Media Language - Theories

Question 1

What are the 4 theories in Media Language?

Answer 1

1) Semiotics
2) Genre Theory
3) Narratology
4) Structuralism

Question 2

Who made the theory ‘Semiotics’?

Answer 2

Roland Bartes

Question 3

Who made the ‘Genre Theory’?

Answer 3

Steve Neale

Question 4

Who made the theory ‘Narratology’?

Answer 4

Tzveten Todorov

Question 5

Who made the theory ‘Structuralism’?

Answer 5

Claude Levi-Strauss

Question 6

Explain the ‘Genre Theory’ by Steve Neale

Answer 6

All genres abide to a set of codes and conventions, which are established over a long period of time and are repeated continuously. This is confirmed by Steve Neale who states that genres go through a journey of ‘repetition, variety and difference’.

Question 7

Explain the theory ‘Narratology’ by Tzvetan Todorov

Answer 7

The idea that all narratives share a basic structure that involves a movement from one state of equilibrium to another.

These two states of equilibrium are separated by a period of imbalance or disequilibrium.

The way in which narratives are resolved can have a particular ideological significance.

Question 8

Explain the theory ‘Structuralism’ by Claude Levi-Strauss

Answer 8

The idea that meaning is dependent upon pairs of opposition and the way in which these binary oppositions are resolved can have particular ideological significance.

Question 9

Explain the theory ‘Semiotics’ by Roland Bartes

Answer 9

The idea that texts communicate their meanings through a process of denotation, which involves the literal meaning of the image and the level of connotation involves the multiple meanings suggested by the image.

Question 10

What is the common pattern of movement throughout all linear narratives which Todorov believes in?

Answer 10

1. A stable equilibrium
2. A disruption of the equilibrium
3. A recognition of the disrupted equilibrium
4. An attempt to restore equilibrium
5. The restored/reordered equilibrium