Grade+11+Media+Studies

Hello class! I have compiled here an overview of the material we have covered in the course this year. You can download notes you may have missed, as well as the assignments themselves. Your report card grades are determined based precisely on the information provided below. In other words, if you've missed anything, it's YOUR responsibility to catch up on the work and get in touch with me about it at

munrobot@gmail.com
All assignments that count for marks are NUMBERED below. Other in-class work, homework, or group activities, which were not for marks, are usually part of handouts, most of which can be found below. Some of these assignments during the year were collected by the teacher - these will count for a completion grade in your Writing Portfolio at the end of the year, worth 5% of your final mark. Refer to the following document for more details:

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 * Areas of focus for Term One: Defining important Media terms and concepts. Overview of the Horror genre, its codes/conventions, and its place in film history. Create a concept for original horror films, and produce Promotional Media materials for a Halloween display.**

**September: Introductory Exercises**
- Choose one Media text (e.g. a film, a television show, a magazine, a video game, a comic book, a website, a newspaper) - Apply the GMARTINI concept to the text of your choice. Compile notes on each of the eight concepts. - Present the information visually, preferably in poster form, or at the least, typed up and accompanied by image(s).
 * 1. GMARTINI task**



- Complete one page storyboard, using a film trailer of your choice. - You can use a trailer that you've seen in theaters or on tv, but I recommend using YouTube so that you can view it multiple times. - Include notes on Sound, Music (Score/Soundtrack), Costumes, Shot Types/Angles, Makeup, Special FX, Colour, Editing, etc. - You are not marked on artistic talent, just on attention to detail and how well you cover the technical aspects in your notes.
 * 2. Storyboard task**



View some examples of Storyboards here.

//"A high school in Charleston, a small town in Mississippi, prepares for its first integrated senior prom."//
 * Special Screening: PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI, a documentary directed by Paul Saltzman.**


 * __** Homework assignment:__** You were asked to write a one-page personal response to this film. I, for one, was shocked when I discovered that the documentary was made in 2008. The idea of a school still holding a "black prom" and a "white prom" was simply unbelievable! And yet, the reality of racial issues and equity is obviously still ongoing. I asked you to write about your reaction to the film, and to think about how the issues relate to your experiences here at Earl Haig & in the city of Toronto.

Secondary Screenings: //A Nightmare on Elm Street// (1984), //Bram Stoker's Dracula// (1992)

 * NOTES/ HANDOUTS:**

Horror Genre: Additional clips or screenings in this genre, seen throughout the year, included //Aliens// (1986), //Dawn of the Dead// (2004), //Shaun of the Dead// (2004), and viewing of both professional and student-made __horror trailers__.

Some notes on conventions of movie trailers discussed in class:

- Questions on the Horror Genre, focusing on Murnau's Nosferatu. - Some questions on the film terminology, the history of the film, and how the horror genre fits into this history.
 * 3. In-Class Test - October 28, 2008**

//Count Orlock - Nosferatu Freddy Krueger - Nightmare on Elm Street -Vlad the Impaler/ Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's Dracula//


 * ANALYSE THE IMAGES ABOVE - What do these three villains have in common? You should be able to think of AT LEAST TWO codes or conventions of the horror genre that are employed in all three of these films - classics of the genre.**

- Create a concept and title for a new Horror movie to be released for Halloween 2008. - Create a new production company name and logo to distribute your proposed film. - Create a storyboard, a promotional poster, and a merchandise tie-in item (i.e. a prop, toy or action figure) - Results of this project were displayed in the glass cabinet outside the English department for Halloween :)
 * 4. Group Project - Horror Movie Promotional Assignment**





Areas of focus for Term Two: Looking at issues of Representation and Equity in the Media. Group Work & Individual Research.** + The Language of Comics: Learning about the melding of visual and written language in the comic book and graphic novel.**
 * + Looking at film terminology in more detail: In-class test on a HORROR clip from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".

=**November: Representation in the Media**=

Do you see yourself reflected in media representations? Or are they just "re-presentations" of reality that offer a biased or incomplete view of how people really are, to suit the mainstream audience? What about your life experiences are missing, or inaccurate, in media representations today?

Homework assignment: Read this handout on BIAS IN THE MEDIA and take the survey on Page 2. Write a one-page reflection based on your results, and what it has made you think about. Do you see __yourself__ represented fairly in media texts?

