WEEK 18: Stranger Things (And Thank You for a Great Semester)

Stranger Things (2016 - , Netflix)

Final grades should be in by Friday morning at the latest.

Thank you for a great semester. I enjoyed it and I hope you did, too.

To those of you going on with me to ENGL 2, I'll see you in few weeks. To everyone else, don't be a stranger.

Have a great break!

-D

WEEK 17: Modern Family

Modern Family (2009 - , ABC)

WEEK 17: Modern Family
MON 12.9—NO CLASS


SEC. 1 FINAL EXAM TIME-
WED 12.11
TIME: 8:15 – 9:00 a.m. @ Whispers (next to the Hammer Theater)
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

SEC. 35 FINAL EXAM TIME-
FRI 12.13
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Flames (across from MLK Library): TBA DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

TV NEWS: 12.3

• Coming to Disney+ in 2020: Jedi Temple Challenge (Variety)
• Laura Dern says she lost work, needed "security detail" after Ellen's coming out episode (NBC News)
• Netflix's new docuseries may have you questioning what you buy (Cosmopolitan)
• Full Trailer: The CW's massive Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event (Dark Horizons)
• Mando and "Baby Yoda" fight over the radio (Mashable)

 

WEEK 16: Glee

 
Glee (2009-2015, FOX)

WEEK 16: Glee 
MON 12.2/WED 12.4
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations

UPCOMING:

WEEK 17: Modern Family 
MON 12.9 (LAST REGULAR CLASS MEETING)
CLASS: Course wrap-up

FINAL EXAM MEETING TIMES:

SEC. 1-
WEEK 17: Modern Family 
WED 12.11
TIME: 8:15 – 9:00 a.m. @ Whispers (next to the Hammer Theater)
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

SEC. 35-
WEEK 18: Stranger Things 
FRI 12.13
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Flames (across from MLK Library): TBA DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

TV NEWS 11.30

• Will & Grace to pay tribute to I Love Lucy (Newsweek)
• The Mandalorian's "Baby Yoda" continues to storm the Internet (CNET)
• Uproxx names its best shows of the decade (Uproxx)
• Supergirl's Melissa Benoist opens up about her domestic violence story (Dark Horizons)
• Flashback: Adele saves Thanksgiving on Saturday Night Live (YouTube)

WEEK 15: the Office

The Office (2005-2013, NBC)

WEEK 15: The Office
MON 11.25/WED 11.27 (NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING)
CLASS: Multimedia presentations
INFOGRAPHIC (FINAL DRAFT; EMAIL TO DHDELAO@GMAIL.COM by 5 P.M.)*

*NOTE MONDAY DUE DATE

UPCOMING:

WEEK 16: Glee
MON 12.2/WED 12.4
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
DUE: REFLECTION 6

WEEK 17: Modern Family
MON 12.9 (LAST REGULAR CLASS MEETING)
CLASS: Course wrap-up

FINAL EXAM MEETING TIMES:

SEC. 1-
WEEK 17: Modern Family
WED 12.11
TIME: 8:15 – 9:00 a.m. @ Whispers (next to the Hammer Theater)
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

SEC. 35-
WEEK 18: Stranger Things 
FRI 12.13
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., LOCATION: TBA
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

TELEVISION NEWS 11.19

• Claim: Just hours after launch, Disney+ accounts found on the Dark Web, but Disney disputes (CNBC)
• A historian fact-checks season 3 of The Crown (USA Today)
• Netflix sees "little to no impact" from Disney+ launch (CNBC)
• Amazon has already green-lit season 2 of its Lord of the Rings (Variety)
• The best show of the decade according to Time? Twin Peaks: The Return (Time)

WEEK 14: Will & Grace

Will & Grace (First iteration: 1998-2006, NBC)

WEEK 14: Will & Grace
MON 11.18/WED 11.20
CLASS: Multimedia presentations; Writers workshop
DUE: INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 1; BRING 1 HARD COPY OR AN ELECTRONIC VERSION)

UPCOMING:

WEEK 15: The Office
MON 11.25/WED 11.27 (NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING)
CLASS: Multimedia presentations
INFOGRAPHIC (FINAL DRAFT; EMAIL TO DHDELAO@GMAIL.COM by 5 P.M.)*

