Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Arts and Humanities

Victorian Novel Characteristics

Defining Features of Victorian Novels

• Referred to as "Large Loose Baggy Monsters" (Henry James)
• Often published as serials or "three-deckers"
• Driven by commercial success and the novel's popularity
• Episodic, multi-plot narratives, panoramic scope
• Voracious in thematic appetites

Realism in Victorian Fiction

• Characterized by "detailism" and empiricism
• Reflects an image-based culture
• Focus on individual consciousness
• Moral realism (e.g., George Eliot)
• Utilizes free indirect discourse versus omniscience

The Comic Form of Realism

• Explores the tension between innocence and worldliness
• Contrasts dream versus reality
• Examines the role of money in society

Key Forms of Victorian Novels

Industrial Novels: Social Commentary

• Prominent authors:

The Main Goal of Feminist Criticism

The main goal of feminist criticism is to make visible and erase women’s oppression in a patriarchal society by drawing attention to its representation in literature.

French Feminism: Basic Principles

French feminism seeks to define an écriture féminine on the basis of the psychological “politics” of language itself. If language belongs not to women but to a masculine social order, the distinctive female literary strategy will be to subvert it.

French vs. British Feminist Criticism

• British Feminist Criticism: Although drawing upon both American and French approaches, it has usually been more historical and sociological.
• French Feminist Criticism: It is primarily based on the psychological “politics”

Exam Review

Class #1: That's Entertainment!

"That's Entertainment!" – a 1974 film that got me hooked on the movies.

Brief background on the studio system: MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, Columbia.

"Boy, do we need it now" was the slogan during the Vietnam War and Watergate.

It was the 50^th anniversary of MGM.

Road Show Picture: overtures, intermission, souvenir program.

Musical film: an original American art form.

"La La Land" drew inspiration from "Begin the Beguine," "Dancing in the Dark," and "American in Paris Ballet."

An era when movie stars could be singers and dancers, such as Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Judy Garland.

Esther Williams starred in "Aqua Musicals."

Blackface: an outgrowth of Minstrel Shows – more later.

Lena Horne and... Continue reading "Classic Hollywood Cinema: Musicals and Comedians" »

Filming

Continuity: ensuring that the details of a scene (e.g. hair style and length, clothing details, prop positions) match and make sense when moving from one shot to another.

What is an Audio Mixer?

An audio mixer combines an array of inputs into a few controllable outputs. It features a variety of controls.

The channels are laid out in strips. The signal comes in physically through the back of the device, then passes through that channel's various controls from top to bottom, with the gain or trim at the top and the fader at the bottom.

Step 2: Gain/Trim

The gain knob sets the "input volume." Because of the way a sound signal is composed of several different sounds at different volumes mixed together, the gain will naturally eliminate some of the very quiet signals unless it is set very high.

Using Gain: Gain should be used just like any other control knob: to set the kind of sound you want and its quality. Any gain... Continue reading "Audio Mixer Basics: Understanding Controls and Signal Flow" »

Effective Media Relations Guidelines

• Identify which journalists are most relevant for which story.
• Read their articles or posts; it takes time, but it pays off.
• Distribute relevant information to the right people.
• Make the media your ally.
• Make journalists’ jobs easier by saving them time and effort. Always be available to provide them with the information they need, in the format they require.
• The media needs news, information, and fillers on a regular basis.
• The media is not interested in what you want. They are only interested in what their readers, listeners, or viewers want.
• Information must be aimed, adapted, and presented in a way that meets their needs and requirements, in their format.
• Establish person-to-person contact.
• Develop a personal

Maximizing Media Exposure for Your Events

Planning a Successful Media Event

One of the easiest ways to receive free media exposure is through well-planned media events. Consider the following steps:

• Select the time of day carefully: Journalists work to deadlines. If they attend your event at 5:00 PM on a Thursday, coverage may not appear until Saturday.
• Optimal timing for immediate coverage: Any time from 9:30 AM is ideal for same-day coverage on TV or Radio, or for the following day in print media.
• Best times for weekly/monthly publications: Lunchtime, afternoon, or early evening are good for publications with longer lead times.
• Prepare comprehensive handout materials: Ensure you have enough press kits and other relevant information for everyone

Portfolio

I believe the best way to organize my portfolio is by placing my strongest work at the beginning and end. This allows me to quickly highlight my best pieces to potential employers. I would also briefly explain each project, including the brand or assignment it was created for and the time it took to complete, without going into excessive detail. I think it's important to include pieces that represent me as a designer, allowing the interviewer to see my work style and assess its relevance to the position I'm applying for. I personally believe that having printed works is important because printing is a crucial aspect of graphic design. As a student without professional experience, I would emphasize my understanding of the necessary... Continue reading "Graphic Design Portfolio Tips and Insights" »

Corporate Identity and Philosophy

Corporate Identity Touchpoints (Exposures)

• Visual and verbal identity and symbols
• Product appearance
• Environment
• Websites
• Communications
• People
• Co-branding

Key Corporate Communication Areas

• Visual and verbal identity and symbols
• Product appearance
• Environment
• Events
• Internal communications
• Crisis management

Defining Corporate Philosophy

To define corporate philosophy, we must answer three fundamental questions: What do I do? Where do I want to go? How do I do it?

Components of Corporate Philosophy

• Mission: Responds to "What do I do?" (Current purpose).
• Vision: Responds to "Where do I want to go?" (Future goals of the organization).
• Core Values: Responds to "How do I do it?" Determines the way the organization and its employees

The Influence of Social Networks

Social Media's Role in Communication

Social networks are powerful tools for communication in our everyday lives, used by most people. They can enrich social connections, especially for those separated from family and friends by long distances. Moreover, these platforms allow teens to create online identities, communicate, and build social networks.

Shaping Opinions Online

However, social networks can also significantly influence our opinions, potentially changing our views on certain issues. This impact depends on the content we consume and the individuals with whom we interact.

Personal Perspective on Social Media Influence

Personally, social networks do not significantly sway my opinions, as I have always held clear... Continue reading "Digital Connections, Media Impact, and Unforgettable Concerts" »