Com 340

Television Criticism

Dr. Janet McMullen

Critical Analysis Paper #1

Topic: Star Trek

Requirements:

Length: 15 pages, minimum

Topic: Formal analysis of some aspect of a Star Trek series.

·You must address all three elements of drama: Plot, Character and Dialogue.

·You should focus on one aspect of one of those elements in depth. Example: The use of the teaser in Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, DS-9 and Star Trek:Voyager.

·You MUST address the concepts of unity, variety, balance, coherence, contrast and emphasis. Your discussion should demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of principles discussed in class regarding plot, character, dialogue, limitations of the media, etc.

·SUPPORT your ideas with concrete evidence. Cite episodes, character names, specific actions and lines of dialogue where appropriate.

·You should include some semiotic information to support your thesis. While this is not a discourse analysis, some discussion of production decisions is necessary to support your position.

·CRITICAL thinking is very important. This is unlike any paper you are likely to have written for me before. You will not be getting your ideas from other sources and presenting them to me. Rather, you will develop your OWN ideas and present them in a clear, logical and documented way. You will document those ideas from specific episodes.

·Resources: There are a number of books and other resources available with information about specific episodes, character names and even plot summaries. Feel free to use these. Dr. Mc will make the sources she has available to you on a limited basis. The Star Trek web site also has extensive information ("(http://www.startrekcontinuum.com/startrek.asp." ) A number of books have been ordered into Collier Library as well.

Format

·The paper will be typed and double-spaced, Ariel 10 or 12 or Times New Roman 12 point type.

·Cover page will include the TITLE, your NAME, Course and Date.

·Please STAPLE the paper. Binders are okay, but unnecessary.

·Use APA style for presentation and documentation.

·A FULL LETTER GRADE will be deducted if the paper is not presented in a professional way. Check grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.

POINT VALUE: 200 POINTS

Due Date: TUESDAY, APRIL 4^th, 2000

GOOD LUCK!!!

Tentative Date for TREK-A-THON at Dr. Mc's : FRIDAY, March 10, 6:30 p.m. until ?????????????

Further details will be discussed in class, but plan to wear comfortable clothing, bring snacks and soft drinks. If you have a vcr or portable TV you could bring, we will set up as many viewing locations as possible. Bring any tapes and other resources you have. This will be the opportunity to see the episodes, check the resources and get direction for your paper. BE SURE to have a PAPER TOPIC BEFORE you come, and if you can, have a list of specific episodes you would like to view. We will do our best.

I will need a DEFINITE head-count the week of the event or we will not do this. It is too much work if students are not interested enough to participate.

Dr. Janet McMullen

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Email Dr. Mc at "jmcmulle@unanov.una.edu"or "drmcrtf@aol.com"