Analyzing the different elements and issues presented in the text (using textual and contextual analyses).

Objective: Write a 2-3 page essay (750 word min) analyzing a video from YouTube (or an instructor approved source). There are two basic rules: 1) the video must have at least 1 million views; and 2) be 20 minutes or less. While this means you cannot use a full length film, its possible to use a sceneone someone has already clippedor to analyze a short film. Movie trailers, commercials, music videos, and homemade videos are all obvious choices. But YouTube offers more than that. You could choose a lecture, sermon, news story, or live musical performance. If you intentionally pick something potentially offensive (or graphic), this must be made clear in your introduction and part of your analysis.

Suggestions: Start by picking a video that interests you on multiple levels; the more complex or sophisticated the text, the more material youll have. An ad of a bikini-clad woman holding a beer can, for instance, probably wont get you very far because it lacks sophistication. Someone should be able to read your essay, look at the text, and be able to find new insights from your analysis.

You could write a standard essay by simply analyzing the different elements and issues presented in the text (using textual and contextual analyses). What message is the text conveying? Why is it effective or ineffective in getting that message across? Advertisements are one of the easier choices for this assignment because they already present a clear objective: to sell the product to their target audience. You could also take the assignment further and delve into social issues. For instance, you might explore the use of men and women in a particular text. What does this text say about the definition of gender roles? Or how does it speak to the construction of race?

Writing Tools and Methods: After youve chosen your video, you should review it often, even getting outside opinion when you can. Having discussions about the text with others may give you valuable perspectives. During your reviewing and discussion periods, try to note any patterns, themes, or connections. Try to categorize things into two groups: textual and contextual. Textual refers to what can literally be found in the video. Contextual speaks to the symbolism behind things or the larger issues that speak to the text (the elephant in the room, so to speak). You might even find it helpful to read the conversations happening beneath the video.

Keep in mind that its ineffective trying to touch on every aspect of the text in your essay, so focus on an important few. If you choose a commercial that has a strong theme of acceptance, you might focus on its appeals for social conformity. Ask yourself: what about the commercial, textually speaking, connects to the conformity of the consumer? Or, what about the context of the commercial heightens this element of conformity? There are reasons why certain texts appear in one place and not others. Get to the heart of those issues. (Narrative and description may come also in handy.)
———-
Added on 11.04.2016 21:43
Things that must be included in your essay:

1. The actual title of the YouTube video.

2. The username/creator of the video (or user who posted it); background information, if its accessible.

3. Date the video was uploaded onto YouTube.

4. The actual view count as of a specific date of your writing.

5. The number of likes vs. dislikes.

6. At least one quote from a user commentbut if comments are closed for your video, provide an explanation for why you think this feature was disabled.

Questions to consider:

1. Why has this video generated at least a million views?

2. What kind of reaction has this video generated?

3. If there are more dislikes than likes, why do you think that is?

4. Does this video fit in with other YouTube videos? In other words, would it fall into a particular category?

5. Who would be the target audience for this video?

6. Whats the main message?

Attention, Please note that you are not supposed to upload any files with additional pages (extra instructions) until Administration informs you on the payment receipt.