Formatting and submission process:
at least one page, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point font, stapled if multiple pages
(find a stapler before class!)
include your first and last name in the top left hand corner of the first page, followed by the date and the title of the assignment (Analyzing Pop Culture Exercise)
hand in a paper copy in class AND
e-mail your paper to hart0644@umn.edu and khalf081@umn.edu by the end of the day on Oct. 1. (yes, we need both a paper copy, handed in in class, and an e-mailed copy)
Subject line: GWSS 3306 Analyzing Pop Culture Exercise
File format: MS Word or Pages (do not send a pdf or share a Google doc with us
attach the file to your e-mail)
Document/file name: Your Last Name_Analyzing Pop Culture Exercise
e.g.: Franklin_Analyzing Pop Culture Exercise
Instructions:
1) Listen to/watch Flawless multiple times. The video can be found here: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyuUWOnS9BY
2) Take notes on what you hear and see.
3) Write a detailed description (using fully-formed sentences organized into paragraphs) based
on your notes. This description should be at least one double-spaced page. You are welcome
to write more.
4) No outside research is necessary beyond watching/listening to the music video. You need not
provide citations for the video or lyrics (I have access to this information). Lyrics can be found here: http://www.lyricsreg.com/lyrics/beyonce/Flawless+ft. +Chimamanda+Ngozi+Adichie/
Suggestions:
Before beginning this assignment, listen to the New York Times sounds from around the world
sonic essay, and read the two pieces about how to listen to music (links available on Moodle). Note: you need not be concerned about learning a lot of music-specific lingo if you do not already have a background in musicjust do your best to describe what youre
hearing using words that make sense to you.
You may find the How to Read a Film handout (posted on Moodle under Helpful
Handouts) useful as well.
Questions you might ask (you need not answer all of these):
How is the music video structured?
Where is the video set? Is the setting realistic or abstract? Does the setting change?
Who appears in the music video? What are they doing? What are they wearing? How are they
moving?
Is there a narrative (i.e., a story)? If so, how is that narrative conveyed? If there isnt a
narrative, how is the action organized?
Where/at whom and how are viewers supposed to look (think about the readings we did about
the gaze)? What filmic and camera techniques are utilized?
Whats the pacing of the video? Are there slow or fast moments?
What kinds of voices do you hear (singing, speaking, rapping, etc.)? Whose voices do you
hear? How would describe the quality of those voices?
What instruments can you identify?
Is there an identifiable melody (a tune you could hum)?
Is there an identifiable, consistent beat (something you can tap your toe to)?
How is the song structured? Are there any recurring patterns or sections? Do any of the lyrics
repeat?
What is the songs dynamic range? Is it mostly loud, or are there quieter moments as well?
How fast or slow is the song? Does it feel like a walking tempo, something you might dance
vigorously to, etc.?
Are there any non-musical sounds/noises that you can identify? If so, what are they, and why
do you think they are there?
What feelings do you experience watching and listening to the video?
Who do you think the intended audience is?
What do you think the video is trying to convey?
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