Popular Culture
Instructor Mark Singleton
Mentor Chris Ross
Spring 2004

TV Narrative Assignment

Television is a large part of our lives, whether you admit to watching it or not. Even those who watch little or no TV are affected by its influence. It informs many aspects of popular culture, including (but not limited to) what's popular in music and fashion, how we see companies and their products in our society, and who's popular, famous, infamous, the subject of watercooler conversation, or the butt of nationwide comedy.

We all have a personal experience with TV. Some people weren't raised with much television, and for others it was a surrogate parent. Some people watch a lot of it now and others refuse to watch the spectacle. Others may see it as their priest, their dealer, their lover, a scourge on the cultural landscape, a necessary evil, a tool, recreation, or mindless distraction. Whether we grew up watching a lot or a little, watch a lot or a little now, we all have some sort of relationship with television. Favorite shows, hated shows, cultural milestones, informed opinions, rogue fandom, or childhood memories are all ways we experience the medium.

A large part of our culture is the shared narrative that shapes our attitudes, opinions, and behaviors regarding our construction of popular culture. This assignment is your chance to relate a piece of your narrative as it relates to television. There are several options--choose one and write 4+ pages that tell your story (MLA format). Each is followed by possible questions you can ask yourself as you write your narrative.

• Write your TV history. Some possible questions to ask:

  Tell your TV story from the beginning. What was the first thing you remember watching? How much TV did you watch as a child? Did you want to watch more, but your parents wouldn't let you? How did your viewing progress? What were the shows of your childhood, young adulthood, and now?

  What was the attitude toward TV in your home? How did it inform your attitude now? What do you miss about your "good old days" of TV? Did you have, and do you still have any rituals that revolve around TV? How has your attitude towards TV changed over the years? How have your viewing habits changed?

• Write a narrative about a present favorite show. Some possible questions to ask:

  Why do like it the show so much? What is it about the show that makes it so good in your eyes? What do you take pleasure in? Do you relate to one, or more, of the characters? What makes the characters interesting?

  When did you first see the show? Why did you watch it that first time? Why did you continue watching it? What hooked you? Do you watch alone, or with a group? Why or why not?

• Write a narrative about a past favorite show.

  As a present show but past tense. (Why did you like the show so much? Etc.)

• Speculate on the future of TV and your interaction with it.

  Ground your speculation in past and present observation about television. What would you like to see TV become? Why? How will it become that? What evidence is there that it is moving toward your speculation? How will your viewing change as TV changes?

• Other narratives

  There are as many ways to tell a story as there are stories to tell. Speak with one us if you have an idea you are unsure. We can help brainstorm ideas or spin your ideas to fit the assignment.