We have now looked at a range of documentaries, articles, theories and adverts. The key to doing well in Section B of this exam is being able to put all of this information together and create an answer which shows you can apply knowledge and understanding when analysing media products and processes to show how meanings and responses are created.
You should have a good understanding of the key concepts, semiotics, types of readings (preferred, negotiated, oppositional), theorists (Barthes, Propp, Todorov, Levi-Strauss) and also theories such as Uses & Gratifications, Hypodermic Needle and Reception Theory. If you need to re-cap on any of these then read through your notes again, use google or come and find one of your teachers and we will explain it again.
Theory you should know:
Barthes came up with the theory of sign, signifiers and icons
‘If the text is analysed according to Barthes theory of signs, the audience could read the red cloak as a symbol of anger and conflict.’
Hall came up with denotation, connotation, encoding and readings.
‘Using Hall’s theory of readings, it seems that the preferred reading of the text is….. However, it could also be argued that an oppositional reading would see the More Four sequence as highly sexist.’
Todorov came up with the theory of narrative structure of equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium.
‘The narrative structure of the sequence shows the pattern of Todorov’s disequilibrium and new equilibrium.’
Levi-Strauss came up with binary opposition in characters and narrative (e.g good vs evil, rich vs poor)
‘Katie Price is clearly positioned as Andre’s opposite, in terms of Levi Strauss’ theory of character types’.
Propp came up with a more detailed theory of character types.
‘the female stuck in her car is presented like one of Propp’s character types, the princess or damsel needing rescue’
Barthes also came up with the theory of narrative codes including the enigma code.
‘the trailer strongly suggests a Barthes narrative enigma leaving the audience wanting to solve the mystery of the murders’.
For your homework, I would like you to answer the following question in 45 minutes:
Due on Tuesday 19th