Additional Handout:


 * Group work & Individual research on Representation issues under the following general topics:**
 * Sexuality, Race/Ethnicity, Body Image, Religion, Age, Mental Illness, Physical Disabilities or Limitations, Socio-economic Status**


 * 5. Group Work --> Individual Research**

Each group brainstorms ideas under their topic 'umbrella' and decides on individual focus within that topic. (e.g. Sexuality --> Asexuality, Heterosexuality, Homosexuality, Bisexuality, Transgenderism) Body Image --> Body Size/Shape, Eating Disorders, Tattoos and Body Art)

Task Overview, including Exemplar on Transgenderism:

Sample Articles on Thomas Beatie, the so-called "Pregnant Man". Follow the format of the Bibliography in the articles you collect for your own research assignment.

=December: Presentations & "I Am Sam"=


 * 6. Oral Presentations - Present your individual Representation findings to the class in a short presentation.**


 * Film Screening: "I AM SAM" (2001), starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dakota Fanning. Directed by Jessie Nelson.**

This film was chosen because it deals with representation of the mentally challenged, and representations of different types of families. In my opinion, the film shows that there are many different forms that a family can take, since Sam is a single parent and faces the financial and emotional challenges that this entails, which are exacerbated by his limited education and abilities. In addition, this film shows some of the issues that having a mental or physical disability can bring up in today's society, such as casting one's right to be a parent into doubt. Many families have a parent, grandparent, sibling or child who is mentally or physically challenged, and this is a reality that deserves real discussion today.


 * 7. Movie Review Task**

Write a review of "I Am Sam", focusing on one of the issues of REPRESENTATION and/or EQUITY that you saw in the film. You can also review another film if you wish, ANY FILM OR MEDIA PRODUCT OF YOUR CHOICE, as long as you focus on the representation issues in it, and explain how you perceive that group to be depicted. (Positively? Negatively? Omitted from Discussion? How? Why?)

I ended up writing a review about Gus Van Sant's 2008 film, **MILK**, also starring Sean Penn. The film's main representation issue was homosexuality, and focuses upon the important role that openly gay politician Harvey Milk played in the 1970's during his time in elected public office.


 * Task Overview & Sample Review**
 * [[file:MILK movie review.doc]]



December 19th - Last Day of Classes**

=January: Film Terminology & Horror Conventions Revisited; Buffy Test # 1=

Overview of some key terminology needed for this year's "Buffy" tests. Terms such as AMBIENT LIGHTING, MONTAGE, PANNING, DIEGETIC vs NON-DIEGETIC SOUND, PROPS, shot types such as OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT (OTS) and editing techniques such as SHOT-REVERSE SHOT should all be familiar... as well as __basic__ definitions such as high angle, close-up, fade-out, etc.

Additionally, common CODES & CONVENTIONS of the Horror Genre should be known to the viewer. Narrative and character conventions such as "THE FINAL GIRL", "THE EMASCULATED MALE", "THE MENTOR", and "THE GOTCHA! ENDING" should be known.

Technical codes such as the common types of LIGHTING, SHOT TYPES, CAMERA ANGLES & MOVEMENT, SOUND FX, MUSIC SCORE/SOUNDTRACK, COLOUR, COSTUME, and MAKEUP used in Horror Films should be known and discussed in your answers on the test.


 * Handouts:**




 * 7. BUFFY TEST # 1**

THE TEST QUESTIONS WERE SHOWN TO THE CLASS IN ADVANCE, TO ALLOW YOU TO PREPARE. HERE, AGAIN, IS THE TEST:

After one period of writing, I allowed a 2nd period of writing to help gear your answers towards what I am looking for.
 * The following sample answers were provided to the class:**

The following RUBRIC can be referred to, in order to maximize your results on this type of test. A maximum of 6 marks is possible for each answer, and referring to the steps outlined in this handout will push you towards higher achievement.


 * Buffy Test # 1 has an optional re-take in Term 3. Getting a better mark on the 2nd attempt will overwrite your first result.
 * Due to time concerns, the test will be offered outside of class time. Several opportunities will be given, and it is UP TO YOU to arrange a suitable time to sit the re-test with Ms Munro. Otherwise, your original marks stands.
 * The second test's questions are very similar to the first test (above), but are about a DIFFERENT horror clip from "Buffy".

