Oct 3rd: Applying Theoretical Frameworks to Set Texts

I'm afraid I'm at a meeting in London today, so can't be with you. However, that doesn't stop us does it!

THE BIG PICTURE

WALT: How do we apply the theoretical frameworks we have studied so far to the 'Tide' & 'Kiss of the Vampire' set texts?

EXPLAIN (TIDE ADVERT)

In a post entitled 'Tide Advert', list and define the terms below (or a Google Doc if you still haven't got a blog). You may research the terms using the internet or any other resource. All these terms are used in the Tide fact sheet (in sidebar) but they aren't explained or defined. It is important that you understand what they mean! You can support your definitions with examples, illustrations, graphics, hyperlinks to sources, etc. Help each other too.

• Copy (look at the definitions on the classroom wall)
• Z-Line
• Rule of Thirds
• Serif
• Sans-Serif
• Dress Code
• Mode of Address
• Lexis
• Hyperbole (pronounced "Hi-per-bal-lee")
• Superlative
• Tripling

PRACTISE (TIDE ADVERT)

Using our desktop published of choice (QuarkXpress) annotate an image of the Tide Advert (use the 'snipping' tool to take a screenshot from the fact sheet). Use the fact sheet (see sidebar) and your new understanding of key terms to complete the annotation. I only want you to consider the most important information from the following sections of the fact sheet though;

1. Part 1: Media Language
2. Part 2: Representation

Do not try to include every piece of information; just the key stuff and, for now, ignore Part 3,  the 'Audiences' section, of the fact sheet (we haven't covered these theoretical frameworks yet).

MODEL

Here is my example of what your annotation may look like at the beginning (with only one annotation though - I wouldn't want you to copy me!)...

To make the arrow, I used the line tool and manipulated the width and end point. Have a go!

REVIEW

Once you have completed your annotation, export it as a PDF and submit it in our Google Classroom.

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KISS OF THE VAMPIRE

Repeat the same process for the 'Kiss of the Vampire' film poster. Start, once again, by defining the language used in the fact sheet in a new post.

• Intertexts (look around the room for an example of intertextuality to help)
• Gesture Code
• Icon / Iconography

Again, submit your annotated PDF in our Google Classroom.

Theory Understanding Perception Statement

26th Sep: Basic Theory Part IV

Smart Start

Let's start by revisitng the theories studied so far...

Theory Test

Learning Check

Identify the gaps in your own knowledge (I will confirm) and plan your revision timetable in preparation for your 'Individual Knowledge Gaps Retest' next week.

Explain

Today we will answer the following questions:

1. What is David Gauntlett's Identity Theory?
2. What is Stuart Hall's Representation Theory?
3. What is hegemony?

Practise

Present your understanding of these theories in your online journal. Use examples (from real media products if you can) to illustrate your full understanding.

Review

How developed is your understanding of the following theories & topics?

1. Steve Neale's Genre Theory
2. Todorov's Narrative Theory
3. Levi-Strauss' Structuralist Theory
4. Liesbet van Zoonen's Feminist Theory
5. bell hook's Femininst Theory
6. Paul Gilroy's Postcolonial Theory
7. David Gauntlett's Identity Theory
8. Stuart Hall's Representation Theory
9. Roland Barthes Theory of Semiotics
10. Propp's Character Theory
11. Moving Image Media Language

Student Perception of Understanding

Perception Record

Notice

In the homework post (see earlier post), I've added some personal revision. This is based upon the outcomes of last lesson's smart start. Please make sure you fill these gaps in your understanding. Email me if you require further support.

20th Sep : NEA Basics Episode 3

Smart Start

List the Photoshop Elements skills & tools that you have developed and used so far.

Learning Check

For each element, identify how confident are you that you could apply the skill and use the tool if given an unsupported, independent project brief?

The Big Picture

In today's lesson you will answer the following questions;

1. What is QuarkXpress?
2. How do you use the Move Tool and the various Content Tools to construct a magazine page?
3. What is a pull-quote?
4. What is runaround?
5. What is Lorem Ipsum?
6. How do I export my completed page using the pdf file format?

