Media Language Theory

Question 1

What is Roland Barthes’ theory of Semiotics?

Answer 1

• the idea that texts communicate their meanings through a process of signification
• the idea that signs can function at the level of denotation, which involves the ‘literal’ or
  common-sense meaning of the sign, and at the level of connotation, which involves the
  meanings associated with or suggested by the sign
• the idea that constructed meanings can come to seem self-evident, achieving the status
  of myth through a process of naturalisation.

Question 2

What is Tzvetan Todorov’s theory of Narratology?

Answer 2

• the idea that all narratives share a basic structure that involves a movement from one
  state of equilibrium to another
• the idea that these two states of equilibrium are separated by a period of imbalance or
  disequilibrium
• the idea that the way in which narratives are resolved can have particular ideological
  significance

Question 3

What is Levi-Strauss’ theory of structuralism?

Answer 3

• the idea that texts can best be understood through an examination of their underlying
  structure
• the idea that meaning is dependent upon (and produced through) pairs of oppositions
• the idea that the way in which these binary oppositions are resolved can have particular
  ideological significance

Question 4

What is Steve Neale’s genre theory?

Answer 4

• the idea that genres may be dominated by repetition, but are also marked by difference,
  variation, and change
• the idea that genres change, develop, and vary, as they borrow from and overlap with
  one another
• the idea that genres exist within specific economic, institutional and industrial contexts.