Group # 4 is made up of Lucrezia, Kyle G., Sara M., Miriam, and Kiely. You will present your group case study on APRIL 29th.
Guidelines for Group Presentations:
For the final group presentations, your group will locate a pop cultural artifact or phenomenon that has NOT been discussed within this semester’s class. You will all effectively be “teachers” for the day, presenting this artifact or phenomenon to the class and explaining why it is relevant to popular culture. You will be given an opportunity in class one day to work on your presentations, but you must also work with one another via this blog. Please post your ideas, thoughts, comments, updates to this blog.
Your presentation, which should last approximately 20 minutes, should include the following:
- Present examples of your artifact or phenomenon visually (either by bringing in examples that you can pass around or show digitally, via the computer and other equipment.
- Discuss WHY this particular artifact or phenomenon is an example of popular culture.
- Discuss HOW this artifact or phenomenon potentially reflects or informs popular cultural attitudes, anxieties, fears, beliefs, ideas, feelings, etc. So you have to go beyond just saying that it’s a popular cultural artifact, you must explain HOW it is.
- You can either choose one or two representatives of the group to present, or you can all take a small portion of the discussion to present individually.
- Turn in a page or two that reflects the work that each member of the group did for the completion of this group project, explaining what each person’s contribution was to the overall group project. This paper must be signed by each of you.
You will each receive a grade that reflects the overall effectiveness of the group project. So be sure that you all work together on this, because you will all be getting the same grade.
54 responses so far ↓
Kyle G. // April 10, 2008 at 10:39 pm |
Hello Group #4 Friends,
I had an idea of one thing we can do and did not cover. Basketball! We can talk about how it is the dominant ideology and a great reference for this is the documentary, “Hoop Dreams.” Just throwing out an idea. Thanks!
Kristin Scott // April 11, 2008 at 7:19 am |
The dominant ideology of what, Kyle? It’s certainly a dominant sport in this country, but in what way is basketball an ideology? You’d have to be sure to explain that. And I would venture to say that the dominant ideology is “Democracy” — are you trying to relate basketball to democracy or freedom or one of the major American ideologies?? I’m not sure of your approach here. But I DO find the idea of sports films (that always seem to show the rise of a team or individual from poverty and hopelessness to success and hope) an interesting idea. That’s a genre of film that has a LOT to say about our cultural attitudes, fears, anxieties, and dreams . . . and you’d all have to explain what/how.
Lucrezia B. // April 11, 2008 at 9:32 pm |
well i don’t know about basketball being dominant or its ideology…but kyle now that you have mentioned basketball at all, i got an idea too. maybe we can talk about not just basketball, but sports in general and how much money the players make just to play a “game”. the contracts that these players get our extremely outrageous, like 2 million dollars or something, yet doctors, teachers, lawyers, people that really matter don’t even get paid half as much. and as bad in debt our country is right now, why are we wasting money paying men and women to play a sport for our entertainment…and we wonder why the medical field is so high in demand, for one because our children our wanting to grow up and be a basketball player versus a doctor, just seems kind of backwards to me..but let me know what y’all think…
Kristin Scott // April 12, 2008 at 7:55 am |
Good question/thoughts you pose there, Lucrezia.
Lucrezia B. // April 12, 2008 at 11:12 am |
to narrow it down, i guess the subject would actually be why is so much money wasted…but y’all let know what y’all think…
Lucrezia B. // April 12, 2008 at 11:23 am |
i have another idea, and i hope y’all can follow me on this one…now we have talked about tv, and the internet in class, yet we haven’t really talked too much about if we didn’t have either still…now lets think about it!!! if we didn’t have tv still, would the economy be so much in debt…things like competitions for money, or stars like singers and actors would for one get paid, because they basically wouldn’t exist…and advertisement wouldn’t get through as much so it would be less competition in our everyday lives like what we wear and everything like that…just the general exposure of things wouldn’t count so money wouldn’t be needed to “keep up”…i don’t know…just another idea…
Kristin Scott // April 12, 2008 at 12:34 pm |
You’ll want to avoid what-if scenarios, because they don’t really address the “reality” of popular culture. While interesting, that approach doesn’t really address the assignment. I liked your first idea better, Lucrezia — that deal with the popular culture phenomenon of paying our athletes outrageous amounts of money when others who spend just as much (or more) time educating themselves are paid so little (by comparison). What does that suggest about what WE, as a culture, value? Health care sucks, educational system sucks, but we’ve got lots of great entertainment!!!