Explain

To answer these questions, watch the training tutorial below. It was captured using QuarkXpress 9 on a Mac, but it is very easy to follow using QuarkXpress 2018 on PC.  Just remember that when I say "frame" in the tutorial, I mean "border" in the PC version.

Learning Check & Practise

Using the techniques shared in the tutorial, create your own magazine page. You can use a found image as your main image and Lorem Ipsum as the copy. You must include a pull-quote, sidebar, drop capital, page furniture and folio information.

Review

You will export and share your completed magazine page. We will then peer-assess your success, identifying areas of strength and, maybe, some areas for development.

19th Sep: Basic Theory Part III

Smart Start

Use the link below to access today's smart start, focusing on the theories studied so far and camera movement media language.

Media Language Quiz 1

Learning Check

We will go through the answers using the no hands policy. How well did you do?

The Big Picture

In today's lesson, we will answer the following questions;

1. What does the term 'discourse' mean?
2. What does convergence mean?
3. What is colonialism?
4. What is ethnocentricity?
5. What does hierarchy mean?
6. What is an LDC?
7. What is Gilroy's Ethnicity & Postcolonial Theory?

Explain

We will use the following presentation to support our learning;

Practise

Watch our Water Aid set text in the sidebar. Then answer the following questions in your online learning journal (blog);

1. How does the Water Aid advert support or challenge Paul Gilroy's Post-Colonial Theory?
2. Consider this text in the context of Levi-Strauss' Structuralist Theory. What binary oppositions are apparent?
3. How does the Water Aid advert support or challenge Van Zoonen's Feminist Theory?

Review

Homework

Visit the 'Media Language' page in the sidebar and learn the media language associated with 'Camera Movements' (3rd sub-section on the media language page).

Independent Homework

Tyler: Revise bell hook's feminist theory.
Jacques: Revise bell hook's feminist theory.
Joe: Revise bell hook's & Van Zoonen's feminist theories and Levi-Strauss' structuralist theory.
Ben: Revise bell hook's feminist theory & Todorov's narrative theory.

13th Sep: NEA Basics Episode 2

In the second of this week's lessons, we will continue to develop some basic NEA skills by answering the following question...

1. How do I construct a war film poster using selection tools, clone tools & blend modes

For this second Photoshop Elements project, use my screen cast as a guide (again, completed in Photoshop CS6 but easily transferred to Photoshop Elements 2018).

Take screenshots at various stages so that you can publish a post outlining the workflow and explaining the tools you are using (use snipping tool).

Alternatively, you may download a paper workflow document.

Once again, you will need some stock images to start;

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jeor34mkl6wuat1/Bazooka%20Joe.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e0jianxgj3mr0mi/Bird.jpg?dl=0

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Here is an example of the completed product;

Project 2

11th Sep: Basic Theory Part II

Smart Start

What do you remember from last lesson?

Learning Check

The Big Picture

WALT

How can Barthes Narrative Codes and Propp's Character Theory help us to analyse media texts?

WILF

1. Explain Barthes Semiotics Theory using an example from our portfolio of set texts.
2. Explain Propp's Character Theory using your own example (not a set text).
3. Analyse one of our set texts, using some or all of the theories studied so far (over 2 weeks)

Explain

Barthes' Theory of Semiotics

A code is an aspect of a text from which the audience can derive meaning. We can do this through decoding or deconstructing the text; literally breaking it to pieces.

Roland Barthes was a French theorist who studied a variety of fields. Perhaps his most famous contribution to Media Studies was through his study of semiology. The following five codes can be very useful in the process of textual analysis. While you will be making far more use of some than others (action codes and enigma codes for example), learning to apply all five will prepare you for anything that may come up in the exam.

Hermeneutic/ enigma code - An enigma code is a mystery within a text that is not immediately answered. Examples could include "The man lies slumped with an ornate silver knife in his back. Who did it? Why did they do it? And why did they use such a weapon?" As an audience, we assume that this mystery is going to be solved at some point. If it isn't, the audience potentially will be frustrated. On the flip side, if the mystery is revealed too quickly (or if the audience is able to work it out too quickly!), then they could be let down. Writing a successful mystery is a difficult business!

