AP Language & Composition

Auman/Fall 2007

Family Images in the Media

OVERVIEW: We will finish our unit on Family by extending our understanding of this debate into the realm of media. Much like Gary Soto was influenced by images of family on Leave it to Beaver, so are we influenced by images of family in the novels, films, and television shows we read/watch today. For the final portfolio of this unit, you will choose ONE novel, film, or television show/series to analyze.

PORTFOLIO 2.5: SYNTHESIS. Family relationships are a frequent subject for novels, films, and television shows, perhaps because these extended forms can take the time to explore the complexities of family dynamics. Making substantial use of at least TWO readings from this unit to support your ideas, write an essay analyzing the portrayal of “family” in a single novel, film, or television series.

NOTE: Yes, this is a portfolio assignment; however, this assignment will be longer than other portfolio essays – probably 3-4 pages or so in length.

TIMELINE:

• Thursday, Oct. 25^th: Assignment given; brainstorm potential topics
• Friday, Oct. 26^th – Sunday, Oct. 28^th: Watch/read your chosen medium and take extensive notes on the portrayal of family; look at characters’ actions, beliefs, etc. If you choose a film or TV show, you may have to watch it multiple times, or stop/rewind occasionally to take notes.
• Monday, Oct. 29^th: Begin drafting your essay; bring your notes to class and meet in L100 computer lab
• Tuesday, Oct. 30^th: Continue drafting

1^st DRAFT DUE: Thursday, November 1^st –submit to SafeAssignment and bring a hard copy to class.

FINAL DRAFT DUE: with the rest of Portfolio 2 – see calendar for date