The
Art and Craft of Television
UMAR
335-01
University College Ÿ Tulane University
Tuesday, 5:45 PM – 8:25 PM,
Spring 2004
Mr. Kelly Fogarty,
Instructor
Voice Mail: 533-3585 Ÿ Email: kfogarty@tulane.edu
Class Description:
Considerable portions of our lives are spent centered on television. It is a companion. It is a contact for surveillance, authority and entertainment in our lives. It has significantly contributed to the progress of communications in our society. And it is viewed as being part reflective, part distortive and part fantasy. This class is designed to analyze the art and craft of television—from how it works to content and programming trends as well as its business operation. This class depends on your participation and you are expected to share opinions and examples of what you find occurring on television.
Class Textbook:
The text for this course is The Broadcasting Television Industry by James Walker and Douglas
Ferguson, published by Allyn & Bacon. Additionally, articles from
periodicals and Web sites will be utilized.
Class Requirements:
There
will be a variety of assignments that reflect the information presented in
class and demonstrate your ability to provide your own critical analysis of
television programming. Additionally, you must have access to a television
(and possibly a VCR) to watch required television programs. Keeping up with the assigned textbook
readings and advance viewing of assigned television programs is essential!
Assignments:
|
Program
Analysis (10) Group
Project and Presentation Mid
Term Exam Final
Exam |
100
points (10 points each) 100
points 100
points 100
points |
25%
of grade 25%
of grade 25%
of grade 25%
of grade |
Grading:
|
A-
to A B-
to B+ C-
to C+ D-
to D+ F |
90%
- 100% 80%
- 89% 70%
- 79% 60%
- 69% 59%
and below |
360-400
points 320-359
points 280-319
points 240-279
points 239
points and below |
Please
note:
In-class program analysis is to be completed as a group, no make-ups are
allowed. No make up of exams allowed unless prior arrangements are made.
Mid-Term and Final exams, if missed, must be taken within one (1) week of exam
date.
Class Outline:
|
Jan.
20 |
Introduction and Overview
Television Resources and Effective TV Programming Analysis |
|
|
Jan.
27 |
The
Power of Television in Society Understanding TV Genres |
|
|
Feb.
3 |
The Technology of TV
Program
Analysis 1: Talk Shows |
Chapter
1 |
|
Feb.
10 |
A
History of Broadcast and Cable Television Program Analysis 2: Game Shows
|
Chapter
2 |
|
Feb.
17 |
The
Economics of Television Program Analysis
3: Soap Operas
|
Chapter
3 |
|
Feb.
24 |
**NO
CLASS** |
|
|
Mar.
2 |
Government
Control and Regulation Program Analysis
4: Children’s TV
|
Chapter
4 |
|
Mar.
9 |
Mid Term Exam
|
|
|
Mar.
16 |
Local
Television Operations Program Analysis
5: News
|
Chapter
5 |
|
Mar.
23 |
National
Television Operations Program Analysis
6: Situation Comedies
|
Chapter
6 |
|
Mar.
30 |
Audience
Measurement: The Ratings System Program Analysis
7: Sports
|
Chapter
7 |
|
Apr.
6 |
Public
Television
Program Analysis
8: Documentary & Educational
|
Chapter
8 |
|
Apr.
13 |
Impact
and Effects of Television Program Analysis
9: Prime Time Dramas
|
Chapter
9 |
|
Apr.
20 |
The
Future of Television Program Analysis 10: Reality TV
|
Chapter
10 |
|
Apr.
27 |
Group
Presentations |
|
|
May
4 |
Final Exam
|
|
Group Project
and Presentation:
The social utility function explains the phenomenon of how people engage others in discussion about what happened on a TV show. With this in mind, you will work in a group to prepare a written television program critique and make a class presentation. Your team may select any TV program of interest, however advance instructor approval is required.
The objective is to challenge more in-depth analysis of
television programs and greater consideration of the possible media effects on
viewers. To this end, your grade will be based on the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of your program observations.
This assignment has two parts: the written critique and the class presentation. This is a group effort and all team members are expected to contribute to both aspects of assignment.
Each group must submit a “proposal” with the name of
program for their project on April 6th. It should include the name of each person in
your group as well as the reason for choosing the program.
Each group will prepare a written TV program
critique of no more than 3 pages in length and include:
A cover page with
the following--
·
The name of the TV program watched
·
The network or cable station on which it appeared
·
The date and time it aired
·
The program’s genre and TV content rating code
PLUS
The critique MUST be organized in sections
(paragraphs) so the following elements are included--
1. A summary of the program’s
content – what the show was about
2. Five examples of stereotypes
that were used – how characters on the show were portrayed
3. Five examples of “themes”
that were explored – the subject matter covered in the program
4. Five examples of advertised
products or product placement – and what they reflect about viewers
5. Discussion on what program
reflects about society values – the underlying message of the program
Format
the paper with one-inch margins and a type size of 12 points. Critiques are to
be no more than 3 pages in length. Please do not submit critiques in a
presentation folder or binder.
Each group will make a 10-minute presentation to the class with a critique of their selected television program. The discussion should center on what was learned through the analysis but also suggest recommendations on ways to improve the program.
Every
team member must have a speaking role in the presentation.
Group
Project and Presentation are due on dates outlined above—no exceptions.