Proairetic/ action code - Parts of a narrative which are related to things happening. For example "Gus glared at Gary, and started to crack his knuckles threateningly". At this point, the audience would probably guess that Gary is going to get punched! This code, along with enigma codes can create considerable suspense. Think about how many times James Bond has disarmed a ticking time-bomb with only one second on the clock! As an audience, we have decoded the action code of the time-bomb, and we assume that Bond is going to die, even though deep inside we know he definitely will survive!

Semantic code - Something within a text that means something, often multiple meanings. There can be many meanings within a single text.

Symbolic code - A part of a text that 'stands in' for, or means something else. For example the gold dress Nicole Kidman wears in the Chanel No.5 advert symbolizes wealth, luxury, glamour and even power. The deeper meaning of a text.

Referential code - Where a part of a text refers to something outside of the text. This assumes the audience has knowledge of whatever it is that the text is refering to. This is closely related to intertextuality, and often it can be the basis for humour. For example, The Big Bang Theory makes frequent reference to other texts, including Star Trek, Star Wars, and other aspects of 'nerd culture'. As an audience, you are more likely to get the joke if you have knowledge of these texts. Likewise, Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics take place in a world where seemingly all myths, legends, gods and comic book heroes exist. It requires a lot of background knowledge to fully comprehend every reference, but the audience can get by if they read it as a creepy story with many enigmas and symbolic codes.


Propp's Character Theory

Propps & Barthes


Steve Neale's Genre Theory

Learning Check

1) Review the Kiss of the Vampire film poster in the context of Barthes' Narrative Codes.

Kiss of the Vampire

2) Using a film that you know well, identify the character types outlined in Propp's Character Theory.

Practise

Analyse the follow set text, using the aspects of the theoretical framework studies so far.

Tide Advert

Review

Post all of your work on your Learning Journal (Blog), demonstrating your understanding of the theories studied so far.

Homework

Complete all of the work from today's lesson.

Exhibition of Students' Work

Your 'Elves' images have been published (see 'Exhibition of Students' Work' in the sidebar). You have all demonstrated the ability to blend images using a layer mask and the gradient tool. Well done! Have at look at all the images. How successful was yours compared to the others? Are there any improvements you could make?

You should publish a post on your own blog detailing the skills you have developed (just a few sentences, not an essay) and presenting your final product. You should then add a short self-evaluation (WWWs & EBIs -What Went Well & Even Better If...)

6th September (2): NEA Basics Episode 1

In the second half of today's lesson will we complete the first of two Photoshop Elements projects;

1. A step-by-step Fantasy Romance movie poster (blending two images using a layer mask and the gradient tool)

Click here to access the tutorial for the first project. Although the original project was completed in Photoshop CS6, we can easily transfer the skills to our Photoshop Elements environment. We will work through this project together.

To complete the project, you will need the following images;

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9gc4277jvf0e7m8/Horse%20Riding.jpeg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f2l6z9lm6g1ekd9/Elves%20in%20Love.jpeg?dl=0

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Here is an example of the completed product;

Project 1

Homework 

Complete the Elves poster and send it to me. Update your Online Learning Journal.

6th September (1): Essential Theories Part I

Let's start with a 5-minute analysis task!

Analysis Questions

In today's lesson you will answer the following questions;

1. What is semiotics?
2. What is the difference between 'signifier' and 'signified'?
3. What is Levi-Strauss' Structuralist Theory?
4. What is Todorov's Narrative Theory?
5. What is Van Zoonen's Feminist Theory?
6. What is bell hook's Feminist Theory?

Theory mapping to course content (use as an audit tool);

 

To help you understand understand these theories, you can access research on the web as well as some resources I have identified for you;

Introduction to Semiotics

Summary of A Level Theorists 

Media Theory Direct 

Homework

Post the date and title on your blog. Respond to the objective questions, supporting your learning with hyperlinks, images, videos, etc. You will have a short test relating to these theories next lesson (cue dramatic pantomime baddie music).