Lessons - Week 3: British Sitcom. Codes, Conventions & Narrative &

LESSON 8

Period4 - 11Media

Aim: To gain a knowledge and understanding of significant British sitcom texts.
Unfortunately I cannot place the presentation on this blog as you will see it in the lesson because it contains video extracts. Therefore I have uploaded the slides and the videos separately!

British Sitcom 1960 - Present ppt.

Here are the the extracts we shall be discussing. Remember you cannot get youtube in school. Mr Moore is in the process of putting all the clips on the school intranet.

 

Think about what these clips suggest about the development of sitcoms. Are the clips still acceptable today? Why/why not? Try to support your opinions. Read the handout 'Cult Comedy' and discuss together as class. What makes a 'classic' or a 'cult' sitcom? 

Homework: Read the handout and make sure there is evidence to show you have read it - I suggest a written summary, bullet points or a post! Remember to submit your files next Wednesday

LESSON 7

Period2 - 11Media

Aim: To recognise similarities in the narratives of sitcoms.

Firstly we shall recap the concept of NARRATIVE which we discussed briefly yesterday. Spend a few minutes thinking about the questions:

• What is narrative?
• How important is it for audiences and institutions?
• Do sitcoms have similar narratives?
  
• What familar narratives do you know?

Feedback and write key points on your sheet.

Recap Taflinger's 3 structures - Dramedy, Domcom, Actcom. Distribute the worksheets. Read the notes and explain the task. Work in pairs to complete the research. Write your findings in the table provided. You will be standing up to explain your findings at the end of the lesson.

Stress the importance of narrative to the sitcom genre. Q&A What other narrative theories do you know/can you remember? Discuss together.

• Basic 5 point structure
• Todorov: Equilibrium, Disruption, New Equilibrium
• Levi-Strauss: Binary Oppositions
• Barthes: Enigma Codes & Action Codes
• Propp: Stock characters

Can you apply your knowledge of narrative to the episode of Hancock we viewed last week?

Each pair is to share and explain their findings.

Homework: Choose any sitcom you know well and apply the narrative theories. Complete the sheet.

Homework: Narrative Table

LESSON 6

Period5 - 11Media
Aim: To understand the codes and conventions of TV sitcom and to recognise some of the problems when attempting to define and explain sitcom.
Distribute the starter activity sheet. In pairs unscrabble the radio shows and match with the date. Clue: We mentioned them last week! Discuss the questions at the bottom. Introduce the aims of today's lesson. Begin the powerpoint presentation - click below:

Sitcom: An Introduction ppt.

You all have a handout so concentrate on listening and writing annotations or helpful comments next to the apporpriate slides. Please ask if you want me to slow down or repeat something. Throughout the ppt there are discussion points so I expect to see you all contributing. Think about:

• Definitions & codes & conventions of sitcoms
• Types of sitcoms - diversity!
• TAFLINGER'S 3 categories: Actcom, Domcom, Dramedy
• Characters and humour
• Basic Stuctures

Explain the homework - the sheet is below:

Homework -Table & Clues

Homework: Choose a sitcom and write about the following:

• Background & context
• Use of generic codes & conventions
• Comic strategies
• Form and structure
• Type of Sitcom

Complete the table if this helps or if you prefer post your response to your blog.

Lessons - Week 2: Origins, Radio Comedy, Hancock & Performance

Lesson 4

Aim: To gain an understanding of the 

origins of Sitcom and the history & development of radio sitcom. 

Explain aims of the lesson. There will be 2 powerpoints used throughout this lesson and some help sheets. You must be ready to work and to listen. You don't need reminding this is your exam topic and you will be leaving in a few weeks. Firsly I will go through the first powerpoint which you can click on below. You will have your own copy of the slides so it is important to listen and to annotate important points. This will establish the expectations of the upcoming lessons.

Teaching TV Sitcom - An Overview

Q&A.Where did sitcom begin? What are the origins of sitcom? Look on the internet and find out. R

emember you need clear de

finitions and it is important that you are aware of where many of the shows we watch today evolved from. Context is really important. The powerpoint is below. We shall go through some of the key dates and texts and then you will be doing your own research. We will only use the first part of this powerpoint today.

Radio & Hancock ppt.

Distribute the task sheets. Read and discuss together. Set the homework task and explain. Students are to visit the link below, read and make notes of the key points/important dates.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitcom

Feedback and share your findings with the rest of the group.

Homework: There is no doubt that radio comedy had a role in the development of sitcoms as we know them today.

• Do you think radio is still important in the continued development of sitcom? Gives reasons. (TIP: Think about the advent of digital television and investigate BBC7. Use the worksheet to help you plan your response.) This should be posted to your blog by Friday.
  

Visit www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7 for an overview of the programmes on BBC7.

Lesson 5

Aim:  To understand the importance of performance and to develop and awareness of Hancock’s legacy

Due to technical problems yesterday 

I want you to visit:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitcom

Read and make notes for your file.  Discuss the key points.  Ensure you have them written down.  Recap what was learned yesterday.  Q&A Radio shows etc. Discuss the homework question – How important is radio today in the development of sitcom?  Spend 5 mins logging on to www.cjsitcomblog.blogspot.com and visiting each others blogs to read a range of responses.  Discuss briefly.  Continue with the powerpoint from yesterday.  IntroduceHancock’s Half Hour – considered to be one of the first/best British sitcoms.  W

hy?  Follow the links below to get started.  Find ten facts about the show and Tony Hancock.  Your findings should be posted to your blog.  If you have time upload an image/link/video.

www.televisionheaven.co.uk/hancock.html

www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/hancockshalfhour/

Continue with the powerpoint.  Introduce the term PERFORMANCE. What are Performance Signs?  Distribute the handout and read together.   Why is the Only Fools and Horses scene funny?  Much of the comedy is created from David Jason’s performance as Del Boy.  Does performance help to explain why we enjoy sitcoms, buy the DVDs and watch repeats?  Set Homework.  We will watch an episode of Hancock’s Half Hour.  You are you make notes on aspects of performance: Positioning, Movement, Speech, Timing etc.  Complete the table. Share your findings. 

