homework

Research Essay 1: Cultural Pluralism & Television

Television and Cultural Pluralism

For the first ACS 2500 research paper assignment, students are asked to write an analysis essay that examines a television program in-depth as it relates to issues surrounding cultural pluralism. Look at the program in terms of its depictions of race, ethnicity, sexuality, or gender. The essay should be structured into two main sections. The first section should be an historical overview of the TV program (its creation, reception, critical reaction, etc.); the second section should offer a full examination of the series in relation to cultural pluralism. Does the program conform to stereotypical representations of race, ethnicity, sexuality, or gender? Was the series progressive or regressive in its representations? For example, does The Sopranos deal in long-standing stereotypes of Italians and their relation to organized crime? Did The Cosby Show alter perceptions of African-Americans during the 1980s? How was the program you have chosen to study a product of its time? Have attitudes changed in the years since the program first debuted? What do television critics and scholars have to say about the series? Can you research any comments from the program’s cast or creators? One of your primary goals should be to make a case that the program you have chosen is a culturally significant artifact of popular culture and television history. You should also offer an in-depth analysis of it as it relates to pluralism.

The requirements for the essay are as follows:

· Essays should be approximately 7-8 full pages (typed double spaced)

· A works cited page must be included

· Students should conform to MLA style (or another standard comparable format)

· A minimum of 4 sources must be employed in your research

· Wikipedia is not a valid source for college-level essays

· Late papers will not be accepted

· Completed rough drafts will be critiqued by the Instructor prior to the final due date if the students wishes to take advantage of this option