This document provides guidance for a student assignment to analyze their own media production work using narrative theory. Students are asked to apply concepts from theorists like Todorov, Propp, Barthes, and Levi-Strauss to their own opening sequence and discuss whether it uses conventional narrative approaches, experimental approaches, or a mix of both. They should back up their analysis with evidence from their work and spend no more than 30 minutes writing their response, which is due the following week.

1. NarrativeApplying Theory to your Own Production

2. Question“Media texts rely on cultural experiences in order for audiences to easily make sense of narratives”. Explain how you used conventional and / or experimental narrative approaches in one of your production pieces.

3. AnswerApply the theory of:Todorov

4. Propp

5. Barthes

6. Levi-Strauss to your practical production. Does your practical production conform to all/some/none of them?

7. AnswerIf all, your opening was probably quite a conventional narrative. If none, your opening was probably quite an experimental narrative. If some, your narrative likely had elements that were conventional and elements that were more experimental.

8. AnswerYou will need to provide evidence from your opening sequence to back up points about conventional/experimental narrative techniques.

9. Final TipsStructure is not important at this stage.You should not spend more than 30 minutes writing.This will be due for next week Monday.