Introduction to coursework.

During our first media lesson we were outlined with a brief of tasks that would enable us to create the constituent features need to cover MS3.

The tasks are as follows ;

• Research Essay. 1400-1800 words.
• Focus on key concepts. Representation, Narrative, and Genre.
• Provide evidence of genuine research. Use both Primary and Secondary resources.
• Quote sources of research. Footnotes, Bibliography, and Websites
• Define Key Concept under consideration.
• Establish texts . 2 or 3 (MAX) Comparative dialogue.
• Detailed deconstructions.
• 3 production pieces elaborated from research essay.

With such a wide area of choice for coursework it is imperative that i choose a form of media that i already know well, and can relate to. However i must assure that i do not take the easy route. I must challenge myself to develop and learn new skills, also whilst building on the skills that i have already attained.

So far i have managed to pin point my initial ideas down to three prospective projects. 

My prospective choices ;

1. An investigation into how the representations of teenagers have changed over the past 20 years in American Teen Dramas. The foundation of this investigation would be to choose a text from two different eras. At this point i wish to compare an early 1990's teen drama such as 'Saved By The Bell' or 'Beverley Hills:90210' to contemporary teen dramas, such as 'One Tree Hill' , 'The O.C' , and 'Smallville'. From this investigation i feel i could emulate 3, successful production pieces. Production pieces that i could elaborate from this investigation are advertising posters, DVD cover, Website with brief character info, merchandise, CD Mixtape for the series, and book series.
2. An investigation into the Narrative of reality t.v shows and to what extent should they be perceived as authentic or feigned. For this investigation i would research contemporary reality t.v shows such as, 'the Hills', 'The City', 'Jersey Shore', "Laguna Beach: The Real OC', and 'Over The Edge'. Production pieces that could be produced from this investigation are similar to that i mentioned in '1.'. The reason that they are both similar is simply the fact that they would both from television. Ideas for production pieces include, advertising posters, DVD cover, Website with brief character info, merchandise, and book series.
3. This option is a mere last minute thought, a wildcard as some might say . However it is almost becoming the dark horse. Whilst pondering for ideas i closely realised between points '1.' and '2.' there were two incredulously similar texts that derived from each other. 'Laguna Beach: The Real OC' was fabricated from the teen drama 'The OC'. It could be possible to do either an investigation into the narrative of both series and see how they replicate each other. Or, alternatively an investigation into audience and how they responded to the reciprocal t.v shows. Production pieces for this idea would be the same as previously mentioned ideas in '1.' and '2.'