Communication Studies 423 The Television Age Chapter5

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analyze the ideologies beneath the surface of formulaic narratives.

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analyze changes in genre structure or approach.

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analyze changes in genre structure or approach.

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discuss the kinds of ideas and representations found in science fiction series.

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Science fiction- newer genre. Based on the fact that societies and scientists produce technology for people that eventually turns on them or destroys them. Very costly to make but not high rated with viewers. Star trek most popular

The story of prometheus is a common theme, prometheus steals fire from the gods to the humans, the humans and prometheus are punished. This common theme is followed in Frankenstein as well as Frankenstein kills his creator

Technology often betrays it's scientists and threatens to destroy

Space is a frontier

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Is the show part of a currently dominant genre? If so, why is this genre dominant at this time?

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What are your reasons for watching the show? What kinds of ideals does this show represent every week?

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Are these ideals in line with the dominant ideology of the time? Is the show subversive in any way?

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How popular is this show? Can you explain why?

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How does the news parody reflect the characteristics of the television comedy genre, and in what ways is the format a departure from the traditional comedy formats?

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News paradoxes are funny in that they take the news genre of a sober looking person reporting serious news seriously. Parodies take one or more of these characteristics and manipulates it to create comedy. One patt of it usually remains serious .

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Why do you think that news parody and political satire programs are so popular in Canada and the United States? What does this popularity tell us about their audiences and society in general?

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Because people are falling out of the fashion of following actual news, they need some form or entertainment to keep engaged.

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Considering the importance of politics and democracy in Canada, does this brand of comedic programming help or hurt Canadian nationalism?

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It helps canadian nationalism. They are canadian produced shows related to canadian culture. The shows are not critical enough to hurt nationalism as they rely on public funding

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Describe and discuss other forms of “genre hybridization” in television programming.

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How does the first episode of Little mosque on the prairie reveal some of the common prejudices and assumptions associated with Islam and Muslims in Canada?

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The white man calling the terrorists holiness after stumbling upon prayer

Imam being interogated and being interviewed on the radios talks how calling him a terrorist.

It shows hi ow media forms spread prejudices and stereotypes

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In what ways can this program be used to highlight some of issues that people may have while integrating into Canadian life?

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Through the characters daily struggles to adapt while still be good Muslims for example the girls who want to go swimming however there is only a male life guard so they may not show their bodies

The celebration of halloween while still being Muslim

The decision of wearing a hijab

The fight between husband wife and mother to take a second wife

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How does the issue of representation present a concern in Little mosque on the prairie? How might other programs, which represent cultures and religions outside of the status quo, create issues based on how they represent such cultures and religions on television?

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Portrayal of multiculturalism has l I mutations. It has a limited definition of diversity. Takes away any belief that would disturb the liberal vision of multiculturalism. Can be Co opted and redefined by hegemonic powers producing sanitized versions. For example the complexity of Islam is not emphasiz ed d (there are no mentions of the different classes)

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What is the contrast between the episodes that some critics examine and the episodes that fans examine?

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Critics assume that any episode can be analysed to reveal all ideological assumptions about the series. Fans however can analyse any episode in relation to the series as a whole, Critics interested in exposing social control using analyse "a private little war" whereas fans seek to defend the series and analyse "A devil in the dark"

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What science fiction traditions did Star trek merge?

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-Technological Utopianism associated with "hard science fiction"- mastery of technology would bring peace to humanity and live in harmony with the enviroment

-social utopianism associated with "soft"60's

incorporating different dystopian worlds alongside star treks utopian onel.

-action adventure of the space oper are writing westerns and other genres as science fiction

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How do episodes in the series contradict the general premise that advanced technology can create a human utopia?

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Kirk has a very anti machine bias, and utopia are seen as controlling and mass control, They show anxieties that crush the human need to strive for betterment

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What role did the writers play in setting the tone and direction of the series?

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Most of the writers were known for writing westerns and cop shows

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How does the Enterprise itself reflect the ideals of a social utopia?

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The Enterprise was organized and had its mission, the problems raised when outsiders brought their problems or the characters were sent to other planets with issues. It also has a diverse and multicultural crew in which everyone is equal

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How did Star trek: The next generation follow up the original series? How did it depart from the original? Why were the changes made?

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It departed by rejecting intervention stories (where kirk gives aliens weapons for war) and rejects machine bashing episodes. They had Data, which is a reminder of humans and technology coexisting. They couldn't have people dependant on technology refuse it. However similar, they fight the Borg which are evil machines. The New generation has more episodes in which they explore cultures.

Klingons could also be seen as potential allies.

Still kept the same in both series is the fact that it is based around a utopian society, balances the themes of social and technological utopian societies

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What was the level of importance of Roddenberry’s contribution to television? What was the ideology that he made the show embody? Is it a progressive ideology?

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Important. He is neither progressive or reactionary. However his ideals and beliefs were shown through star trek. His comments on political and social issues were based on different planets so they could still be shown on tv

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What sociopolitical influences do some critics attribute to the creation and success of the series?

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Narratives and commentary of real life things such as the vietnam war, kennedy and his utopia america, and kennedys assasination