Inquiry 3 -- Composing a Remix
Getting Started
For this inquiry, you will compose your own remix, which for the purposes of this assignment, can be defined as such: a remix consists of already-existing material(s) for the purposes of making a new argument. Your remix should seek to make an argument using the tools of remix (compilation, re-appropriation, juxtaposition, text/genre merging) that we have encountered so far this semester. Building on the analysis work we’ve done thus far, Inquiry 3 asks you to consider the factors that go into composing a good remix. These factors, as I hope we have observed this semester, are always contextual. As such, you should do extensive pre-planning to limit the scope of your project and keep your remix both manageable and worthwhile.
Putting Constraints on Your Remix
Although we are opening with a broad broad conceptualization of remix, to keep your
After doing extensive (in- and out-of-class) brainstorming on the argument you wish to make, you should start making decisions about what type of remix would best accomplish your goals. Should it be a digital video using clips from popular TV shows? Should it be an alphabetic text that blends different genres or writing styles?
Pre-Planning (10%)
We will do a few things to help us get started with this inquiry.
Pop Corn Maker Video. Using Mozilla Pop Corn Maker, you will make a preliminary remix. This doesn't necessarily have to be connected to your final remix. More than anything, this will be an opportunity for experimentation--a chance layer modes of communication, juxtapose ideas, model/imitate effective remixes, and so forth.
Proposal. In a Niihka blog, identify how you want to approach this assignment. Your task for this proposal will be convincing me that your remix plan is well thought out, manageable, and purposeful. (Hint, hint: it should answer the above questions in the bulleted list.)
Draft & Peer Response (5%)
Before the final remix is due, you will have a chance to peer response your remixes. As always, your work during peer response should play an integral part of revision and expansion for the final inquiry. We will negotiate how to best accomplish peer response for this project.
Remix (50%)
This inquiry does not require you to have advanced technical skill in video/sound editing. What it does require of you is a substantial amount of remix literacy. In other words, it asks you be strategic in your choices as remix composer. Since we will be working in varying modalities with wide-ranging purposes, it’s difficult to universalize minimum requirements. However, my assessment of your remix will be roughly based on the following:
In addition to an in-class rubric built during Week 13, your remix will be assessed based on a written rationale.
Written Rationale and Rhetorical Velocity Explanation (25%)
Your final remix should make an argument that you can articulate in a written rationale. In addition to articulating your argument, you should indicate what definition of remix you adopted and why that was the best approach for your purpose.
Your rationale should also indicate how your text enters a community/conversation and others’ might re-appropriate your remix. As we will soon learn, this composing strategy is called rhetorical velocity or composing for re-composition. In addition, the rationale, much like all writer’s letters, should explain the process you went through as you planned, drafted, and produced your final text.
In short, the rationale should explain your choices as a remix composer.This rationale should run around 3 pages (standard formatting).
Presentation (10%)
This inquiry will culminate in you presenting your remix to the class. Your presentation should 1) contextualize your project, 2) show/play your remix, and 3) explain your choices as a remix composer. Presentations should last around 8-10 minutes, and will take place during Week 14.
Google Doc
For this inquiry, you will compose your own remix, which for the purposes of this assignment, can be defined as such: a remix consists of already-existing material(s) for the purposes of making a new argument. Your remix should seek to make an argument using the tools of remix (compilation, re-appropriation, juxtaposition, text/genre merging) that we have encountered so far this semester. Building on the analysis work we’ve done thus far, Inquiry 3 asks you to consider the factors that go into composing a good remix. These factors, as I hope we have observed this semester, are always contextual. As such, you should do extensive pre-planning to limit the scope of your project and keep your remix both manageable and worthwhile.
Putting Constraints on Your Remix
Although we are opening with a broad broad conceptualization of remix, to keep your
- What purpose (critique/activism/creative exploration) should my remix serve?
- What argument do I want to make?
- How can I accomplish my purpose/what should my definition of remix be (i.e. digital mashup, political video remix, etc.)?
- What source texts should I draw from?
- What associations do others make when using/remixing certain texts/genres?
- What tone should my remix seek to establish?
- How might my remix be re-composed by third parties (rhetorical velocity)?
After doing extensive (in- and out-of-class) brainstorming on the argument you wish to make, you should start making decisions about what type of remix would best accomplish your goals. Should it be a digital video using clips from popular TV shows? Should it be an alphabetic text that blends different genres or writing styles?
Pre-Planning (10%)
We will do a few things to help us get started with this inquiry.
Pop Corn Maker Video. Using Mozilla Pop Corn Maker, you will make a preliminary remix. This doesn't necessarily have to be connected to your final remix. More than anything, this will be an opportunity for experimentation--a chance layer modes of communication, juxtapose ideas, model/imitate effective remixes, and so forth.
Proposal. In a Niihka blog, identify how you want to approach this assignment. Your task for this proposal will be convincing me that your remix plan is well thought out, manageable, and purposeful. (Hint, hint: it should answer the above questions in the bulleted list.)
Draft & Peer Response (5%)
Before the final remix is due, you will have a chance to peer response your remixes. As always, your work during peer response should play an integral part of revision and expansion for the final inquiry. We will negotiate how to best accomplish peer response for this project.
Remix (50%)
This inquiry does not require you to have advanced technical skill in video/sound editing. What it does require of you is a substantial amount of remix literacy. In other words, it asks you be strategic in your choices as remix composer. Since we will be working in varying modalities with wide-ranging purposes, it’s difficult to universalize minimum requirements. However, my assessment of your remix will be roughly based on the following:
- Strategic Composing Choices (savvy use of modality, genre, source text(s), etc.)
- Critical Application/Purpose (moving beyond entertainment)
- Effort (as evidenced by amount of composing/rhetorical work put in)
- Responsible Source Use (adhering to Fair Use regulations)
In addition to an in-class rubric built during Week 13, your remix will be assessed based on a written rationale.
Written Rationale and Rhetorical Velocity Explanation (25%)
Your final remix should make an argument that you can articulate in a written rationale. In addition to articulating your argument, you should indicate what definition of remix you adopted and why that was the best approach for your purpose.
Your rationale should also indicate how your text enters a community/conversation and others’ might re-appropriate your remix. As we will soon learn, this composing strategy is called rhetorical velocity or composing for re-composition. In addition, the rationale, much like all writer’s letters, should explain the process you went through as you planned, drafted, and produced your final text.
In short, the rationale should explain your choices as a remix composer.This rationale should run around 3 pages (standard formatting).
Presentation (10%)
This inquiry will culminate in you presenting your remix to the class. Your presentation should 1) contextualize your project, 2) show/play your remix, and 3) explain your choices as a remix composer. Presentations should last around 8-10 minutes, and will take place during Week 14.
Google Doc