Lesson 4: Character roles in 'The IT Crowd'

1) Create a mindmap about each of the three main characters

2) Look at each character discussing their issues and look at camera framing (page 11)

3) Discuss how Propp's character roles are used in each character's narrative arc

Lesson 5: Character representations in 'The IT Crowd'

1) In 3 groups (of about 5) focus on each of the main 3 characters and complete notes (page 13-15)

2) Rainbow groups and complete notes on the other two characters

3) In pairs or 4s, complete notes on either gender or status of characters, then swap notes to discuss and complete notes. (page 16-17)

Lesson 6: Sound and Music

1) Listen to opening sequence of 'IT Crowd' and make notes on music and sound use (page 18)

2) Listen to opening of 'Friends' and compare similarities and differences

3) Write longer answer using first question on page 18 about sound based on the three clips from 'The IT Crowd'

Lesson 7: Settings in 'The IT Crowd'

1) Complete notes on the mise-en-scene using images on pages 20 and 21

2) Watch scenes from 'Friends' pilot episode that are set in the home, the meeting place, and the workplace

3) Complete longer question on page 22 about how typical the settings in the IT crowd are for sitcoms

Lesson 8: Narrative structure of sitcoms

1) Read and highlight / make notes on pages 23-25

2) Refer back to the narrative arcs at the top of the pages for the three main characters (pages 13-15) . Discuss how each of these storylines would appeal to different demographic groups and different psychographic groups

3) Pick one of the characters' narrative strand and complete the extended answer question on page 26

Lesson 9: Types of Humour

1) Identify examples of where different types of humour are used in 'The IT Crowd' (page 27-28)

2) Look at how intertextuality is used in the episode and discuss how it creates humour

3) Highlight parts of model answer

4) Complete extended answers to two questions (MIDPOINT ASSESSMENT)

Lesson 10: Introduction to 'Friends'

1) Read and highlight 'Why 'Friends' was and still is a TV phenomenon' article.

2) Discuss how 'Friends' is both a typical sitcom and look at contextual factors that led to it being so popular, making notes

Lesson 11: Introduction to 'Friends' episode 1: Pilot

1) Watch the set episode of 'Friends' (Pilot). You will be given part of the table (page 36) to focus on, and a section of the first 12 minutes of the show to focus on in detail to make notes on (pages 37-38 in booklet). We will discuss and share some of these notes, and you will need to share and collect other parts by talking to other students

Friends Netflix

2) Use the stills from 'Friends' to make notes on the mise-en-scene and settings of the show (pages 39-40)

3) Watch the opening sequences of 'Friends' and 'The IT Crowd' then read and highlight the model answer. Write additional sections to further compare the two opening credits sequences.

Lesson 12: Representations in 'Friends'

1) Make notes on what we learn about each character from the dress codes and composition of the still frame on page 41

2) Divide into four groups, one group each focusing on Monica, Rachel, Ross and on the other characters.

3) Rainbow groups to complete notes about all characters after starting off with each group sharing some points

4) Discuss the character roles (Propp) and narrative structure of each character's narrative strand (Todorov)

5) Complete types of humour table for the episide (pages 27 and 28)

Lesson 13: Looking at 'Friends' as an historical text

1) Discuss examples of intertextuality in 'Friends' and consider how these would be received by audiences

2) Read the article about '10 Times the classic sitcom was problematic' and discuss whether we agree that these aspects of the show have dated it.

Lesson 14: Practice questions and assessment

1) Look at examples of extract analysis questions. Annotate and link to mark scheme success criteria

2) Watch an extract, make notes and plan and write a response

3) Look at model answer on page 58. Plan and write answers to other selected exam questions