Lecture 5: Us and Them

I have given up on Sendspace and now using MediaFire. Tell me if it's any better.

HERE are the lecture slides for Us and Them: Representations of the Other.

Next week, we'll have a 10-point quiz that covers the past five lectures ('global media, mediated globe' up to 'us and them') plus the reading by Gillespie on Media Audiences. Not only is this reading particularly well written and accessible, it is also extremely useful for our research paper in class AND your other classes. It discusses theories on media audiences as well as case studies that use them.

The following week (23 July), we'll have a presentation day where the following groups are to do a 20-minute maximum presentation, wherein they present a case study using textual/image analyses of representations of the Other. You can select any media text (newspaper article, movie, tv show, blog) and identify how the text (or texts) construct(s) the Other using particular codes, conventions, and narrative styles. I'll be grading you not so much on creativity of presentation but more on your critical thinking and ability to apply concepts that you have learned in class (e.g., Orientalism, agency, demonization, typology of suffering). As this is a class on globalization, we highlight of course the Other in terms of nation or race. But you can also link nation or race with gender, sexuality, social class, etc. The 20-minute time limit includes the time that you're spending to show the class the video clip or photographs or text. You are encouraged to use Powerpoint and present: a) context/background, b) key concepts or analytical tools used, c) findings and arguments, and d) conclusion.
1) Sam and Bea
2) Xela, Sylvain and Thibaut
3) Nyko and Martin
4) Karen and Avery
5) Don and Gia

I'll leave the choice of topic up to you. Some examples though: a) black culture in Kanye West's music videos, b) representations of non-Manilenyos in the Philippines in GMA sitcoms, c) 'Lost' castaways and their 'Others', d) typology of Philippine news about tragedies.

This counts as your second 10-point quiz.

The other groups are presenting case studies on media audiences in a later week. But perhaps you can already think about which group of people you want to interview and what tv show or movie or text you wish to discuss with them. I only ask you to conduct around 3 interviews/ casual chats and present your findings.
6) Julia and Savan
7) Mikey, Candice and Meggie
8) Paolo and Portia
9) Margie and Jowee
10) James and Bam

Some possible topics: a) Filipina mothers and Sex and the City: Negotiating Filipina femininity, b) children's responses to American Idol Gives Back, c) Public school students' responses to Gossip Girl: Dreams, Luxury, and Success, and d) fans of Ugly Betty vs Betty La Fea.

Again, you are free to consult me regarding any of your upcoming requirements. Have a good weekend ahead!