the relevant forum. Although the assignment is due in week 8 the genres and topic of weeks 9-12 can be included. On the due date, you gather your best 8 responses in a Word document and upload it to the assignment page. Although the journal is not an essay, you are expected to make a clear and brief thesis statement. The bulk of the discussion does not have to be written in essay form: notes, quotes, dot points, tables, diagrams, drawings, etc. are acceptable. However, this is not an excuse for sloppiness; neatness and coherence (readability) and punctuation will be taken into account. Referencing must be correct (i.e. Harvard (author-date) style)

Word limit: Each response should be no more than 200-250 in total.

This assignment will be evaluated on the extent to which it demonstrates:

1. A clear recognition and understanding of the defining elements of relevant popular genres, and the ability to analyse the significance of these using semiotic concepts in particular texts;

2. The ability to identify and evaluate arguments, synthesize ideas, and develop a coherent position;

3. The ability to demonstrate an understanding that popular texts both affirm and subvert ideological norms

4. Clarity of expression and presentation (including spelling and grammar); and,

5. Appropriate acknowledgement of all sources using the Harvard (author-date) referencing style.

This "authentic learning” exercise involves creativity and role-play. You have an idea for a film or TV show that you want to make. Before you can go any further, you have to convince the studio executives to approve and fund the project. To do this, you need to create a 'pitch'.

Your pitch should include a title, tagline, plot synopsis (very brief), a description of the repertoire of elements, list of characters (and the actors who might play them), and a brief discussion of themes and issues (full details provided on the course website). You may wish to make a 'trailer/ preview', and/or include a sample of the screenplay/memorable quotes. You are invited to be as creative as you want with the 'pitch' (provided you include all the appropriate elements).

The is also a 500-word critical component, in which you account for the creative project using semiotic terms and concepts.

Possible Formats

Students might choose to submit their pitch using ONE of the following six formats:
1. A storyboard - @16 - 20 panels max - A sequence of drawings (like a comic), typically with some directions and dialogue, representing each shot.
2. A dramatic script - The written text of your idea for a film/TV show, including directions and dialogue.
3. A WORD document synopsis - A piece of prose, giving the main points of your idea for the film/TV show in a written narrative form.
4. A monologue/dialogue - a voice recording of your idea for a film/TV show as a vocal presentation.
5. A 'trailer' - a digital clip of your pitch including voice-over commentary.
6. A new style - This is a chance for students to break away from the traditional pre-production film/TV show pitch formats and present your idea in another way: using other visual or media arts forms, or alternative performing arts modes, for example.

The only proviso is that whatever format you choose must include all the requirements specified in the The Pitch - Explained and the Assignment Description: "Your pitch should include a title, tagline, plot synopsis (very brief), a description of the repertoire of elements, list of characters (and the actors who might play them), and a brief discussion of themes and issues. You may wish to make a 'trailer/ preview', and/or include a sample of the screenplay/memorable quotes."

Internal students will be expected to work in teams in class. They will present their pitches to the class in weeks 11 & 12.

Distance students will be expected to submit their 'pitch' by week 12, though they may submit earlier if they wish. Distance students may also work in teams if they wish, but they need to advise their course coordinator by email of the members of their group. Group assessment means that the assessment mark will be for the group (i.e. the group will be awarded one mark, and all students in the group will get the same mark as everyone else). If you choose this option, please make sure that your assignment clearly identifies itself as a joint assignment and includes the relevant student names. For distance students, the pitch should be submitted online through Moodle.

Note: Further details about this assessment piece including submission instructions are available on the course website.

Word limit: 2000-2500 words

This assignment will be evaluated on the extent to which it demonstrates:

1. Potential for the pitch to be made into a film (e.g. its creativity, plausibility & credibility);
2. Enthusiasm of the presenters for their project and their storytelling skills;
3. The ability to demonstrate an understanding that popular texts both affirm and subvert ideological norms
4. Clarity of expression and presentation (including spelling and grammar); and,
5. Appropriate acknowledgement of all sources using the Harvard (author-date) referencing style.