UPDATE: 12 MAR 2014

Since we will not be meeting in class for our Friday session, I would like each of you to watch the assigned TEDTalks (see below) and create two detailed outlines. We will discuss these outlines next week.

The first outline will focus on the rhetorical framework of the TEDTalk. I want you to plot (with time-stamps) the movements of the speaker's argument. Please be as granular as possible when delineating the presentation. By this, I mean, I expect you provide specific information on a minute-to-minute (if not second-to-second) basis. I do not want you to simply write: Intro, Body, Conclusion.

The second outline will focus on editing techniques. Specifically, I want you to document every single cut in the video with time-stamps and the type of shot. Here are some terms that will help you when creating this second outline.

Close-up: a very close look at the subject. Establishes tension or mystery. Also called a “tight” or “detail” shot. 

Mid-range shot: the most common shot, the mid-range shot shows interaction between characters. 

Long shot: also “establishing shot.” Sets the scene, establishes context, sets the mood. 

Camera angle: high, low, and level. Establishes point-of-view. Looking up at or down onto your subject carries huge meaning and can give a scene greater depth. 

Frame: this term has two meanings: First it’s a single still image that describes the smallest unit of a motion picture. Or second, it’s the way in which the content is laid out in the camera’s field of view. In this context the second definition applies. 

Tilt: the camera tilts up and down. 

Pan: the camera moves from side to side. Done slowly, this is a great way to set a scene and involve the viewer. 

Zoom: the camera zooms into or out of a scene. The speed of the zoom has a major effect on the feel of the scene. 

Move: moving across or zooming on a still image. Also known as the “Ken Burns” effect. 

Tracking shot: the camera follows its target. 

Dolly shot: also “crane shot,” “arc shot,” etc. The camera physically moves in relation to the subject, quite often on some type of mechanical conveyance.

Section 10, please watch the following video:

Section 13, please watch the following video:

Section 15, please watched the follwing video:

UPDATE: 06 MAR 2014

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

In order to transition effectively from your proposal to your TEDTalk and RadioLab Podcast, your small group will need to conduct academic research. To document this process, you’ll need to create an annotated bibliography.

An annotated bibliography consists of a list of MLA-style citations for books, articles, websites, etc. Each citation is followed by a paragraph-long description and evaluation of the source.

Before you begin writing your annotated bibliography, you will need to narrow down your research topic. A good annotated bibliography includes only those sources that directly relate to your narrowed, focused research question. To this extent, you want to ask yourself: What specific questions do I have about my topic that I would like to answer through research? Any one of those questions would likely be a suitable research topic.

Once you have decided on a focused research question, you may begin collecting sources for your annotated bibliography. The bibliography itself will consist of 12 secondary sources (16 for groups of four students), which are listed below by type (along with the rules to follow). I’ve listed acceptable sources below:

Books: this includes anthologies, but not books printed solely on the Internet (i.e. if the book is online, it must have appeared in print first).

Essays/Articles: from journals, magazines or newspapers: You should find these in databases, and if there is a link to full text, that’s okay. Otherwise, use Inter-Library Loan or get them out at our library.

As mentioned previously, each source in an annotated bibliography requires the following material:

First, describe or summarize the main points made in the book, article, on the webpage, etc. You should discuss the central theme of the source, the thesis, major sub-points, salient examples, and the audience it is trying to reach (if possible), etc. To this end, I’d like to see you articulate the book or essay’s thesis, as well as outlining the sources main points. Please include relevant quotes when possible.

Second, you will need to evaluate the source. Your evaluation should include why the source and the author are credible, how the source is relevant to your narrowed research question, and how you evaluate the source. I’m looking for specific citations/ideas from your sources and how those citation/ideas connect directly to your upcoming projects. Do not create vague or overly generalized relationships that do not demonstrate an understanding of the text and why you’ve chosen it.

This aspect of your assignment should be 11-14 pages in length (15-17 pages for groups of four), double-spaced and typed in 12-point, Times New Roman font. Do not include sources that you included in your Research Proposal.

Each of the sources must be formatted to MLA specifications.

For more information on, please consult OWL’s guidelines for the Annotated Bibliography.

UPDATE: 04 MAR 2014

Just as a reminder, hard-copies of your Research Proposals will be due at the beginning of our class session on Friday, 06 March (we will meet in your regular classroom). Please make sure that all of your names are listed on the document and that it is stapled. The Proposal should be typed in 12-point, Times New Roman font with one-inch margins and double-spaced. Refer to the project guidelines for all the other details.