Alabama State University The Simpsons Homer vs Patty and Selma Paper
*Note: The Simpsons is available on Disney+ or individual episodes can be purchased on YouTube for around $2 each. If this added expense is realistically not feasible, talk with me and we can arrange an alternate assignment of similar length and with similar expectations.
For this assignment, you will to select one or more of the Simpsons episodes we have watched in class (or from the list provided) and complete a 3 to 5 page (double spaced; Times New Roman) critical analysis. For this assignment, you are expected to briefly summarize the main plot of the episode and offer a critical sociological perspective on the episode using material from the course.
In your first paragraph, you should state which episode you watched and offer a concise summary of the main plot of the episode. Your critical analysis should make up the majority of the remaining space, with the exception of a required concluding paragraph summing up your submission. The critical analysis is where you should make connections with course material and the material in your textbook. This is NOT a space to share how it connects to your personal experiences and your personal life. This is the space for you to weave together and synthesize the material from episode you selected and the material we have covered over the semester. The point of the critical analysis portion is to identify and discuss how concepts we have covered are present in the episode you chose. In what ways do the happenings in Springfield, USA parallel the sociological research we have covered this semester? This is an exercise in extending and applying course concepts to a different context.
The following example might help illustrate submission expectations:
“In this episode, Marge was invited to the country club. In our textbook, Ballentine, Roberts, and Korgen (2020) discussed the concepts of social class and the theoretical perspective known as symbolic interactionism (define each!!). Specifically, they assert that we often use symbols and other means to indicate things like our social class membership. In this episode, Marge is careful in presenting (and concealing) specific symbols to endear herself to members of the upper class. For example, she (list some of the things she does in the episode to represent her use of symbols of social class or even just how social class is portrayed in the episode). We see other indicators of social class in this episode as well, including (examples) which parallel what we learned in class about X,Y, and Z.”
More broadly and simply, discuss and define course concepts and extend to show how they were represented or included in Springfield. As you watch your episode(s), are any of the theories we have discussed apparent or might they be useful in explaining the Simpsons? The expectation is that you tie the episode to course concepts, citing the textbook or other sources we have used, defining and drawing upon concepts we have discussed during the semester, and even incorporating applicable theory (where applicable—encouraged, but not required).
I encourage you to proofread, and even have others proofread. I highly encourage you to partner or group up and switch papers, offering constructive feedback. I am also happy to scan over your work if you send early and give me sufficient time.
Tentatively, I plan to show the following episodes in class to illustrate specific course concepts:
Episode
Corresponding chapter
Date
Homer vs. Patty and Selma (S6:E17)
Socialization
September 9
Homer the Great (S6:E12)
Interaction, groups, and organizations
September 23
Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield (S7:E14)
Social stratification
October 7
Please Homer, Don’t Hammer ‘Em (S18:E3)
Gender stratification
October 28
Separate Vocations (S3:E18)
Education
November 9
Other episodes you may watch and offer critical analysis:
Homer Badman (S6:E9): A bit concerned about assigning this one, due to concerns with how it almost mocks individuals who feel they are victims of sexual assault, but that’s something that might also be included in analyses. There are also themes of media and socialization, etc.
Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th commandment (S2: E13): broadly relates to deviance (Homer steals cable). There are also other things you might think about, including sanctions, both positive and negative.
Brake My Wife, Please (S14:E20): Running themes of the devaluation of women’s work and their contributions to families
Fraudcast News (S15:E22): Running commentary on the influence of the media on public opinion (socialization), and even about the increasing concentration of media in the hands of the powerful (conflict theory).
There’s Something About Marrying (S16:E10): Admittedly, I have not watched this one yet, but reviews were good. The broad theme is about same-sex marriage. Although many LGBTQ activists spoke highly of the episode, there is also apparently anti-LGBTQ sentiment in the episode as well, so a fair warning. It is not my role to push either argument on you, but to rather encourage you to be critical of both sides of an issue in general and its place in our ever-evolving society. With our course, keep in mind again the goal is to remain respectful of competing views that may challenge your current perspective.
Steal this Episode (S25:E9): I have not watched this one yet, but I think this would relate well to our chapter on crime and deviance. Homer is ultimately arrested for pirating movies. Likely would be plenty to discuss related to sanctions, the relativity of deviance and norms (what is deviant or normative in one society or group is not universal; it can change across time and place).
Friend with Benefit (S27:E6): I have not watched this one yet. Revolves around the concept of social class and wealth. Would likely work well with discussions of conflict theory, symbolic interactions, microcultures, etc.
Lisa on Ice (S6:E8): I have not watched this one yet either, but pertains to gender roles, and perhaps even a bit of American values (competition and winning).
