Sexual Images in Media

Media Controversy: Sexual Images

Certain elements used in advertising and other media are considered by some to be pornographic. There is, however, debate on what is classified as being pornographic. Nevertheless, media experts have asserted that there are certain "values" that are found in pornography that also appear in mainstream media. Such values include:

• Innocence as the last frontier (sexy virgin)
• Pain as pleasurable
• Women would sell sex whenever they could
• Male domination over women is natural and sexy
• Women as sexual objects

Celebrating Canadians in Entertainment

We have spent some time looking at Canadian content and also focused on some entertainers, both in Canada and south of the border. Now you are assigned a project where you can select any Canadian entertainer (actor, musician, comedian, etc.) and explore their activity and how they represent Canada. They can be entertaining in Canada, USA, overseas, etc. He/she can also be someone who has moved elsewhere, but still is identified as Canadian.

Use Google Slides in Google Drive to complete this assignment. Also make sure to embed the slideshow to your blog when it is completed. Make sure to use around 20 pt font size in Google Slides so your text is easy to read. Below is the outline you should follow, how you will be assessed and a sample you can use as a guide.

Perspectives on Canada and Canadian Content: Seeing ourselves through other eyes

The clip below, entitled "Tom Brokaw Explains Canada to Americans," was originally prepared by NBC Nightly News former anchor as part of NBC's 2010 Olympics coverage. The video aired, before the Olympic opening ceremonies on February 12, 2010. The video explains the relationship between Canada and the USA.



What did you think of the video overall? Do you think it is informative? Inspirational? Misguided? Discuss.

Video Assignment: Technical Codes and Conventions

You will create a video where you will explore 6-8 different codes or conventions. You will use the codes and conventions that you gathered from the previous assignment. You should (or will) also receive some handouts in class.

Consider telling a little story as you explore your selected codes and conventions. The examples below give an idea on how you might do that.

Click here to access the assessment rubric that will be used to evaluate the assignment. This rubric will also be used for peer and self assessment where you can make any final revisions before the evaluation.

Techniques and Technical Terms

Much of the meaning of video, whether it be in film, television or on the Internet, is created by how the camera is used. Additionally, meaning is created by the way a video shot is composed and framed. Camera work is, essentially, an art.

When you combine camera shots with music, sound, lighting and editing, it is clear that filmmakers have to make many decisions when telling the story.

This assignment involves becoming familiar with the different video techniques and technical terms and why and how they are used. Below is a list of the different terms and some links that will help you understand them better.

Define what each term is in a one or two sentence definition and explain, where applicable, why it is used (the effect it can have). 

Sign into Google Drive and click here to access the worksheet for this assignment. Make sure to make a copy of the worksheet for your own use.

When completing the assignment use the sites below to help you gather the information you need. This assignment is a small part of a larger project where you will create your own video.

Class Discussion on The Medium is the Message

You will receive a handout for the class discussion. It is also available here if you want to access some of the online links. Click here to see the assessment rubric.

The Medium is the Message...

Original photo from morguefile.com

Canadian Educator Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980) is well known for his idea that the "medium is the message."

In others words, the method of how something is shared with others should be the focus of study, not the actual content. The way something is delivered (the medium) affects a society just by its characteristics, not only by the message it carries.

Click here to watch the video created by Historica Canada. Also read the information provided on that site about Marshall McLuhan and his insights on how technologies affect our lives.

iPod discussion and videos. (or just videos)