ASSIGNMENT: Analysis is an essential skill needed to for success in college and in life. An analysis involves first breaking down the information presented in a work into individual pieces and then examining the pieces to better understand the whole. Almost anything can be analyzed. This assignment asks you to analyze a cultural product, which must be approved by your teacher. A cultural product may include images, videos, advertisements, written and oral texts, and much more. Cultural product(s) include: Literature— a short story, novel, poem or play Music— a song, album, video or performer Cinema or Television— a character in a movie or TV series Advertising— a specific ad or an ad campaign—print, internet, or television. Social media— a blog, Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter site Print media— a specific magazine Fashion— a specific article of clothing or fashion within a specific era Toys— a specific toy or a category of toys (Barbie, Rag Dolls, G.I. Figures, Appliances, etc.) Visual Art: photography, painting, sculpture. Technology—a specific gadget or company As you analyze, consider the following questions: How does this cultural product contain or promote specific values? How is it representative of wider social assumptions that are reproduced and circulated and/or published, including the scope and method of circulation? How is the product experienced or interpreted? How does it contribute to and actively shape cultural ideals and expectations? How does it support or revise conventional ideas, practices, or expectations? How does it utilize symbolism to create meaning? How does it participate in influencing the formation of personal or group identity? What is its role in society? What essential elements of its form (visual or textual composition, style, presentation) contribute to its meaning? How does it adhere to conventions of a larger genre or category? (the “genre” may be action movies, men’s magazines, etc. In the process of considering these questions, you should do some research to become better informed about possible topics.