Zuzanna's coursework: July 2024

Monday 15 July 2024

Postmodernism

Postmodernism in music video: Blog tasks

Media Magazine Theory Drop - Postmodernism

Create a new blog post called 'Postmodernism in music video: blog tasks'. Read ‘The Theory Drop: Postmodernism’ in MM66 (p26). You'll find our Media Magazine archive here - remember you'll need your Greenford Google login to access. Answer the following questions:

1) What did media theorist and Semiotician Roland Barthes suggest in his essay 'The Death of the Author'?

suggested that the interpretation of someone's work should not be based on the intentions or identity of the author. Instead he argued for focusing on the reader's interpretation and the text itself.

2) What is metatextuality?

Metatextuality refers to the relationship between texts, where one text refers to or comments on another text.

3) What is the repeated phrase on the cartoon on postmodernism on page 28?

Didn't have access

4) How does postmodernism link to media representations and reality?

Postmodernism suggests that media representations don't present reality; they actively shape how we see and understand it.

Music video CSPs and postmodernism

Now apply postmodern ideas to our music video CSPs by answering the following questions:

1) How does the music video for Ghost Town incorporate elements of postmodernism?

Intertextuality
Irony
Pastiche
Deconstruction

2) What film genres are alluded to in the music video for Ghost Town? Which scenes in particular created these links?

film genres like dystopian and post-apocalyptic films from scenes depicting empty streets, and abandoned buildings create.

3) How does Old Town Road use postmodern elements in its music video?

"Old Town Road" mixes country and hip-hop, references Western films with comedy, blending old and new elements of media in a playful way.

4) How does the Old Town Road music video reflect technological convergence and modern digital culture?

The "Old Town Road" music video mixes old cowboy themes with modern internet culture, showing how technology and digital trends reshape traditional ideas in creative ways.

5) What do YOU think Lil Nas X was trying to say about reality and American culture in the music video for Old Town Road?

In the "Old Town Road" video, Lil Nas X critiques stereotypes of American cowboy culture while celebrating individuality. He blends old and new elements to challenge traditional ideas about identity and reality in a playful way.

Ghost town

The Specials - Ghost Town: Blog tasks

Background and historical contexts

Read this excellent analysis from The Conversation website of the impact Ghost Town had both musically and visually. Answer the following questions

1) What subcultures did 2 Tone emerge from in the late 1970s?

2 Tone emerged from the ska and punk subcultures in the late 1970s. It blended elements of both genres with a distinctive focus on race.

2) What social contexts are discussed regarding the UK in 1981?

Social contexts discussed regarding the UK in 1981 include rising unemployment, racial tensions, and social problems.

3) Cultural critic Mark Fisher describes the video as ‘eerie’. What do you think is 'eerie' about the Ghost Town video?

The "Ghost Town" video is eerie because of its portrayal of abandoned streets and buildings this atmosphere is similar with the song's themes of social unrest during the time.

4) Look at the final section (‘Not a dance track’). What does the writer suggest might be the meanings created in the video? Do you agree?

The writer suggests that the "Ghost Town" video creates meanings of isolation and desolated streets and aligns with the song's themes of social unrest.

Now read this BBC website feature on the 30th anniversary of Ghost Town’s release.

1) How does the article describe the song?

It was a song that mixed the Ska and punk genre in a time where there was social unrest.

2) What does the article say about the social context of the time – what was happening in Britain in 1981?

high unemployment rates, social unrest, and tensions as significant issues influence the culture and society at the time. These challenges provided the background information for "Ghost Town".

3) How did The Specials reflect an increasingly multicultural Britain?

by blending ska and punk with reggae influences, incorporating diverse band members, and addressing social issues of racism while incorporating unity in their lyrics.

4) How can we link Paul Gilroy’s theories to The Specials and Ghost Town?

through their use of ska and reggae music, which originated from Caribbean communities in the UK. The band's multicultural lyrics addressing social issues like racism reflect Gilroy's emphasis on hybridity.

5) The article discusses how the song sounds like a John Barry composition. Why was John Barry a famous composer and what films did he work on?

John Barry was a famous composer known for James Bond, his music for films like "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," and "Diamonds Are Forever" helped define the spy genre.