Homework: Choose your favourite sitcom character/actor.  What do you expect from their performance?  Visit BBC comedy connections website.  Think about:  The actor’s background, influences, appearance etc. Produce a biography on your blog with images and links.  You should not cut and paste information – put in a link instead!

www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/comedyconnections/

Wednesday 19 March - BBC4 9pm -The Curse of Steptoe

Watch/tape this useful programme which looks behind the scenes of the popular sitcom Steptoe & Son. 

It is followed by an episode of the show -brilliant!

LESSONS: Week 1 - Introduction, Blogging & Research

Lesson 1

Period5 - 11 Media

Aim: To understand the aims & objectives of the sitcom exam and to understand the terms logline, synopsis and treatment.

You will complete the quiz as soon as you enter the room. You are to match the image with the release date, IMDB classification and tagline (if there is one!).

Lesson1 - Starter Quiz

Go through the correct answers and discuss. Q&A Who has seen the shows? What do you like/dislike about them? What is the main premise of each one? Complete the last column on your sheet with a short summary. Return books. You must remember to bring your books to every lesson lesson from now on. I suggest you each get a file for all your work - you will be given lots of handouts and worksheets over the nest few weeks and it is important you are able to keep this work organised for your revision.

I will explain the aims of the lessons and how it will help you in the exam. I will go through the main requirements of the exam. In your books you are to make notes.

You will now be working in groups - remember to listen to each other! Once in your groups you will select a setting, character and premise (unseen of course). I will distribute worksheets and we will read the information together. You need a highlighter or coloured pen to make annotations.
Lesson 1 - Creating sitcom

Lesson 1 - Planning a sitcom

You now have 15 mins to discuss before you will be expected to complete the planning sheet. BE PREPARED TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS. Discuss. Remember - you will be asked to complete a creative/design task in the exam. This could include, scriptwriting, a treatment, a synopsis, a storyboard etc. You need to know the correct layout and features of these production methods. Homework: Produce a glossary of production terms. This should include script, logline, tagline, synopsis, treatment, storyboard etc. You should also complete your own research. There are lots of websites giving advice on how to write sitcoms etc. I've selected a couple below to get you started. I will want to see evidence of your research in your file.

www.sitcom.co.uk - this is a great website for history of sitcom, top 100 sitcoms, writing advice, forums - you name it!

www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/ - loads of info on comedy and tips for writing

Lesson 2
Period2 - 11 Media Aim: To create a blog - get enthused!Explain the purpose of today's lesson and demonstrate using the whiteboard. Q&A the advantages and disadvantages of blogs. All log on and visit www.blogger.com I will demonstrate each stage of the process from creating an account, naming and setting up your blog. You will be able to choose a template and write a welcome message. I will demonstrate how to import images and videos and how to begin posting. Your first task is to:

• Write a welcome message to introduce yourself and to ensure settings are correct to disable comments from readers other than me!
• Find an image which represents your page and place into your template
• Write your first post about blogs and how you will use it

Now you have set up your blog! I will collect all of your blog addresses and place links from my web page to you! I will log on to each blog and have them on the screen for the class to see. Everyone is to make a note of the web site address. Homework: Look at a range of blogs and look at the features. Do you want to know how to add a clock or a hyperlink? Make a note and you can ask me tomorrow!


Lesson 3
Period4 - 11 Media
Aim: To investigate and research a specific British sitcom and to begin posting on your blog.
You all created a blog yesterday - well done. I've commented on all the blogs so have a look. You must make sure I have been added as a contributer. Remember this is not an exercise in social networking - it is your school work - so make sure it is treated as such.
Firstly you are to write a post about the sitcom you planned in Wednesday's lesson - the name, characters, setting, premise etc. You should also add a post about treatments, synopsis and loglines - perhaps with definitions and links. You will select a sitcom (unseen) and you are to find out as much information as you can about the text. Start with background of the text when it first aired, which channel, stars, writers etc. This is a mini-project for you to complete over the break. I expect to see plenty of posts on your blog which will tell me and your readers:

• Facts
• History and background
• Overview of the sitcom - episode synopses etc
  
• Character descriptions
  
• Images
• Cast lists, directors, writers etc
• Video clips/slideshows
• Reviews
• Links to other sites e.g fan sites
• Account for it's success and appeal

Make a note of the final bullet point. You must tell me why this sitcom is in the top 20. Why did it appeal? Was it the stars, the themes? Think about whether the sitcom reflected the society. Is it still funny today? Homework: To complete your posts on your selected sitcom.

I need...

Barrett's blog address - can't find it! Apols James. I will comment when I find your blog.

Katie & Hannah - poorly you - you've missed out on all our fun. Not to worry we'll soon bring you up to speed

Sophie - where's your coursework!

Listen up!

There are a couple of you who have yet to create blogs - catch up!

There are also a couple of you who have not sent me an invite to contribute to your blogs.

I'm waiting...

Welcome

Here are all the links to your sitcom blogs!

I3ens-world
jakethecake
vadersfist101
cheska-martin
Jade-dawson
booshblogger
driffysitcom
sazg
elliereidmedia
fitzpatrick
sparkie-larkie
media-work