=February: The Language of Comics; "ROGUE" Assignment=

We looked at the basic visual layouts of comics, viewed different artistic styles, and learned some of the key technical terms of comics/graphic novels. Excerpts (in the form of in-class handouts) were given from the following graphic novels:

//**GHOST WORLD THE INCREDIBLE HULK**// //**30 DAYS OF NIGHT**// //**ROGUE (X-MEN)**// //**V FOR VENDETTA**// //**WATCHMEN**// The following terms were discussed in class, and notes were taken from a set of overhead transparencies. Those notes are not available online at this time, as they were photocopied from a textbook. The take-home assignment on "ROGUE" asked that you demonstrate knowledge of the following:

Panel size/shape (large or small panels, overlapping, floating, use of gutters) Word balloons (size, shape, use of font, bolding, italicization, etc) Body language (facial expressions, gestures, postures, nonverbal communication) Depth of field (zoom in/zoom out, closeup, middle distance shot, panoramic shot, etc) Point of view (use of high or low angles, aka bug’s eye view, or top of the hat shot) Lighting (lighting for creation of mood or feeling, or to set the location) Movement FX (speed lines, swivels, gestures, simulated action) Sound FX (size and style of font, simulated action)


 * 8. ANALYSE A COMIC EXCERPT**

Using your knowledge of comic technical features, analyse two panels from an excerpt from ROGUE (X-Men). You must also analyse TWO key messages/issues that you see in the comic strip.

=March: Alan Moore's "V for Vendetta" - Comic to Script to Screen= =+ Christopher Nolan's film "The Prestige"=

Viewing of the 2006 film "V for Vendetta" was analysed in detail, comparing the original graphic novel to the film version. Portions of the SHOOTING SCRIPT and STORYBOARDS were looked at in class to understand the differences between the two visual mediums and how the comic was transformed into a film. In particular, we looked at the VISUAL LANGUAGE of both the comic and the film, and how __key symbolic images__ are given emphasis by both author Alan Moore & film director James McTeigue (in collaboration with screenwriters The Wachowski Brothers of //Matrix// fame). These include ROSES, FIRE IMAGERY (being re-born), the letter or number V, the use of MASKS, and references to NAZI GERMANY and Guy Fawkes's GUNPOWDER PLOT.

We also discussed the differences between the two versions and why Alan Moore dislikes the film (i.e. his original criticism of Margaret Thatcher's England vs the filmmakers' modern criticism of George W. Bush's America).

Genre discussion included SCIENCE FICTION and the film's links to DYSTOPIA and texts such as Orwell's //1984// and Huxley's //Brave New World//. There are also clear links between V for Vendetta and Dumas' //The Count of Monte Cristo//, and Leroux's //The Phantom of the Opera.//

Homework assignment 1:

// **"By the power of truth, I, while living,** **have conquered the universe."** //
Write a one-page reflection to these questions: **Do you agree with V's choices? Do you believe that in order to create social change, one must use extreme and/or violent action? Why or why not?**
 * __** Homework assignment 2__**: Read the article "[|V THE TERRORIST]", hosted on the Shadow Galaxy website.

We also viewed the film //THE PRESTIGE//, starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. Again, the shooting script and key symbolic images were discussed, leading toward the summative assessment, in which each student should develop key images and thematic symbolism in the creation of their own new media text (comic book or short fim). **Look at the promotional image below. In what ways does it showcase important themes of the film?**



In both V FOR VENDETTA and THE PRESTIGE, the audience must ask itself: Who is the hero? Who is the villain? And since there is no clear answer, we must question our own ideas about what makes someone intrinsically "good" or "evil"....

=April: "Watchmen" and Summative Project Assigned=

We looked at several chapters from the new DVD, "Watchmen Motion Comic." You also received a handout of the first chapter of the //Watchmen// graphic novel by Alan Moore, entitled "At Midnight, When the Agents..."



Again, the idea of complex "heroes" and "villains" is dealt with in this text. It becomes more and more difficult to categorize these characters into black-or-white, good-or-bad characters, as compared to the usual mainstream Hollywood movie fare.

How do the Watchmen themselves fit into conventional "SUPERHERO" identities in both comics and movies? Are they typical "heroes" at all?

Discussions of important ideas and symbols in //Watchmen// included: THE HAPPY FACE, the use of colours YELLOW, RED, and BLUE, the characters of THE COMEDIAN and RORSCHACH, the use of DUAL TIMELINES, use of INTERTEXTUALITY, the symbolism of MASKS.


