Study Guide

To get an A, you will need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the material by correctly citing articles, screenings, lectures, and case studies.  A good way to approach the material is to ask why changes occurred, how it affected film and television, and how these changes were reflected in the screenings.  For example, what was the change in the representation of African Americans, why did this change happen, and how did it affect film and television?  I am going to assume you were at the last lecture if not, JKK is not testing on Frank's Place or the Prince reading from the Film Reader.  To discuss African American representation, you will need to cite Grey's article, and the two documentaries from that week.  Do yourself a huge favour, and screen them in SMIL, and take notes about how and why changes occurred. 
Another, cause and effect arena to consider would be genre revitalization (word?) and hybridity especially with regards to the blockbuster.  Why were genres revisited and reworked?  What are blockbusters?  Why were they necessary?  This topic will largely need evidence from the screenings like Star Wars (definitely a Blockbuster) and Little Big Man (not a blockbuster, but a satirical, highly allegorical genre revisionist film).  A good approach to this topic would maybe be a comparison in the allegorical representation of the Vietnam War or the American Empire between these two films.  Also, this topic will demand an understanding of the conflict in Nicaragua.
Which bring us to media conglomeration.  Why did this occur?  How did media conglomeration affect film and television?  Who and what were the main players and legislation involved in this the formation of media conglomerates?   How was media conglomeration, Nicaraguan and Vietnam conflicts represented in Walker?   Walker is a complex film that pushes the boundaries of many genres, it would be worthwhile to re-screeening it for evidence.  What scenes in particular reflect media (or corporate) conglomeration, or are allegorical of the Vietnam conflict?  How and why does this film (or Star Wars, or Little Big Man) use genres?  To discuss media conglomeration, and blockbusters, you will need to discuss franchise films, and synergy, which are discussed very plainly in the Schatz and Holt articles. 
Lastly, the myth of the liberal media is a product of media conglomeration.  For this, all of the information is taken from the Noah Chomsky documentary.  If you wish to discuss Sopranos, you will need to discuss pay-tv and how and why it came to be.  Sopranos could also be used to discuss genre revisionism.

I know it's a lot of information, so maybe tackle 2 or 3 weeks.

Please let me know if you have any further specific questions and I'll post any  subsequent student questions as well.