In the previous two assignments, you have analyzed two discrete shows, one being Making a Murderer and the other a program of your choice. Through these close readings, you developed a good sense of the genre, practiced your analysis skills of the programs’ visual rhetoric, and were able to make initial comparisons. Building on the previous essays and your immersion in the true crime genre by viewing and discussing multiple examples of true crime programming across various media, you will now make an argument about the genre as a whole. Things to consider (though this is by no means a comprehensive list):
What patterns have emerged? What contrasts? What similarities have you noticed? What are the implications of the design and production choices we have been discussing overall? How do crime shows borrow or adapt characteristics from other genres, like reality shows, dramas, etc. Other examples of topics might include examining socio-economic or racial representations, depictions of law enforcement, emotional appeals, etc. Consider the differences between the depictions in different mediums (documentary versus podcast format, series versus documentary, digital versus film, etc.), and consider how these things change the viewing experience or signal the intent of the program. Notice where the trends in these shows seem to be heading (see “postmodernism”). You might also consider what patterns you have noticed in depictions of criminals and how that intersects with the program-producers’ ideas about suspects’ guilt or innocence. But all of these are just suggestions.
Think big.
Your argument should constitute a new insight into the genre of crime shows, which will undoubtedly build upon but not merely rehash the findings of your previous papers. You are also expected to forward an arguable thesis; that is, if you can’t imagine a reasonable person disagreeing with you, you probably don’t have a very dynamic thesis. Finally, remember that this is considered your final exam for the CTW cycle. Be bold. Stick your landing.
Source requirement:
Annotated Bibliography. You must locate and include at least three peer-reviewed sources on your Annotated Bibliography to support your claim, but you should feel free to also cite any sources included in your previous essays as well. Please insert an asterisk (*) next to each new source in your works cited. As noted in the previous rubric, keep in mind it may be difficult to find articles in a peer-reviewed academic journal about these specific shows (though it is possible), but you will find essays on topics such as race, law-enforcement, crime genres, etc., to incorporate into your argument. Fields that will have related conversations to draw on include popular culture studies, cultural studies, media studies, ethnic studies, women & gender studies, communication studies, among others. Refer to these disciplines during your research, as well as the library for examples of what is considered an appropriate source. You may refer to ongoing online conversations regarding these programs (think pieces, etc.) in additional to the three required peer-reviewed sources. Also, though they don’t count toward the required sources, be sure to list your true-crime programs on your Annotated Bibliography.
(for sample Annotated Bibliographies, refer to the Purdue OWL:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/03/ (Links to an external site.))
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