*NOTE MONDAY DUE DATE

WEEK 16: Glee
MON 12.2/WED 12.4
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
DUE: REFLECTION 6

WEEK 17: Modern Family
MON 12.9 (LAST REGULAR CLASS MEETING)
CLASS: Course wrap-up

FINAL EXAM MEETING TIMES:

SEC. 1-
WEEK 17: Modern Family
WED 12.11
TIME: 7:15 – 9:00 a.m., LOCATION: TBA
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

SEC. 35-
WEEK 18: Stranger Things 
FRI 12.13
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., LOCATION: TBA
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

TELEVISION NEWS 11.16

• "May contain outdated cultural depictions": Disney+ adds disclaimers to some classic films (Newsweek)
• Hallmark to expand its holiday features beyond Christmas (Forbes)
• HBO Max developing Friends reunion special (TheHollywoodReporter)
• Spongebob Squarepants spinoff coming to Netflix (TheVerge) 
• American television has a record number of LGBTQ characters this season (CNN)

WEEK 13: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999, Syndicated)

WEEK 13: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
MON 11.11 (NO CLASS: VETERANS DAY)/WED 11.13 
CLASS: Multimedia presentations

UPCOMING:

WEEK 14: Will & Grace
MON 11.18/WED 11.20
CLASS: Multimedia presentations; Writers workshop
DUE: INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 1; BRING 1 HARD COPY OR AN ELECTRONIC VERSION)

WEEK 15: The Office
MON 11.25/WED 11.27 (NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING)
CLASS: Multimedia presentations
INFOGRAPHIC (FINAL DRAFT; EMAIL TO DHDELAO@GMAIL.COM by 5 P.M.)*

*NOTE MONDAY DUE DATE

WEEK 16: Glee
MON 12.2/WED 12.4
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
DUE: REFLECTION 6

WEEK 17: Modern Family
MON 12.9 (LAST REGULAR CLASS MEETING)
CLASS: Course wrap-up

FINAL EXAM MEETING TIMES:

SEC. 1-
WEEK 17: Modern Family
WED 12.11
TIME: 7:15 – 9:00 a.m., LOCATION: TBA
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

SEC. 35-
WEEK 18: Stranger Things 
FRI 12.13
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., LOCATION: TBA
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

INFOGRAPHIC: The Evolution of LGBTQ Representation on TV

Though gay characters on TV are commonplace today, it has taken over 40 years reach this point. In fact, for decades gayness was invisible on television. Over time, however, as American attitudes evolved, television landscapes eventually became friendlier to homosexuals. Gays on TV have developed from their broadly-drawn caricatures to fully-realized, three-dimensional characters.

For this assignment, you will create an infographic highlighting the evolution of LGBT characters on TV. Additionally, in order to provide historical context for these characters, your timeline should be punctuated with real-life events in the gay rights movement (e.g. the Stonewall riots, the assassination of Harvey Milk, Prop 8).

Infographics are most easily utilized in PowerPoint (or a comparable program). Additionally, if you are experienced in it, you may also utilize Photoshop or Illustrator. This assignment must be delivered electronically.

Requirements:

• Highlight six programs AND at least four historical LGBTQ milestones
• The infographic's subheading must articulate your thesis
• Include a works cited page

A well-executed infographic will:

• Have a title that articulates the purpose of the assignment
• Contain a concise thesis as the subheading—important
• Highlight only those characters that best illustrate TV's evolving view of of LGBTQ characters
• Be designed in a way that enhances the subject matter
• Visually translate historical events and milestones in a clear and enlightening manner

Due:
WED 11.20: DRAFT 1 - BRING 1 HARD COPY OR AN ELECTRONIC VERSION)
MON 11.25: INFOGRAPHIC (FINAL DRAFT; EMAIL TO DHDELAO@GMAIL.COM by 5 P.M.)*

*NOTE MONDAY DUE DATE 

TELEVISION NEWS 11.5

• Live in Front of a Studio Audience to return with a holiday episodes of All in the Family and Good Times (TVLine)
• Demand for Apple+ has been tepid after debut (Dark Horizons)
• Coming soon: Season 2 of Nailed It! Holiday! (YouTube)
• Disney+ debuts in one week ... and it still won't be available  on Amazon Fire TV (Multichannel)
• Jennifer Aniston takes a Friends quiz on The Graham Norton Show (YouTube)

