Artifact AssignmentAn Example

LSJ/CHID 332

Fall 2009

Assignment Guidelines

Turn in 3 essays (10/29, 11/12,12/10) Identify 1 artifact for each paper and address

the following items:• Who produced the item and for what audience?

• Where was it produced, where was it found?

• What message about disability does it convey?

• How does it fit into one (or more) of the models of disability?

What is an Artifact? Anything in society that portrays disability in some way

(think of disability in terms of how we have defined it in class)

Examples:• Movies• TV shows• Articles• Books• Signs• Comics• Songs• Jokes• Visual arts

Artifact:

What is the item…

Josh Blue is a man with Cerebral Palsy who was a contestant on a reality television show for comics. Josh often uses experiences in his life as a man with disabilities in his comedy routine. He ultimately won the entire contest.

This particular video is an excerpt from Josh’s comic routine in which he talks about his experiences being a man with disabilities.

Who produced this item…

NBC - Last Comic Standing Television Show

Who is the audience…

The show was a national show and anyone could call in and vote for their favorite comic

What message about disability is conveyed having Josh on the show?

People with disabilities can be “witty and humorous” and compete in a national TV event.

Having a disability isn’t something one needs to hide.

What is Josh’s message?

I’m a regular guy (comic) It is okay to talk/joke (?) about disabilities Don’t pity me AND…

Remembering the models…

Social Moral Personal Tragedy Medical

What models can be applied to this artifact?

Social Personal tragedy (mocking it)

• People staring

• You’re “going to hell for laughing”

• Inspiration for doing stand up

Medical (mocking it)• Drunk Tank

• Nothing wrong with me

Grading Criteria 2 pages double spaced or 1 single spaced. Remember your grammar! Place ALL of the required pieces into the essay Use at least 3 of the models across 3 essays

• You do not need to use all of the models, just the ones that apply to your artifact, but write about at least 3 by time you are done.

Think about the models in terms of message(s) of the artifact.

There are PLENTY of artifacts out there.• You must choose 3 different mediums.

Grading Matrix per Artifact

Grammar = 1 pt Who produced/who was the audience = 2 pt

Where was it produced/found = 1 pt What message is being conveyed about

disability = 3 pt How does it fit into one or more models of

disability = 3 pt Total = 10 pt