MSCR 1300: Television: Text and Context (Fall 2012, CRN: 16749)

Class: TF 9:50am-11:30am, 452 RY Instructor: Email: Website: Dr. Drew Ayers d.ayers@neu.edu www.drewayers.com Office: 144 Meserve Office Hours: TW 12:00pm-2:00pm and 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 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 upperlevel courses as well as for other critical engagements with the world. Required Texts 1) Jason Mittell, Television and American Culture (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010). 2) Readings on Blackboard 3) Course screenings Screenings Screenings will be held during class time as indicated in the daily schedule. Students are expected

2 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 Participation Attendance 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 cant participate if youre 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 students participation. Everyone is expected to participate in class discussions. Late Assignment Policy If 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 town Please take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these events from affecting the timely submission of assignments and exams. Additional Sources of Academic Support The University offers a range of support services for students. Among the resources available are: The Writing Center (http://www.northeastern.edu/english/writing-center/) Provides advice and tutoring in composition

3 Office of Academic & Student Support Services (http://www.cps.neu.edu/studentresources/oasss.php) Offers a variety of services, including tutoring, career counseling, and support groups MyNEU Academic Guide (http://www.advising.neu.edu/)

Policy for Make-Up Exams Unless we have discussed rescheduling an exam before the exam date, exams may only be madeup 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 Accommodations Students 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. Assignments There 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/networks 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

4 (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. Grading Quizzes and Reading/Film Responses: On-Going Group Project (4x5% Blog Posts): 20% Midterm Exam: Final Paper Proposal: Conference about Final Paper Final Paper: Attendance/Participation: Grading Breakdown Outstanding: Good: Above Goes beyond average expectations B+ B B87-89% 84-86% 80-83% 20% 20% 5% 5% 20% 10% Unsatisfactory: Doesnt meet many requirements D+ D D67-69% 64-66% 60-63% Failing: Does not meet requirements or academic dishonesty F Below 60%

Satisfactory: Meets minimum requirements C+ C C77-79% 74-76% 70-73%

A A-

94-100% 90-93%

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 Universitys policy on Academic Integrity, please consult the Offices 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: Dont plagiarize its not worth it. Cite all your sources, put all direct quotations in quotation marks, and clearly note when you are paraphrasing other authors work.

5
Northeasterns Academic Integrity Policy http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academicintegrity/index.html 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 students 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 ones own in any academic exercise without providing proper citation. The following sources require citation: Word-for-word quotation from a source, including another students 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.

Guidelines All 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.

6 Daily Schedule Why Study TV? 9/7 Reading: Screening: 9/11 Reading: Course Syllabus Frontline: The Merchants of Cool (2001) Mittell, Introduction: Why Television? Smith, Its Just a Movie du Gay, et al. Introduction, Doing Cultural Studies

The Business of Television 9/14 Topic: Programming Reading: Mittell, Chapter 1: Exchanging Programming Screening: The Making of South Park: 6 Days to Air (2011) 9/18 Topic: Reading: Assignment: Topic: Reading: Assignment: Topic: Reading: Screening: Assignment: 9/28 NO CLASS The Public Interest Mittell, Chapter 3: Serving the Public Interest PBS Digital Studios Clips (http://bit.ly/N1CWId) 30 Rock, Lets Stay Together (2010) Public Television Ouellette, Reinventing PBS Group Blog #2: Advertising, Marketing and Target Audience TV and Democracy Mittell, Chapter 4: Televised Citizenship The Newsroom, We Just Decided To (2012) Conglomeration Anderson, Creating the 21st Century Television Network Quiz #1 Due Advertising and Audiences Mittell, Chapter 2: Exchanging Audiences Group Blog #1: Programming Post-Network Advertising Lotz, Advertising after the Network Era Steinberg, Why Mad Men Has So Little To Do With Advertising (http://bit.ly/O7230q) 30 Rock, Jack-Tor (2006) Quiz #2 Due

9/21

9/25

Media Regulation 10/2 Topic: Reading: Screening: 10/5 Topic: Reading: Assignment: Topic: Reading: Screening:

10/9

7 10/12 Topic: Reading: Assignment: Public and Private Spaces McCarthy, Shaping Public and Private Space with TV Screens Quiz #3 Due TV Production and Style Mittell, Chapter 5: Making Meaning The Office (UK), Training (2001) Breaking Bad, Pilot (2008) Televisuality Caldwell, Excessive Style Quiz #4 Due TV Narrative and Genre Mittell, Chapter 6: Telling Television Stories Law and Order, Prescription for Death (1990) Procedurals Nichols-Pethick, One Thing Leads to Another Distribute and Discuss Mid-Term Exam Quiz #5 Due

Television Aesthetics 10/16 Topic: Reading: Screening: 10/19 Topic: Reading: Assignment: Topic: Reading: Screening: Topic: Reading: Assignment:

10/23

10/26

Television, Representation, and Identity 10/30 Topic: TV and Representation Reading: Mittell, Chapter 7: Screening America Screening: The Golden Girls, Scared Straight (1988) Roseanne, Aliens (1992) Louie, God (2010) Assignment: Quiz #6 Due 11/2 Topic: Reading: Assignment: Topic: Reading: TV and Social Issues Spigel, Womens Work Mid-Term Exam Due TV, Race, Gender, and Class Warner, Why is it so hard to bring up race in places where it supposedly doesnt belong? TV, for example. (http://bit.ly/aJGy7F) Warner, A response to a response to a response. (http://bit.ly/OekPBF) All in the Family, Lionels Engagement (1974) Vampire Diaries, The Last Dance (2011) Quiz #7 Due

11/6

Screening: Assignment:

8 11/9 Topic: Reading: TV and Identity Mittell, Chapter 8: Representing Identity Viewing Practices Mittell, Chapter 9: Viewing Television The Simpsons, Itchy & Scratchy & Marge (1990) Community, Digital Estate Planning (2012) Quiz #8 Due Children and Media Literacy Mittell, Chapter 10: Television for Children Group Blog #3: Aesthetics

Television Audiences 11/13 Topic: Reading: Screening: Assignment: 11/16 Topic: Reading: Assignment:

Television and Technology 11/20 Topic: TVs Technological History Reading: Mittell, Chapter 11: Televisions Transforming Technologies Screening: Clips from The Guild (2007) Dr. Horribles Sing-Along Blog (2008) Assignment: Final Paper Proposal Due 11/23 11/27 NO CLASS Topic: Reading: Assignment: New Media and Convergence Jenkins, Worship at the Altar of Convergence Quiz #9 Due

Globalization and American Television 11/30 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: Reading: Assignment: 12/## Assignment: Cultural Imperialism? Buonanno, The Paradigm of Indigenization Buonanno, Travelling Narratives Final Paper Presentations Quiz #10 Due Final Paper Due

9 On-Going Group Project 1) 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.

10 Final Paper Proposal Information and Template 1) Your final paper proposal should include the following information: a. The title of your final paper b. A thesis statement/research question and summary of your argument. Be specific here. Let me know exactly what argument youre going make, the main points of the argument, and how youre going to support the argument. c. An outline of your final paper 2) 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 Paper b. Thesis and Summary of Main Argument c. 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 dont work with a students schedule, we will make alternative arrangements. During this conference, we will go over my comments on the outline of the final project.

11 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 weve 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 authors 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 librarys 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.