 * __** Homework Assignment:__** [[file:Response to Watchmen.txt]]


 * 9. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT - TERM 3 PROJECT**

Using your knowledge of Genre, especially Horror and 'Superhero' films, your knowledge of Film and Comic Book Terminology, your knowledge of the visual style of both film and Comic Books/Graphic Novels, your knowledge of Audiences and Advertising/Promotion, your knowledge of Representation issues, and your knowledge of the importance of Visual Symbolism and Themes, create a "pitch" for a new media project - which you will turn into either a short film (2-3 minutes) or a comic book extract (4-6 pages).

1. Create characters 2. Plot and Visual Theme(s) overview 3. Storyboard (8 frames) 4. Script (4-6 pages) 5. Promotional Poster & Tagline**
 * Each student must complete the following 5 steps individually:

Then, with a partner or small group, develop one person's idea fully and create either a short film or comic book extract to promote your new media text.

More details here: Review of terminology to use for your Scripting and Storyboarding:

=May: Looking at other Genres & Final "Buffy" Test=

We know plenty about Horror; what about other genres? In groups of 3-4, research the history, codes/conventions, and the key films and directors of ONE of the following genres:

Animation Comedy Crime/Gangster Drama Musicals Science Fiction War/Anti-War Westerns**
 * Action

Handout of Task:
 * 10. Prepare a 3-minute Group Presentation & 1-Page Handout on a Genre**

HANDOUT # 1: **HORROR** (prepared by Ms Munro as an exemplar - review in detail for the __Buffy Test__!!)

HANDOUT # 2: **COMEDY** - prepared and presented by Michael, Calyssa & Syrah. Clip shown: THE PINK PANTHER opening scene with Peter Sellers

HANDOUT # 3: **CRIME & GANGSTER** - prepared and presented by Avital, Tanya & Arika. Clip shown: Martin Scorcese's THE DEPARTED

HANDOUT # 4: **MUSICALS** - prepared and presented by Ilona, Sarah & Beverly. Clip shown: CHICAGO - "Cell Block Tango"

HANDOUT # 5: **ACTION MOVIES** - prepared and presented by Henry, Kyle & Jack. Clip shown: CON AIR with Nicholas Cage. Thanks Henry, for bringing the clip and emailing me the handout.

HANDOUT # 6: **WESTERNS** - prepared by Tim. Presentation and clip will be the week of May 25th now, due to next week's in-class test.

HANDOUT # 7: **WAR FILMS** - Handouts prepared so far by Catherine & Neil are uploaded here. Presentation and clip will be the week of May 25th now, due to next week's in-class test - Catherine, Neil, Ross & Patrick.

HANDOUT # 8: **ANIMATION -** Group is: Julie, Christine, Alysan, Albert, Janet. Presentation and clip will be the week of May 25th now, due to next week's in-class test.

HANDOUT # 9: **SCIENCE FICTION -** Group: Zoe, Evelyn, Melany, (Rodney?). Presentation and clip will be the week of May 25th now, due to next week's in-class test. Thanks to Evelyn for the handout.

HANDOUT # 10: **DRAMA** - Yasmine. Presentation and clip will be the week of May 25th now, due to next week's in-class test. Handout to be uploaded when it's ready.


 * //Study the handouts, which will be posted on this page as I receive them. Conventions from the genres listed above will appear on your final test, so you should be familiar with technical codes, narrative conventions, and key films or images from relevant genres - HORROR of course, and elements of SCIENCE FICTION, ACTION, CRIME, and COMEDY can definitely be referenced. The other genres should be studied too, as you never know what can come up!!//**


 * 11. Buffy Test - FINAL (10%)** - In class Test - Two Full Periods given. - **DATES OF TEST!! - MAY 19th & 22nd**

TO STUDY: Review the notes on Horror Genre and the other genres. Review major film terminology & conventions/codes, characters and plot devices.

12. Writing Portfolio (5%) Make sure that you have completed these 4 Homework Assignments (one-page reflections), found above and marked by **: I still have the actual responses and will return them to you next week. - Response to Paul Saltzmann's PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI - Response to //Bias in the Media// survey - Response to "V is a Terrorist" online article - Response to //WATCHMEN// comic excerpt

Class time will be given to collect your responses together, & an additional response or two will be posted online for those who missed one, or who would like a bonus mark for completing extra work. Watch this space!

ONE MORE TIME.... =) Refer to this file for complete overview of marks: