Ideological Analysis: Representation

Media Criticism Assignment # 2: Representation
To complete this assignment you will need to select four different television programs, films and/or audio material that have female characters in a primary or at least highly visible roles (one of the four may be the tv program or film you used for your first criticism assignment). At least one program must be of a different genre than the other three. Using these programs as a “sample”, you will discuss how females and femininity are being represented on the media.
To accomplish this you will need to go through three stages. First, you will go through a process of “thick” description. That is, for each of the primary female characters you should describe their strengths and weaknesses, their motivations and behaviors, their hopes and their potentials or lack of same, the nature of their relationships, and their fears, what is absent, etc. You can use bullet points to present your descriptions if you choose
Second, when you have completed this thick description you will need to look across the range of female characters you have described and look for patterns of similarity and difference. Are there some characteristics that all or most females share? Are there different “types” of females represented? If so, how would you describe them? You should also look at the chapter in your text on feminism. Reading the chapter on Feminism and TV in your text can be helpful.
Third, based on these analyses, draw some conclusions about how females and femininity are presented on film, television, etc. Is it a complex and multifaceted picture or is it simple and stereotyped, etc.?
Your paper should include both a presentation of your thick description and your analysis and conclusions of how femininity is being represented. Of the three parts, the second and third sections will have more impact on your grade than the first, though you need to do a good job with your thick description to do a good job with your analysis.
Your paper should be somewhere between 6 and 10 pages.

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