Ghost Town - Media Factsheet

Watch the video several times before reading Factsheet #211 - Ghost Town. You'll need your GHS Google login to access the factsheet. Once you have analysed the video several times and read the whole factsheet, answer the following questions:

1) Focus on the Media Language section. What does the factsheet suggest regarding the mise-en-scene in the video?

empty streets, props, abandoned buildings, broken windows, lighting (dim or natural light), and costumes (band members' clothes reflecting the era and style).

2) How does the lighting create intertextual references? What else is notable about the lighting?

classic film noir's use of shadows and contrasts adding to the lighting, enhancing the video's eerie atmosphere and urban setting.

3) What non-verbal codes help to communicate meanings in the video?

non-verbal codes such as facial expressions of band members, camera angles focusing on desolate urban landscapes, and use of symbols like broken windows and empty streets help convey meanings of abandonment.

4) What does the factsheet suggest regarding the editing and camerawork? Pick out three key points that are highlighted here.

Use of Quick Cuts

Long Takes

Camera Movements

5) What narrative theories can be applied to the video? Give details from the video for each one.

Todorov's Narrative Theory: The video starts with a normal city scene, disrupts it with abandonment, and resolves with the band performing in desolation.
Propp's Character Functions: The band acts as heroes facing societal abandonment, navigating obstacles like empty streets and buildings.

6) How can we apply genre theory to the video?

The "Ghost Town" video blends music video with movie, creating a hybrid genre.

7) Now look at the Representations section. What are the different people, places and groups that are represented in the Ghost Town video? Look for the list on page 4 of the factsheet.

include abandoned city, diverse band, horror themes and possibly issues like poverty or racial tensions.

8) How can Gauntlett's work on collective identity be applied to the video?

showing how it addresses concerns and diversity, showing a sense of collective identity among the audience.

9) How can gender theorists such as Judith Butler be applied to Ghost Town?

Gender theorists like Judith Butler could analyse "Ghost Town" by looking at how the video portrays and challenges traditional ideas about gender roles and identities.

10) Postcolonial theorists like Paul Gilroy can help us to understand the meanings in the Ghost Town music video. What does the factsheet suggest regarding this?

It reflects issues of race, identity, and isolation.

TV and Film LR

Your learner response is as follows:

Create a new blog post called 'TV assessment learner response' and complete the following tasks on your coursework blog:

1) Type up your feedback in full (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential).

2) Read the whole mark scheme for this assessment carefully. Identify at least one potential point that you missed out on for each question in the assessment (even if you got full marks for the question).

• The increasingly blurred nature of film genres in the contemporary media landscape. Sequels

and parodies often offer intertextual references and audience pleasures linked to recognition of other films, franchises, genres or stars. Possible theories: Steve Neale –

similarity and difference; Schatz – genres are dynamic and go through cycles. Kingsman: The Secret Service suggests the parody or deconstruction stages – where genres are

experimented with to establish new or different conventions.

3) The first question demanded a response using postmodern terminology. Write a definition here of the three main terms:

Bricolage: "Bricolage" is the creative act of using whatever materials or resources are on hand to construct or achieve something new.

Pastiche: "Pastiche" refers to a creative work that imitates or incorporates various styles, techniques, or elements from different sources or periods, often to create a new and distinctive composition.

Intertextuality: "Intertextuality" refers to the relationship between texts, where one text references, quotes, or alludes to another text. It highlights how texts are interconnected and can influence each other's meaning and interpretation.

4) Read this exemplar answer for the 25-mark question in the assessment. Select a quote from the essay for each of the following aspects from the mark scheme:

a) analysis of the products that focuses on contexts and ideological positioning - media products are inherently ideological, they cannot avoid positioning audiences

b) use of media theory - the construction of representation through the narrative conventions of enigma and suspense is highly artificial, making it very difficult to read the programmes as representations of reality

c) a judgement or conclusion on the question - The focus on real historical events raises questions about how these events can be represented to create an ideological position.

d) examples from the TV CSPs - Representations of the Stasi include their role in detentions and murder but the alignment of the audience with Lenora and Martin counters this.

e) use of media terminology - The narrative relies on a highly constructed enigma of the detective narrative providing audience pleasure but complicating the concept of realism.

5) Based on this assessment, write three things you need to revise before the upcoming end of Year 12 exams.

