Eng1Dee1Mythology

“Deconstructing and Unlearning” Myths

Ancient myths have been around for a long time, contributing to shape behaviours and attitudes. This was illustrated by The War Trail of Sin’opa, and even the modern tale “How to Train Your Dragon.” On many occasions, myths have to be addressed or even deconstructed to create a more truthful image or understanding.

Public Service Announcements (PSA) often address attitudes and behaviours that are hurtful to affinity groups or society at large. Some of these messages have roots in mythology and folklore. To deconstruct these myths, PSAsinclude simple slogans that carry a message, such as “Just Say To No” (to drugs), OK2BEME (sexual diversity), or “Don’t Drink and Drive”.

The Project (Overview)

In groups of 2 to 4 students, you will create a PSA that aims to “Unlearn” misconceptions about an affinity group or social issue. You are trying to persuade an audience to change thinking, attitudes, and behaviours because they are hurtful to a particular group or issue.

Part 1: Examples: Powerpoint Presentation of PSAs

Myths that are targeted for unlearning include:

1. / 7.
2. / 8.
3. / 9.
4. / 10.
5. / 11.
6. / 12.

Part 2: Issues and Affinity Groups

You can target misconceptions/attitudes/behaviours about:criminals, ethnic groups (any group), Gay/Lesbian/Transgendered, Jocks, racial groups (any type), seniors, soft drugs (dope), teachers, “tomboy girl”

Others: i)

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

vi)

Part 3: Identifying Misconceptions to be “unlearned”

Your target group or issue
The misconceptions/attitudes about your issue/target group:
People believe that…
4 points
The truths or realities that you wish to emphasize so that the myths are unlearned: (you can point to facts, consequences, or feelings that affect the target group or issue)
4 Points

Part 4: The Project Choices:

1: Print Media

Your group creates three related print media pieces in hard (paper print out) or soft copy (computer file). The three pieces as a whole, or individually, attempt to unlearn misconceptions/behaviours/attitudes.

Your PSA campaign uses original art work such as drawings, paintings, collage, graffiti, photography, cartooning, mash-ups. When using computer images, they must by copyright free images

Your PSA campaign creates posters, bill boards, computer pop-ups, a trading card deck, cards (Hallmark type card)

Your PSA campaign includes a logo that is found on all three pieces.

2. Video/Audio Performance

Your group is creating a video/audio PSA of three 20-30 second messages or one 2 minute message.

Your group provides its own audio/video equipment with a PSA that can be shared in class. The school does have two cameras that it can sign out, but it is the lesser option.

The video/audio performance is done on school grounds or at home. Both options require that group members are connected and committed to each other to make this project a success.

Part 5: The Project Plan

PSA Print / PSA Video
Select visual material:
Poster ( ), Greeting Card ( ), Billboard ( ), Screen Saver ( ), Trading Card ( ) Bumper Sticker ( ), Button ( ) / Select video product:
Two or Three 30 second clips ( )
One 2-4 minute clip ( )
Collect Slogans (short catchy phrases that communicate the essential ideas/facts so that the myth is unlearned
6 Points / Write down in broad terms the story you will tell…
6 Points
3 Poster Plans Using Graphic Paper
6 Points / Story Board
6 Points
Print features Include:
large dominant image…………………..……5 points
simple phrases in three fonts or les…….…...3 points
readable from approx 6 feet………………….3 points
main slogan, sending message to unlearn the myths …………………………....………….………..5 points
a logical eye flow from image to text and through the phrases ………….………………..……….3 points
active verbs, as opposed to phrase with “to be”……………………………………………...2 points
a light or clam coloured background………2 points
white or empty space so that the eye rests..2 points
a logo of your campaign that is found on all three print pieces…………………………..………..5 points
Total 30 Points
Process Total 20 Points
Grand Total 50 Points / Video feature include:
includes a brief plot…………...... 7 points
is audible ……………………………………...4 points
includes clear images that communicate ideas……..
………………………………………………….4 points
includes editing choices without gaps in plot and images………………………………………….3 points
main slogan, sending message to unlearn the myths …………………………………………………..5 points
is logical from scene to scene so that the plot is established……………………….…………….4 points
engages audience to think further about the images and messages………………………….……...3 points
Total 30 Points
Process Total 20 Points
Grand Total 50 Points

Campaign:

  1. Who are your Advertising Company Members? What are their personal strengths: writer, artist, creative ideas person, videographer, animator, or organization/management? List below:
  1. What equipment do we need to accomplish our goals and what supplies are required? List: below:
  1. How will we manage our time, in order to finish the campaign on time? Do we need a schedule for our Group? How can we ensure commitment from all group members?
  1. Remember: Who is your Target Audience? How will you interest them? What are our strategies to get our message out to our Target Audience-Teens? List below:
  1. What is your chosengenre/type/category of Adverting Campaign? Print/ Video/ Audio/Performance? Circle your choice(s).
  1. Persuade me/Sell you group’s Concept: Group write a 2 page long, word processed, draft form-(every other line),Proposal for your Advertising Campaign, as a whole, reflecting or outlining the entire individual parts of your Campaign. Indicate why your group believes that this campaign would be successful, when others have not been for this particular Target Audience.
  1. Write out your Group’s OriginalCatchy Slogan: Remember that ‘less is more’ when it comes to Advertising Slogans-use short phrases and direct language when writing your Slogan.Illustrate your Original Inspiring Logo and explain why it captures the message of acceptance and inclusion that this campaign is meant to express.