The purpose of this paper is for you to discuss the relationship between amateur
The purpose of this paper is for you to discuss the relationship between amateur media practices and productions in relation to larger dominant forms conventionally deemed ‘professional,’ and to discuss what is at stake in the production of amateur works (as well as how that label is constructed, and what it entails).
To do this, you are to select a particular media item, process, practice, and/or form and detail its broader importance and significance in relation to ‘the archive,’ grand narratives of the nation state, and/or generally memory/events not normally highlighted by traditional culture industries. Though our conversation has thus far focused on home videos and film, you are encouraged to discuss other media forms including zines, radio broadcast, journals, photographs, scrapbooking, oral storytelling and traditions, songs/music and poetry, other forms of art and technologies (videos, cassettes, i.e. the analog) that mediate and memorialize history and events through means not conventionally regarded as professional (explain why, and include a scholarly reference to explain this).
Breakdown:
Connection to assigned readings 6pts
Use at least two of the assigned readings in below.
External Scholarly Resources 3pts
Use at least one external scholarly source to substantiate.
Pre-Digital Media Item 3pts
The object of focus/study needs to pre-date digital/internet media items.
Argumentative Coherence & Formatting 3pts
How well you make the connections between your selected media item(s) and the assigned readings, and broader theoretical themes discussed in class, i.e., the archive, hegemony, memory, aesthetic (political) and epistemic significance and relevance.
You are allowed to use whichever style guide you may prefer, but it must be consistent throughout, and all sources must be properly cited. This includes all media items relevant to your argument.