SSCI 375: Identity & Inequality Case Study
100 points
Over the next three weeks we will be exploring ways that issues of identity and inequality are discussed in popular culture. Specifically, we will be exploring issues related to African American Latinx, Asian, Native, and LGBTQ+ representation in popular media content.
For each topic we will use assigned readings and documentary films to establish historical context, then look at contemporary data about inclusion, the prevalence of stereotypes, and the extent to which groups have the power to produce pop culture images and messages.
For this assignment you will:
- Choose one of the groups we are highlighting in this unit. I CHOSE LGBTQ
- Synthesize material from the documentary, readings, and class discussion related to your topic to produce a 2-3 page summary which addresses:
- inclusion: According to the data we examined, are members of your chosen group represented in popular culture content? Has inclusion increased, decreased, or stayed about the same over time? What improvements do activists want to see in terms of inclusion of this group in popular culture?
- images: Historically what have been some problems or issues with the images of your chosen group in popular culture? What specific stereotypes are identified in the readings or documentaries as being problematic and why? How have roles shifted and evolved over time? What changes would activists like to see in popular culture images of this group?
- control: Briefly, what does the data show about the power and access that members of your chosen group has to produce popular culture images and messages? Why is this important? Have issues of control over production improved, declined, or stayed about the same over time?
(Note: All the material you need for the written component of this project should come from assigned class materials; no additional outside research is required or expected.)
- Select an example of a character from contemporary popular culture for your case study. (Contemporary, for the purpose of this assignment, is something not more than 10 years old. Popular culture can be any form of popular media text.)
MY TOPIC: Damian from Mean Girls.
Produce a 2-3 page overview which includes:
- A detailed description of the character and the media text in which they appear.
- A discussion of your character in relation to historical stereotypes: Does this character represent a stereotype or problem in representation that was discussed in the readings or documentary? Does the character represent a new stereotype that has emerged more recently? Or is it the case that the character runs counter to or represents an improvement over past stereotypical images? Be sure to explain your analysis, giving specific examples from the media text where your chosen character appears.
- A conclusion that summarizes your analysis and assessment of this media image.
- Participate in a gallery walk-style informal presentation of your case study. Your presentation should include a visual component, which can be in the form of a hard copy poster that can be displayed in the classroom, or an electronic display (slides or similar) presented on a device. The visual should include at least one image or video clip of your character, accompanied by text briefly summarizing highlights from the written component of your project. (Note: If you opt for an electronic display, you will need to bring a device to present it on—either your own laptop or tablet, or a device checked out from the Library for this purpose. A phone screen is too small and will not be appropriate for this activity.)
The gallery walk activity will take place in class on Tuesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 26. You will be assigned to present on one day and will participate as a reviewer on the other day.
The written component of your project should address all of the questions in items #2 and 3 above and should be approximately 4-6 pages in length. Your paper should include a separate works cited page (using a standard citation style of your choosing—e.g. MLA, APA, or similar) listing the readings, documentary, and research studies you consulted, as well as a citation for the popular culture text you used for your case study.
You will submit your paper and the visual from your presentation on Canvas by midnight on Sunday, October 29.
Project Component | Points |
Written component - background synthesis & character analysis | 60 |
Visual component - image(s) & summary | 20 |
Gallery walk participation - presentation & participant feedback | 20 |
TOTAL | 100 |
PROJECT GRADING RUBRIC
Written component | 60 |
Background Synthesis - 30 points 27-30: Exceeds expectations Thorough overview of historical and current issues with the way the chosen group is represented in popular culture. Specific references are made to course materials (documentaries, readings, class discussion). Synthesis addresses issues of inclusion, images (referencing specific stereotypes, explaining why they are problematic, and noting how images have shifted and evolved over time), and control. 24-26: Meets expectations Solid summary of some historical and current issues with the way the chosen group is represented in popular culture that draws on course materials (documentaries, readings, class discussion). Includes some discussion of inclusion, images, and control. 21-23: Developing Basic general discussion of some issues with the way the chosen group is represented in popular culture. Course materials are referenced in a general or cursory way and/or summary is based on course slides alone. Includes discussion of at least two of the following issues: inclusion, images, control. 18-20: Needs work Synthesis is vague or incomplete and does not reference course materials. Includes discussion of only one of the following issues: inclusion, images, control. Character Analysis - 30 points 27-30: Exceeds expectations Detailed description of the character and the popular culture text in which they appear. Analysis includes a discussion of whether the character represents a historical stereotype, an improvement over past stereotypes, or a new stereotype that we have not previously discussed. Paper presents a clear argument, supported with specific examples. 24-26: Meets expectations Includes sufficient description of the character and the popular culture text in which they appear. Some discussion of how the character relates to historical stereotypes, supported with examples from the media text. 21-23: Developing The chosen character is introduced in a general way. A relationship between the chosen character and historical stereotypes is mentioned, but not fully explained. 18-20: Needs work Section identifies, but does not describe or explain, a character from popular culture. Links to historical stereotypes are weak or missing. | |
Visual component | 20 |
18-20: Exceeds expectations Presentation visual aid includes at least one image or video clip of the chosen character and a brief text component that summarizes your character description and analysis. Poster or digital display is legible and not too text heavy or cluttered. 16-17: Meets expectations Presentation visual aid includes at least one image or video clip of the chosen character and some text summarizing your character and analysis. 14-15: Developing Presentation visual aid includes at least one image or video clip of the chosen character. Text component needs editing: the poster or digital display includes an excessive amount of text and/or is cluttered or illegible. 11-13: Needs work Serious issue with either the image (e.g. low quality) or the text (e.g. excessive, cluttered, or illegible text or text component missing). 0: No visual component submitted | |
Gallery walk participation | 20 |
Presentation - 10 points 9-10: Exceeds expectations Engages with visiting audience members by providing a succinct, informative overview of your chosen character and key points from your analysis + answering questions. Summary can be presented in 2-3 minutes. 8: Meets expectations Provides a general overview of your chosen character and some discussion of points from your paper for visiting audience members. Summary can be presented in 2-3 minutes. 7: Developing Presentation is all or mostly an overview of the chosen character without much analysis or discussion of specific ways the character relates to historical stereotypes and issues. Summary can be presented in 2-3 minutes. 6: Needs work Presentation includes an overview of the chosen character, but not much analysis or discussion of arguments from the paper and does not adhere to time expectations (either significantly exceeds 3 minutes or is less than 1 minute). 0 does not attend on presentation day Participant feedback - 10 points Submit review forms for 5 projects (2 points each) 2 points (per review): All sections of review form are completed, including comments 1 point (per review): Review form is filled out, but no comments are included 0: no reviews submitted |