Choose one question only

Topic: Choose one question only Order Description Your task: Choose one (1) question only and write an essay of 1800 words. 1. Conduct a semiotic reading of a media text. Briefly explain the key concepts in semiotics you are using, undertake your reading, then evaluate the significance and limitations of the theory as an analytic lens. 2. On television, the news is the only genre that may make a claim to be representing the ‘real’. Discuss. 3. Using the example of one narrative feature film, discuss the usefulness of narrative theory and/or structuralism as an analytical tool for uncovering how meaning is generated in a text. 4. Focusing on one media text (e.g. television series, narrative feature film, music video) discuss the usefulness of feminist media studies as an analytical tool for discussing representation. 5. How do you think the media affect us? Critically evaluate debates on media effects, and traditional and new approaches to media effect theories. With reference to one particular case study, provide your considered assessment of how the media influence, and affect, us. 6. Do media audiences still exist, in a convergent, digital media landscape? Explain how you see audiences, drawing on the ideas discussed in the unit. Provide at least one case study of media audiences in action –– or, alternatively, how we are now looking at the ‘people- formerly-known-as-the-audience’ (Jay Rosen) –– to ground your discussion. 8. Choose a case study of media representation. With reference to concepts and theories studied in the unit, explain what kind of social group or category is being represented in the chosen text, analyse how this works, and make a case for the broader social implications you observe from this. 9. If many of our dominant media representations are narrow and stereotypical what are the best ways to go about representing the diversity, lived experience, desires and fantasies of Australian life now? Choose a particular case study for analysis, and show how it develops your argument. Criteria for assessment follow on page 2. 1 Assessment criteria: Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Poor Appropriate referencing/format Clarity of expression Structure of argument Effective introduction/conclusion Use of language related to the unit Use of appropriate academic texts to support argument Originality of thought • – All assignments are marked through Turnitin (plagiarism detection software) • – Should there be any doubt as to the originality of your essay detailed essay plans and an annotated bibliography containing all sources will be requested.