I think that would also be a better compromise with the initial idea presented (by Kyle, who wanted to explore basketball). Or, as I said earlier on, if you guys go with basketball, you’d have to narrow it down and focus more on what it suggests about culture than its (inherent or not) ideologies.
Ying Liu Zhen // April 12, 2008 at 9:58 pm |
I agree with Lucrezia’s idea. I find that we spend little money on food, but we spend much more money on seeing a doctor, all kinds of fees, and entertainment. However, government wants people to spend money like that to get more tax income. Then, it give much tax return to the low-income people to narrow the gap between rich people and poor people.
Kristin Scott // April 13, 2008 at 7:16 am |
Hi folks — disregard Ying Liu’s comment, because she accidentally wrote in the wrong blog group space. She’s in Group # 6, not # 4.
Kyle G. // April 13, 2008 at 11:46 am |
Ah, Ying Liu is trying to spy on us and act like she is one of ours. Anywho, I apologize for not being really clear with my idea. But I do like the idea Lucrezia talked about paying people more money to entertain us than other jobs. I would like to go with that one. We can either go with a certain sport (me: basketball) or do all sports. It is all up to what the group agrees on.
Lucrezia B. // April 13, 2008 at 12:57 pm |
or we can just do the entertainment industry whether it be sports, music, or film(actors/directors)…all of the people of these industries are getting way, way too much money just to entertain us, and what good is entetainment going to be when we fall into another depression, i sure for one won’t feel like laughing at the time…just waiting to hear from the other group members kyle to see what they think…
Kyle G. // April 13, 2008 at 1:01 pm |
That is a good idea too. I do not mind if it is sports or the entertainment industry as a whole. Whatever the group decides.
Lucrezia B. // April 13, 2008 at 8:49 pm |
that is if we ever talk to the group..lol…where are you guys???
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 14, 2008 at 10:49 am |
HEY GUYS… HEY I THINK WE YOUS HAVE SOME GOOD IDEAS I AGREE WITH LUCREZIA THIS IDEAS ARE GOOD BCUZ IS SO TRUE ABOUT THIS PEOPLE GEETING PAY SO GOOD WHAN WE THINK DOCTORS OR PEOPLE IMPORTANT SHOULD GET PAY EVEN BETTER WHY BCUZ THEIR SAVINGS ARE LIFE… WELL I LIKE THIS IDEAS THAT YOUS HAVE I AGREE WITH ALL THIS..
Sara M. // April 14, 2008 at 10:55 pm |
Sorry guys. I worked a lot this weekend and haven’t had the time to respond. I like Lucrezia’s first idea better , too, and I think we can get a lot out of it. Let’s talk tomorrow in class (Tues) for a minute and try to get a clearer focus. See ya.
Lucrezia B. // April 15, 2008 at 3:19 am |
hey guys…unfortuantely i won’t be in class tomorow i just got out of the hospital and it’s 2 something in the morning..but u have the idea so just go ahead and discuss and feel me in when you get the opportunity!!!!
Kristin Scott // April 16, 2008 at 8:45 am |
ALL OF YOU WERE OUT on Tuesday, except Kyle!! Lucrezia was in the hospital, so that’s understandable. But since your group was the ONLY one unable to discuss your presentation on Tuesday, you are REQUIRED to meet in class on Thursday with Kyle, who will meet with you to begin working on your group’s project. We will not be having class on Thursday, as it is a day being set aside for individual and group research, etc. But since your group was the only one not present on Tuesday, you will each be required to meet on Thursday. I will not be there, but Kyle will guide you.
Lucrezia B. // April 16, 2008 at 8:52 am |
i’m glad you were there kyle, and i wish i could’ve been…but definitely thursday even if i have to show up with a breathing machine..lol..i’ll be there, will we be meeting in the classroom???
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 16, 2008 at 10:00 am |
sorry guys i could’nt make it to class yestorday but definitely i be their thursday..
Kyle G. // April 16, 2008 at 1:43 pm |
Hey Guys,
It is cool, I am not mad or anything! I just have some things written down for ya. I decided to tell Kristin that we are going to go with Lucrezia’s first idea. The one about the entertainment industry getting paid way too much. I just need some help on rewording the sentence for our topic. I also wrote down some ideas of how were are going to explore this question and what were are going to use to present it. Just need some more from you guys. Also, we need to figure out job positions. We can all figure this out on Thursday. Thanks! Hope you guys have a wonderful day!!!
Lucrezia B. // April 16, 2008 at 9:30 pm |
thanks again kyle…but i still need to know if we are meeting inthe classroom for sure…or the library??? i think the classroom would be better…
Kyle G. // April 17, 2008 at 2:09 am |
I think the best place to meet would be the classroom. Where we can be loud and not have to whisper.
