Period 7:
We will screen the Star Trek episode: "What Little Girls Are Made Of". Notice the use of the 3-act structure, the proper format for television scripts, and how, even when a writer writes something down in a script, there are changes and edits made for any production. The script, while a guideline, is not necessarily what we will finally see as a finished product.
In the article on Star Trek you read as homework, you will note that it includes a discussion of the cultural and social relevance of the show, while also providing the reader with history of the show, and reasons why it was popular with viewers. It references important episodes, actors, characters, and Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the series. This article should serve as a model for your own article.
Choose any one of the following TV shows (note: I have not picked anything too current on purpose. The older the show, the more research online you can do...recent shows may not have as much information...)
2. Gather notes about what made this show "popular", whether or not it spun off a sequel (or several sequels), know the history of the show (when did it air-when was it cancelled, who wrote/directed/starred in it, how many seasons did it run, etc.), and its impact (are there other shows today just like it? Do people quip a line from the show? Has it crossed to other forms of media or products?)
3. Watch an episode or two if you can to get your own opinion of the show. What makes it work as a TV show? Who is its target audience? What genre or message does it send to a viewer?
4. How does the show influence or affect our American culture? (examine the cultural and social impact of the show...)
Once you have your notes, write an article between 500-1,000 words on the tv show answering those 4 points above. Remember, as an article, you want a good hook, to cite and attribute your sources, and use critical reviews of the show to support your own opinions about the TV program.
HOMEWORK: Complete your notes and viewing of your chosen TV show over the break. The written article will be due Monday, Feb. 25 at the end of class.
Also, brainstorm ideas for a television pitch. What kind of TV show would you like to make?
We will screen the Star Trek episode: "What Little Girls Are Made Of". Notice the use of the 3-act structure, the proper format for television scripts, and how, even when a writer writes something down in a script, there are changes and edits made for any production. The script, while a guideline, is not necessarily what we will finally see as a finished product.
- Consider: What are some reasons Star Trek was popular at the time it originally aired?
- How is Star Trek still relevant today? What is it about this science fiction (Wagon Train in Space) that holds the attention of the viewer?
- How might the issues in the episode we watched be an important metaphor for the problems of aging, artificial life v. humanity, and the problem with technology?
- Take a look here for some relevant things to consider: creating artificial life, sex robot video clip, robots and virtual reality...
In the article on Star Trek you read as homework, you will note that it includes a discussion of the cultural and social relevance of the show, while also providing the reader with history of the show, and reasons why it was popular with viewers. It references important episodes, actors, characters, and Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the series. This article should serve as a model for your own article.
Choose any one of the following TV shows (note: I have not picked anything too current on purpose. The older the show, the more research online you can do...recent shows may not have as much information...)
- Scooby Doo, Where Are You? (1969-1970)
- Happy Days (1974-1984)
- M.A.S.H. (1972-1983)
- All in the Family (1971-1979)
- The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
- Charlie's Angels (1976-1981)
- The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
- Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983)
- Saturday Night Live (1975-present)
- The Muppet Show (1976-1981)
- Different Strokes (1978-1986)
- Dallas (1978-1991)
- Cheers (1982-1993)
- The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
- Hill Street Blues (1984-1990)
- Miami Vice (1981-1987)
- The A Team (1983-1987)
- Full House (1987-1995)
- The Simpsons (1989-present)
- Murder She Wrote (1984-1996)
- Star Trek The Next Generation (1987-1994)
- MacGyver (1985-1992)
- Seinfeld (1989-1998)
- Family Matters (1989-1998)
- Friends (1994-2004)
- The Fresh Prince of Belair (1990-1996)
- The X Files (1993-2002)
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
- Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-2000)
- Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
- Ren & Stimpy (1991-1996)
- Roseann (1988-2018)
- Will & Grace (1998-2006 & present)
- ER (1994-2009)
- Spongebob (1999-present)
- Law & Order (1990-2010)
- Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
- The Sopranos (1999-2007)
- Firefly (2002-2003)
- The Office (2005-2013)
- MadMen (2007-2015)
- Lost (2004-2010)
- South Park (1997-present)
- Family Guy (1999-present)
- The Big Bang Theory (2007-present)
2. Gather notes about what made this show "popular", whether or not it spun off a sequel (or several sequels), know the history of the show (when did it air-when was it cancelled, who wrote/directed/starred in it, how many seasons did it run, etc.), and its impact (are there other shows today just like it? Do people quip a line from the show? Has it crossed to other forms of media or products?)
3. Watch an episode or two if you can to get your own opinion of the show. What makes it work as a TV show? Who is its target audience? What genre or message does it send to a viewer?
4. How does the show influence or affect our American culture? (examine the cultural and social impact of the show...)
Once you have your notes, write an article between 500-1,000 words on the tv show answering those 4 points above. Remember, as an article, you want a good hook, to cite and attribute your sources, and use critical reviews of the show to support your own opinions about the TV program.
HOMEWORK: Complete your notes and viewing of your chosen TV show over the break. The written article will be due Monday, Feb. 25 at the end of class.
Also, brainstorm ideas for a television pitch. What kind of TV show would you like to make?
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