Media Language Theory

Question 1

What is Roland Barthes’ theory of ?

Answer 1

Semiotics
* 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

Question 2

What is Tzvetan Todorov’s theory of ?

Answer 2

Narratology
* the idea that these two states of equilibrium are separated by a period of imbalance or
disequilibrium

Question 3

What is Levi-Strauss’ theory of ?

Answer 3

structuralism
* the idea that meaning is dependent upon (and produced through) pairs of oppositions

Question 4

What is Steve Neale’s ____ theory ?

Answer 4

genre
* the idea that genres may be dominated by repetition, but are also marked by difference,
variation, and change

Question 5

What is Jean Baudrillard’s theory of ?

Answer 5

Post-modernism
* the idea that in postmodern culture the boundaries between the ‘real’ world and the world
of the media have collapsed and that it is no longer possible to distinguish between
reality and simulation