Theory Paper/Music Video: Please select a visually dynamic music video that you like or want to critique
(perhaps this is a video you view as particularly creative, innovative, or conversely, one you really dislike or do not “get.”). In a 3½ to 4-page essay analyze the video using one of the theories we have or will cover in class. This is your opportunity to “read” the video from an academic perspective. Here are some basic ideas you can start with (You do NOT have to use them all. It is only a 4-page paper.): Does a person or figure in the video mean something to you that you want others to see? What aesthetics/colors are used and why do you think they are used? What do they mean? How does the video compare to the lyrics? How are women represented in the video, or how is masculinity constructed in the video? What about social class? Ethnicity/race? Sexual orientation?
The paper will need the following format APA.
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE:
Introduction
What video
“This essay examines the video Side Effects by pop duo The Chainsmokers. Specifically, it analyzes the representation of stereotypical romantic tensions after a break up.”
Why important (or, why should we care?) – Here, focus on the general topic.
“The band’s success and its hegemonic framing of the topic make it worthy of study. The essay examines the video vis-à-vis representations of a young woman presumably dealing with a romantic breakup and how those images, together with the song lyrics address the physical aspects of romantic absence.
What theory
“Building on Gerber and Gross’s (1976) concept of cultivation theory, the idea that (explain theory in a few words here, I will argue that . . .)”
Research Questions
List two research questions: “In the following essay, I will examine how representations of a young female hotel employee are used to represent romantic separation, as well as what they suggest about . . . The essay will then ask what perspectives these elements potentially cultivate in viewers.”
Video Description
Describe the video (and song lyrics if you want-just a couple of sentences. The reader can look up the lyrics online).
Side Effects depicts a young hotel worker, portrayed by Camila Mendes of Riverdale fame, who is forced to work for an entire weekend. Throughout the video, Mendes’ character dances near the hotel pool and viewers see what some hotel guests are doing. In the first scene, . . . Second, blah, blah, blah
. . . Third, the video . . . The lyrics (elaborate on the lyrics without writing them down; use a small quote or two only if you must).”
Important: Do NOT explain anything here. In APA, you first describe what you
are analyzing in the Findings Section and then explain what it means in the
following or Analysis section.
Theoretical Analysis
What does the video mean when you analyze it via the theory you selected. Answers to your research answers belong here and will be driven by the theory used. For example, cultivation analysis may suggest XYZ but standpoint theory will suggest ABC (something different). Stick to ONLY ONE THEORY The paper is simply too short for you to use more than one theory.
Conclusion
Summarize your essay in one paragraph.
Explain why this is an important finding or contribution
Provide a couple of ideas others may want to explore on your topic.