WEEK 12: Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks (First iteration: 1990-1991, ABC)

WEEK 12: Twin Peaks
MON 11.4/WED 11.6
CLASS: Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Infographics 101” and “LGBT on TV: A Brief History”
DUE: REFLECTION 5

UPCOMING:

WEEK 13: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
MON 11.11 (NO CLASS: VETERANS DAY)/WED 11.13 
CLASS: Writers workshop
DUE: INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 1; BRING 1 HARD COPY OR AN ELECTRONIC VERSION)

WEEK 14: Will & Grace
MON 11.18/WED 11.20
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
DUE: INFOGRAPHIC (FINAL DRAFT; EMAIL TO DHDELAO@GMAIL.COM by 5 P.M.)

WEEK 15: The Office
MON 11.25/WED 11.27 (NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING)
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations

WEEK 16: Glee
MON 12.2/WED 12.4
CLASS: CAUSE AND EFFECT; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
DUE: REFLECTION 6

WEEK 17: Modern Family
MON 12.9 (LAST REGULAR CLASS MEETING)
CLASS: Course wrap-up

FINAL EXAM MEETING TIMES:

SEC. 1-
WEEK 17: Modern Family
WED 12.11
TIME: 7:15 – 9:00 a.m., LOCATION: TBA
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

SEC. 35-
WEEK 18: Stranger Things 
FRI 12.13
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., LOCATION: TBA
DUE: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT (SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)

TELEVISION NEWS 11.2

• Shock: HBO passes on Game of Thrones prequel (CNET)
• Full trailer: Netflix's The Witcher, starring Henry Cavill (YouTube)
• NBC's Peacock may be a free service (Dark Horizons)
• HBO Max announces Greg Berlanti-backed Green Lantern series (Forbes)
• An actor's experience on a paranormal reality TV show leaves him rattled (HuffPost)

 

REFLECTION 5: Hey, That's Me!—Seeing Yourself Represented on Television

To a young Whoopi Goldberg, the sight of an independent black woman on the bridge of the USS Enterprise was life-altering. Star Trek offered the future-superstar not only an opportunity to see her likeness on television, but a glimpse at a hopeful and prosperous future for her wary people. Meanwhile, Korean-Canadian and Grey's Anatomy cast member, Sandra Oh laments that she never had the same opportunity as Goldberg: "I grew up never seeing myself on-screen, and it's really important to me to give people who look like me a chance to see themselves. I want to see myself as the hero of any story. I want to see myself save the world from the bomb." While diversity in contemporary television is improving, it still favors straight, white, male characters. What is the significance of seeing a variety of people on television? Have you ever seen you and your life reflected on-screen? If so, were you represented accurately? If you've never seen yourself represented on television, why do you believe that is? What would it take for television to accurately represent who you are?

Note: You may identify yourself however you like and not just in one way. For example, you might identify as an atheist and an Indian and a man. Use whatever identification you like.

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Network TV Fall 2019 Diversity Overview: CBS Steps Up as Fox Slips" (IndieWire)
• "Why is Equal Representation in Media Important?" (Forbes)
• "Geena Davis Unveils Partnership with Disney to 'Spellcheck' Scripts for Gender Bias" (TheHollywoodReporter)
• "2018 Saw Record Growth in LGBTQ Roles on Television" (TheVerge)
• "When Was the First Time You Saw Yourself Represented in Media?" (Twitter)

Mechanics:

• 1 page in length
• MLA Style
• Works cited

Due: Wed 11.6

WEEK 11: The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls (1985-1992, NBC)

WEEK 11: The Golden Girls
MON 10.28/WED 10.30
READ: eR—“The 100 Best Infographics” (Creative Bloq), “10 Tips for Designing Better Infographics” (DotDash), “12 Warning Signs that Your Infographic Sucks” (Visme)
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations

UPCOMING: 

WEEK 12: Twin Peaks 

MON 11.4/WED 11.6

CLASS: Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Infographics 101” and “LGBT on TV: A Brief History”