Lucrezia B. // April 17, 2008 at 8:25 am |
the classroom it is!!!
Lucrezia B. // April 17, 2008 at 8:26 pm |
hey u know what would be cool..if we could actually record the people we interview…how real life is that!!! or at least 1 or 2 of the people…what yaw think???
Kyle G. // April 17, 2008 at 10:20 pm |
That sounds like a good idea! But we would have to get their consent on letting us record them. If that does not work, we can still interview them.
Lucrezia B. // April 18, 2008 at 3:30 am |
yeah…i would most definitely get their consent because i would actually have them introduce themselves…any luck yet with your researching???
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 18, 2008 at 10:31 am |
i think thats a good idea about recording them but my problem like im planning to interview my dad his not that good in english… but i try but best to interview him….
Lucrezia B. // April 19, 2008 at 12:51 am |
ok thats cool!!!
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 19, 2008 at 12:42 pm |
ok if i interview him… u think i should use my webcam oh how u think??? yea right but i dont even now were is at gotta fing it now…
Lucrezia B. // April 19, 2008 at 4:24 pm |
i just realized i no longer have a way to record either because my video camera is old fashioned and it produces a vhs…so i guess i’ll just document it…but if anyone else can record in anyway please do so…how is everyone reasearching going???
Kyle G. // April 19, 2008 at 11:15 pm |
Everything is going okay! The two lawyers that I will like to interview are out of town right meow and come back on Tuesday, but probably will not be in the office til Wednesday. So, I am just going to email them and do my interview that way.
Lucrezia B. // April 20, 2008 at 1:00 pm |
oh ok…cool!!! it would be cool if we could all meet up again with our “findings” so that we can starting putting things together…what is everyone lookin at as far as free time???
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 20, 2008 at 2:16 pm |
I THINK WE SHOULD MEET UP AGAIN AND TALK MORE ABOUT THIS GET EVERTHING STRIGHT…. WELL I THINK I JUST HAVE MY DAD TO INTERVIEW I DONT KNOW OTHER PEOPLE THAT WORK IN CONSTRACTION…. SO WHAT DO YA THINK, I SHOULD JUST DO MY DAD AND THAT IT OR WAT????
Sara M. // April 20, 2008 at 4:37 pm |
Hey guys. Again I’m sorry for not writing for so long. I’m on my way to work now — Monday is the only time I have for homework, so I’ll post a lot tomorrow night. I do have a quick question. Kyle, I was wondering if you could be a presenter and I could write up whatever needs to be handed in?
That would be great. And in terms of meeting up, I don’t really have any free time, but can email/blog anything the group needs.
Lucrezia B. // April 20, 2008 at 8:40 pm |
oh ok…well sara when you do get the time can you blog us all the info you found and any ideas you may have…and then as far as everyone else what would be a convient time for yaw to meet up….and miriam yeah just go ahead and do your dad, we don’t have to interview a ton of people just a few so that we can gather some info…well the times i’m available is tuesday but only during class time and that would be up to kristin, and then other than that i’m available wednesday all day until 2pm…so just let me know because we need to start puttin some things together…
Kyle G. // April 21, 2008 at 12:32 am |
Sara I do not mind switching with ya! I could present with Lulu if you want. The only time that is good for me is on Tuesday during class, if Kristin allows it.
Kristin Scott // April 21, 2008 at 6:51 am |
Yes, we’ll be using Tuesday’s class for group stuff — that’s the last day, since presentations start on Thursday. I’ve been impressed with your group’s communication. Good job!
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 21, 2008 at 7:04 pm |
well i have time only does days that were in class da other days i work to meet up….. and ya still need me to take out information from the internet right???
Lucrezia B. // April 21, 2008 at 9:44 pm |
yeah bring what you have found and all your imput with you to class so we can start putting things together…
Sara M. // April 22, 2008 at 12:09 am |
Hello again. I don’t know if you guys can read this before class on Tuesday, but we can go over the same info in class. I’ve found some interesting information about the salaries of TV/ movie stars and and starting to make some connections to pop culture that I think are relevant.
First of all, men make a hell of a lot more than women (duh!). I mean, a lot more. I need to research further to see how the audience for these shows/movies break down, in terms of gender, race, age etc.
Next, also not surprisingly, the numbers keep going up and up every year at a huge rate. It will be interesting to compare the rate of increase in salaries in the entertainment industry compared to the rate of increase of the jobs we’re researching. i.e.: Why do they get so much more every year when most people (who are the people who pay the actors salaries thru ticket sales, etc) get meager yearly raises.
