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

Media Production Terminology

Podcast: A digital medium distributed over the internet, accessible on computers and portable media players.

Packages: A pre-recorded radio item which can include interviews, commentary, and music.

Producer: The individual responsible for the financial and administrative aspects of a production, overseeing general supervision, fundraising, and hiring.

PS: Problem Statement.

PVS: Project Vision and Scope.

Paintbrush: This brush allows painting in various shades and patterns.

Pie Charts: A graphic representation of data where a circle is divided into sectors, each representing a percentage of the whole.

Pixel: Short for "picture element," a small square or dot containing a single point of color in a larger image.

Plug-ins:... Continue reading "Essential Media Production Terms and Definitions" »

The Great Debate: Idea 1 vs. Idea 3

Many people argue that __(idea 1)__ is the best alternative. Others, however, hold a different opinion and claim that __(idea 3)__ is much better. Both points of view will be discussed in this essay.

Advantages of __(idea 1)__

On the one hand, the advantages of __(idea 1)__ are worthy of consideration. Firstly, ____say 1 advantage about idea 1. As a result, _______ give the result of this advantage. In addition, __(idea 2)__ add 1 more advantage about this idea and say why it is an advantage.

Disadvantages of __(idea 3)__

On the other hand, the disadvantages of _(idea 3)_ should be taken into account. For instance, give 2 examples of the disadvantages related to idea 3. Another drawback to highlight would be _

James Joyce (1882-1941): A Revolutionary Literary Genius

A Controversial Figure

James Joyce was one of the most powerful and revolutionary minds of the 20th century. However, he was also a deeply complex and often controversial figure. His scandalous, obscene, and offensive prose shocked and challenged readers. Convinced of his own genius, this Irish writer left a lasting impact on the literary world.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Dublin to a wealthy Catholic family, Joyce experienced a religious crisis and a problematic childhood that would deeply influence his writing. In 1904, he left Dublin and lived in Trieste, Paris, and Zurich, teaching to make a living while protesting against hypocrisy and institutionalized religion. Dublin's life... Continue reading "James Joyce: A Revolutionary Literary Genius of the 20th Century" »

Forrest Gump Sound Recording Insights

Shooting Style and Perspective

Recording sound for Forrest Gump was described as a dream because of its unique shooting style. The camera is positioned low to the ground, placing the audience close to the soldiers and sharing their point of view. Viewers don't see the enemy directly but experience exactly what the soldiers see and hear, including the sounds of shots.

Camera Shots Used

Close-up shots were utilized to maintain this shared point of view.

Post-Production Sound

Sound was primarily handled in post-production due to the quality limitations of on-set recorders.

Sound Categories: Premix, ADR, Foley

• Foley: Essential human sounds, like movements, are added in post-production.
• ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)

Supporting Materials in Speeches

The three types of supporting materials are examples, testimonies, and statistics and facts.

Examples

Examples you can use to illustrate your points include:

• Brief examples: Offer a single point of view about the topic.
• Extended examples: Provide multifaceted illustrations of the idea presented.
• Hypothetical examples: Describe what you believe the outcome might be.

Testimonies

Testimonies can add credibility to your speech. There are two main types:

• Expert testimony: Comes from a person with specialized knowledge about your topic.
• Lay testimony: Can be from an eyewitness with firsthand information.

Statistics and Facts

Adding facts and statistics to your speech can strengthen your arguments. Facts are documented information,... Continue reading "Supporting Materials, Persuasive Appeals, and Delivery in Speeches" »

Plot:

author's arrangement of the events that make up a story.

Conflict:

The driving force behind many plots; outside: main character being in conflict with external forces; within: character being forced to make a difficult choice, question his values and beliefs.

Suspense:

Character:

Literature allow us to multiply that number by giving us access to the private thoughts and lives of an endless assortment of fascinating and memorable people.

Defining characters:

• Their relationship to the plot
• The degree to which they are developed
• Their growth in the course of the story

The central character of the plot is called the protagonist.

The character against whom the protagonist struggles is called the antagonist. Could be something natural. Not a human... Continue reading "Understanding Characters in Literature: Types and Development" »

Realism in International Relations

Realism is one of the dominant schools of thought in international relations theory, theoretically formalizing the Realpolitik statesmanship of early modern Europe. Although a highly diverse body of thought, it is unified by the belief that world politics is always and necessarily a field of conflict among actors pursuing power. The theories of realism are contrasted by the cooperative ideals of liberalism.

Realists can be divided into three classes based on their view of the essential causes of interstate conflict:

• Classical realists believe it follows from human nature;
• Neorealists attribute it to the dynamics of the anarchic state system;
• Neoclassical realists believe it results from both, in combination with

Essential History Terminology

This document defines key terms used in the study of history.

Core Concepts

• Provenance: Origin of the source.
• Orthodox: Established/understood interpretation of events.
• Revisionist: Questions orthodox view and looks for a revised interpretation.
• Anachronistic: An approach that judges a culture or event using standards that didn't apply to them.
• Hindsight: Treats historical events as inevitable; a deterministic approach.
• Sacrosanct: A point of view considered proven and above debate and criticism.
• Iconoclastic: A revisionist approach which challenges orthodox, sacrosanct interpretations (e.g., A.J.P. Taylor's view on Hitler and WW2).
• Deterministic: Individuals have little influence on the outcome of events.
• Nihilistic: Random

Introduction

In the early 2000s, the mantra of the television future was"whatever show you want, whenever you want, on whatever screen you want" However, the predicted death of television never came to pass. Instead, the industry has undergone a profound transformation, driven by new technologies and changing consumer habits.

The Rise of Digital Video

The advent of digital video recorders (DVRs) and streaming services has given viewers more control over their viewing experience. They can now circumvent scheduling constraints and commercials, and watch their favorite shows on demand.

The Fragmentation of Audiences

As a result of these changes, television has become increasingly individualized. Viewers are no longer bound to the same schedules and... Continue reading "The Evolution of Television: From Mass Medium to Fragmented Audiences" »

Representations of Social Groups in Media

Constructing Meaning Through Visual and Technical Codes

Representations in media involve how producers portray social groups using visual and technical codes. These codes reveal the producer's intended ideology. Stuart Hall suggests that representations are formed through the repetition and remixing of media trends. Ethnic representation, in particular, manifests diversely in media, influenced by social, cultural, and historical contexts. This essay explores how producers represent ethnic minorities in Beyoncé's 2016 music video "Formation" and the 2017 Guinness television advertisement "Compton Cowboys," highlighting the contrasting ideologies presented.

Beyoncé's "Formation": Subverting the "Black"