Television Studies: An Overview (Discussion)

Mass-comm methods vs. television-studies methods

To understand the difference between empirical and critical methods, we need to look at their basic principles and presumptions. The class will be divided into mass-comm researchers and television-studies theorists for this first exercise.

Mass Comm Research	Television Studies
Group 4 Explain presumptions 1-3 of the MC method. Provide examples to illustrate your points. Group 2 Explain presumptions 4-6 of the MC method. Provide examples to illustrate your points.	Group 1 Explain point-by-point how the TS method differs from presumptions 1-3 of the MC method. Provide examples to illustrate your points. Group 3 Explain point-by-point how the TS method differs from presumptions 4-6 of the MC method. Provide examples to illustrate your points.

Design a research project of South Park.

Criteria for evaluating critical work

All groups will discuss Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck's criteria for evaluating critical work--looking at one specific criterion. Apply your criterion to Kristen Warner, "'Who Gon Check Me Boo': Reality TV as a Haven For Black Women’s Affect," Flow (August 18, 2011). How well does this essay fit your criterion?

Group 1

1. Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by internal consistency.

Group 2

1. Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by evidence.

Group 3

1. Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by cultural, critical, theoretical and practical significance.

Group 4

1. Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by reasonableness for a critical interpretation.

Bibliography

1. Butler, Jeremy G. Television: Critical Methods and Applications. NY: Routledge, 2011.