DUE: REFLECTION 5

TV NEWS 10.22

• Netflix said to be considering a password sharing crackdown (New York Daily News)
• Verizon offering current and new Unlimited subscribers one year of free Disney+ (CNBC)
• While awaiting trial, Full House's Lori Loughlin is hit with additional charge in college admissions scandal (TheHolywoodReporter)
• Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton visit The Graham Norton Show (YouTube) 
• Everything coming to Netflix in November (Paste)

WEEK 10: Live Aid

Live Aid (Original airdate: Saturday, July 13, 1985, ABC/MTV)

WEEK 10: Live Aid
MON 10.21/WED 10.23
CLASS: Multimedia presentations
DUE: REFLECTION 4

UPCOMING:

WEEK 11: The Golden Girls
MON 10.28/WED 10.30
READ: eR—“The 100 Best Infographics” (Creative Bloq), “10 Tips for Designing Better Infographics” (DotDash), “12 Warning Signs that Your Infographic Sucks” (Visme)
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations

TV NEWS 10.15

• Disney+ unveils THREE HOUR trailer showcasing most of its catalogue (Dark Horizons) 
  
• Grease spinoff, Rydell High, coming to HBO Max (Hollywood Reporter)
• AMC Theaters to introduce a streaming service to compete with Netflix (MarketWatch)
• A Sesame Street Muppet's mother battles addiction (Washington Post)
• Justin Hartley's Green Arrow returns for the CW's massive Arrow-verse crossover (WeGotThisCovered)

REFLECTION 4: Did You See That?—When History Unfolds on Television

Sometimes, history plays itself out in real time and we are afforded a front row seat. Whether what we see inspires or terrifies us, historical events on television often captivate Americans. In fact, we often bond as a nation over these moments. For this reflection, watch excerpts from two of the following historical events. As you watch, consider why these events were significant for Americans, even if it did not pertain to us directly? And which historical events have you see played out on television?

Write about two of the following events:

• The Launch of Sputnik 1 (1957)
• The Assassination of President Kennedy (1963)
• The Assassination of Dr. King (1968)
• The Apollo 11 Moon Landing (1968)
• The Assassination of Robert Kennedy (1968)
• The Apollo 13 Splashdown (1970)
• The Resignation of President Nixon (1974)
• The "Miracle on Ice" (1980)
• The Attempted Assassination of President Reagan (1981)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer (1981)
• The Live-Aid Concerts in Philadelphia and London (1985)
• The Chernobyl Nuclear Accident (1986)
• The Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion (1986)
• "Tank Man" Faces Tanks in Tienanmen Square (1989)
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)
• The LA Riots (1992)
• The OJ Simpson Murder Trial (1994 - 1995)
• The Funeral of Princess Diana (1997)
• The Attacks of September 11th (2001)
• The Inauguration of President Obama (2009)
• The Japanese Earthquake and Tsunamis (2011)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2011)
• The Boston Marathon Bombing (2013)
• Pope Francis Elected Leader of the Roman Catholic Church (2013)
• The Philea Robot's Comet Landing (2014)
• The Inauguration of President Trump (2017)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (2018)

Mechanics:

• 1-1.5 pages in length
• MLA Style
• Works cited

Due: Wed 9.23

WEEK 9: Cheers

Cheers (1982-1993, NBC)

WEEK 9: Cheers
MON 10.14/WED 10.16
CLASS: Multimedia presentations

UPCOMING: 

WEEK 10: Live Aid
MON 10.21/WED 10.23
CLASS: Multimedia presentations
DUE: REFLECTION 4

TV NEWS 10.8

• SNL's Bowen Yang is China's "Trade Daddy" (Vulture)
• Survey on teen preference: YouTube > Netflix (CNBC)
• First look: The CW's Nancy Drew reboot (YouTube)
• Nick Jonas replacing Adam Levine on The Voice (TheHollywoodReporter)
• Disney+ may not come to Fire Stick due to ad revenue disagreement (Gizmodo) 

 

WEEK 8: Laverne & Shirley

Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983, ABC)

WEEK 8: Laverne & Shirley
MON 10.7/WED 10.9
READ: MTV—“Part 4: Nothing Lasts Forever, and We Both Know Hearts Can Change”-“53. You Have No Idea How I Miss It”
CLASS: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
DUE: EXPOSITORY (MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH ANNOTATIONS)

Upcoming:

WEEK 9: Cheers
MON 10.14/WED 10.16
CLASS: Multimedia presentations