Mass Media Theme

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Over the course of the next few Weeks we will explore the relationship between movies and culture. The films selected span the century and focus on a variety of topic. Because this is an English Literature class, we will analyze each film closely. On movie day, take notes on important scenes always looking for symbolism in lighting, use of color, background/setting, dialogue, weather, time, etc. In addition, you need to write down 4-5 “telling” quotes from the cast of characters, including the character’s name. At home, type up your notes and then choose one scene, quote or symbolic element to analyze in depth. First describe the scene or copy down the quote and speaker IN ITALICS. Then write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) analyzing the significance. You are graded on the quality of your analysis as well as the class discussion.

Schedule
5/17 -The Wizard of Oz (Periods 4 & 5)
5/18 - Class discussion
5/21 - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (periods 4 & 5)
5/22 - Class discussion/Teamstock Introduction
5/23 -
5/24 - Hitchcock
5/25 - Discussion/Teamstock Preparation
5/29 - Dr. Strangelove (periods 4 & 5)
5/30 - Class discussion
5/31 -
6/1 - American Graffiti (periods 4 & 5)
6/4 - Class discussion
6/5 - Pretty in Pink (periods 4 & 5)
6/6 - Class discussion
6/7 - Teamstock Prep
6/8 - in class Film Analysis
6/11 - Final exam study day
6/12 - Final Exam Review Final Teamstock Prep
6/14 - Teamstock & Team Final Exam

The Wizard of Oz (1939) G - 1 hr. 41 min
Follow the yellow brick road to the Technicolor world of Oz in the grandest children's entertainment ever conceived. Kansas farm lass Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) and dog (Toto, too!) team with three iconic, comic characters -- Ray Bolger's loose-limbed Scarecrow, Jack Haley's emotional Tin Man and Burt Lahr's whimpering Cowardly Lion -- to face off against the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) and her still-scary flying monkeys.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Unrated - 2 hrs. 9 min
James Stewart is perfectly cast as Jefferson Smith in one of director Frank Capra's best films. A naïve Midwesterner and junior senator, Smith journeys to Washington full of ideals and comes face to face with widespread corruption and cynicism -- but refuses to be discouraged. The film's climactic battle of wills on the floor of the United States Senate is sure to move the most jaundiced soul.

American Graffiti

Dr. Strangelove (1964) not rated – 1 hr. 33 min
An insane general starts a process to nuclear holocaust that a war room of politicians and generals frantically try to stop.

North by Northwest (1959) not rated - 2 hrs. 16 min.
Alfred Hitchcock, The Master of Suspense, presents a 3000-mile chase across America! An advertising executive is mistaken for a spy and is pursued across the country while he looks for a way to survive.

Pretty in Pink

If you are absent on the day of filming it is your responsibility to watch it at home. On film day you must arrive in D-1 promptly and ready to take notes. You are to analyze significant scenes

TEAMSTOCK

Musical Periods (Choose one):

1950’s Bubble Gum Rock – Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry
Early Motown to 1966 - Supremes, Four Tops, The Temptations
Later Motown (1967-1974) – Marvin Gaye, Later Temptations music, Stevie Wonder
Sixties Rock – Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Janis Joplin
English Invasion - Early Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who
1960’s Psychedelic Rock – Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors
Disco* (1975-1979) – Donna Summer, Evelyn Champagne King, Chic *Teeming with One Hit Wonders
Seventies Rock – Blue Oyster Cult, Lynrd Skynrd, Ted Nugent
Big 80’s New Wave – The Cure, Madonna, Duran Duran
RAP (1984-1993) - Sugar Hill Gang, Grand Master Flash, Run DMC

Research Requirements:

5 Primary source interviews of people who were teenagers during the time period.
Research the time period on the internet, popular music magazines, books, newspaper articles, etc.
Keep all of the evidence (notes, printouts, etc.) of your research, you will be turning it in, as well as a typed script of your presentation

Components of Presentation(4 -5 minutes with musical selections play throughout):

All group members are dressed like young people that would have been into this type of music
Skit that shows interaction between young people of the time period. What they would discuss in terms of politics, economics and other cultural topics. Remember to speak in the dialect popular with teens during the time.
Oral presentation of the history of the time period What are the historical reasons we have this culture? How is this reflected in the music?
What values went along with the culture?
Dance routine that involves every member of the group