Media Diversity Content Analysis

Assignment

For this assignment, you will conduct a content analysis of a recent television episode using the Bechdel Test. The Bechdel Test evaluates the representation of women in media based on the following three criteria:

  • The episode must have at least two women as cast members.
  • The two women must speak directly to each other.
  • The conversation between them must be about something besides a man/male character.

Assignment Steps

  • Select a current television episode
    • Choose an episode from a series currently in production (the last episode has to have aired within the past year).
    • The series can be from a broadcast network, cable, or streaming service.
  • Conduct the Bechdel test by answering the following questions:
    • How many female characters are in the episode?
    • How often do two women speak directly to each other onscreen?
    • What topics do these conversations cover
    • Are they related to the plot? If yes, how important are they to plot development?
  • Write your paper using the following outline:
    • Introduction

    • Show Selection:
      • Name the show and explain your reasons for choosing it
      • How successful or popular is the show?
      • Provide the following background information on the series:
        • On which channel or streaming service did the show originate?
        • If it is on a broadcast network or cable, what day and time does it originally air?
        • How long has the series been in production?
        • Has the show had the same producer or showrunner from the beginning of the show? Who is the creative force behind the show?
    • Episode Context:
      • Briefly summarize the episode’s main plot points.
      • State your expectations before conducting the analysis. Do you predict that the episode will pass or fail the Bechdel Test? Why or Why not?
      • Provide context for the episode within the series by providing:
        • Where does it fall in the season?
        • What significant developments have taken place this season?
    • Data Collection:
      • Summarize the interactions that took place in your selected episode.
      • Include the following:
        • Note how many conversations involved two or more women.
        • What are the range of topics in those conversations?
        • Highlight whether the conversations met or failed the Bechdel criteria.
    • Reflect Upon Your Findings:
      • Did the results align with your expectations? Why or why not?
      • Did the episode pass or fail the Bechdel test
      • Consider the implications of:
        • What does this say about the show’s representation of women?
        • How important are the female characters to the plot?
        • If the episode failed the test, are there any positive qualities in its portrayal of women?
        • If it passes, how strongly does it meet or exceed the criteria?
    • Conclusion

Grading Criteria

  • Depth of Analysis – 20 points
  • Contextual Understanding – 15 points
  • Clarity and Organization – 15 points
  • Critical Reflection – 10 points