I’ll also do some research about advertising as well since actors, as well as athletes and musicians are part of a system that is funded through advertisig dollars. Most of the top ten highest paid actors made money not just for appearing in movies but also through merchandising deals.
I think the interviews will be beneficial to the overall presentation and I still think it’s important to include a variety of proffessions- This will connect the rest of the class, our audience, to the subject matter and address Pop Culture more thouroughly.
See you Tuesday!
Lucrezia B. // April 22, 2008 at 12:17 am |
great info sara…yeah please bring this with you on tuesday…thats very interesting!!!
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 23, 2008 at 8:01 pm |
HEY GUYS WELL COMES OUT THAT DA CAMERA I HAD MY BROTHER LOST IT….. SO I CAN VIDEO CAM MY DAD..
Sara M. // April 27, 2008 at 12:05 am |
Hey. I just sent an email to everyone. If you didn’t receive it email me at saramillsap@gmail.com so I can confirm your email address and I’ll send it out again.
Have a good weekend!
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 28, 2008 at 11:06 am |
HEY GUYS WELL I COULDNT FIND THAT MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THAT GUY ON XTREMEMAKEOVER AND US SAID THAT US WERE GONNA MEET UP TODAY MONDAY BUT I CAN MEET UP IM AT WORK ND I COME OUT LATE….SO I SEE US 2MORROW IN CLASS…
lucrezia b, // April 28, 2008 at 1:22 pm |
hey if you can interview your dad in spanish, and then you can translate the info for the class butlet me know tonite so tht we can know what to expect or do…..
MIRIAM SALGADO // April 28, 2008 at 7:35 pm |
WELL I COULD TRY BUT ME AND MY DAD DONT REALLY TALK TO EACH OTHER WE HAD A LIL FIGHT AND HE DONT TALK TO ME AT ALL…. AND ANOTHER PROBLEM I GET SHY TALKING IN FRONT OF DA CLASS….
Lucrezia B. // April 28, 2008 at 8:19 pm |
hey sara and miriam we need you to send us your paragraph describing what you indvidually did so we can type it up and give it to kristin tomorrow…tonite if possible…
Sara M. // April 29, 2008 at 12:16 am |
Hi Lulu. I sent you an email with my paragraph. I hope things went well with you and Kyle today. See you in class.
Kyle G. // April 29, 2008 at 1:07 am |
Hey Lulu,
Here is my paragraph. I will send one to your email just in case. Sorry for not meeting up with you again.
My job and commitment to the group is conducting research and being one of the two presenters. The research that I had found was a comparison of the salaries between Athletes and Teachers, and a Salary Database on the website, USA Today. I also found a magazine (Chicago) that is used to show and pass out to the audience about the difference between celebrities’ salaries and Chicagoians’ salaries. The part of my job was meeting up with Lucrezia (my presentation partner) to get organized and ready for the presentation.
If you think it needs to be fixed up or anything. Go right ahead and do whatcha gotta do.
Kyle G. // April 29, 2008 at 1:09 am |
The last sentence of the paragraph is suppose to start out, “The last part of my job.” Not, “The part of my job.” Sorry for the confusion.
Lucrezia B. // April 29, 2008 at 1:54 am |
miriam if you check this blog in the morning please send your paragraph describing your contributions to the group so that i can put it along with th rest of ours, and so i can give it to kristin tomorrow…i will check the blog in the morning before i leave out….ttyl
mirism Salgado // April 29, 2008 at 12:37 pm |
The job and commitment that i had to do for my group was to research the salaries of construction works how much they get paid on houre and how much they getting paid today in the u.s. I also had a little talk about this with my dad because he is a contruction work his been doing this his whole life,my dad told me that he agrees with all this about the famous people that are entertaining us their getting paid way more then the poeple that actually work hard for their money i aint saying that the famous people aint doing a good job, they are but what were trying to say about all this is that the people that are doing somthing good for the kids the teachers teaching them the best, trying to save life the doctors, and make the buildings even look better the construction workers aint getting paid as much as them. This was the part of my job to help my group with this information to get ready for the presentation.
Kyle G. // April 30, 2008 at 1:06 am |
Congrats Group #4 Friends,
On getting an “A” for the group project. I had a good time working with you gals. Thanks for being a blast!
Lucrezia B. // April 30, 2008 at 10:30 am |
thanks kyle…and yes to congrats to all!!! i too had a blast working with you all…and hope to hear and see you guys again in the future!!!