Enigma codes
Media terminology
Unseen

UCAS paper 2 LR

Y12 exam - Media Paper 2: Learner response

1) Type up your feedback in full (you do not need to write mark/grade if you do not wish to).

WWW: some attempt to apply Hall's Theory

EBI: Need a stronger understanding of reception theory and more details into the CSPs.

2) Read the mark scheme for this exam carefully, paying particular attention to the 'indicative content' for each question. Firstly, focus on the unseen question and identify two aspects of the poster that you could have written about in your answer.

• The way events, issues, individuals and social groups (including social identity) are

represented through processes of selection and combination

• The codes and conventions of media forms and products, including the processes through

which media language develops as genre

3) Look at the indicative content for Q1 again and make a note of any theories or examples of media terminology you could have used in your answer.

Reception Theory
Encoding Theory
Specific Genres ( horror, sci-fi, thriller )
Visual Codes

4) Now focus on the TV 25-marker. Read this exemplar response for the TV question and pick out three arguments, phrases or theories from the essay that you could use in a future question on Capital and Deutschland 83.

• The focus on the cold war is a reference to actual historical and political events

where the encoder assumes a certain cultural competency.

• The narrative is structured around the use of oppositions to represent East and West

Germany and their signifying values, these will be decoded differently depending on

political perspectives and experience of the audience.

• The hero is an East German, reflecting values associated with communism and

socialism, to what extent does identification with character make these the

preferred values of the drama?

5) Finally, identify three things you need to revise for Media Paper 2 before your next assessment or mock exam.

Reception theory
Visual codes
Encoding Theory

War of the worlds

War of the Worlds: Blog tasks

Media Factsheet

Read Media Factsheet #176: CSP Radio - War of the Worlds. You'll need your Greenford Google login to download it. Then answer the following questions:

1) What is the history and narrative behind War of the Worlds?

"The War of the Worlds" is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells about Martians invading Earth, causing chaos and destruction with their advanced technology.

2) When was it first broadcast and what is the popular myth regarding the reaction from the audience?

The radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds" by Orson Welles aired on October 30, 1938. It is said that it caused widespread panic among listeners who believed the Martian invasion was real.

3) How did the New York Times report the reaction the next day?

The New York Times reported the next day that there was widespread confusion and some panic among listeners during the broadcast, they also said that the panic was not as severe as initially reported.

4) How did author Brad Schwartz describe the the broadcast and its reaction?

Captured listeners' attention with its realistic news about a Martian invasion. He also discussed how reports of widespread panic were exaggerated.

5) Why did Orson Welles use hybrid genres and pastiche and what effect might it have had on the audience?

To make the broadcast feel realistic and engaging, aiming to captivate listeners with its unrealistic broadcast.

6) How did world events in 1938 affect the way audiences interpreted the show?

World events in 1938, included political tensions and the threat of war making the audience believe this was real.

7) Which company broadcast War of the Worlds in 1938?

Mercury Theatre on the Air, which was part of the CBS radio network.

8) Why might the newspaper industry have deliberately exaggerated the response to the broadcast?

Newspapers may have exaggerated the response to the broadcast to attract more readers through realism.

9) Does War of the Worlds provide evidence to support the Frankfurt School's Hypodermic Needle theory?

Yes, "The War of the Worlds" broadcast does provide evidence to support the Frankfurt School's Hypodermic Needle theory. This theory suggests that media messages are directly put into audiences, shaping their beliefs and behaviour.

10) How might Gerbner's cultivation theory be applied to the broadcast?

Gerbner's cultivation theory suggests that seeing the same media messages can shape perceptions of reality. In the case of "The War of the Worlds" broadcast, it influenced how audiences viewed if the Media was truthful.

11) Applying Hall's Reception Theory, what could be the preferred and oppositional readings of the original broadcast?

Preferred Reading: Listeners understood it as entertainment, appreciating the drama without believing it was real.
Oppositional Reading: Some interpreted it as a real news, causing fear and panic among those who missed the disclaimer.

12) Do media products still retain the ability to fool audiences as it is suggested War of the Worlds did in 1938? Has the digital media landscape changed this?

Yes, media products can still influence and mislead audiences, but digital platforms have changed how this occurs as information can spread faster even if its not true.

Media Magazine article on War of the Worlds

Read this excellent article on War of the Worlds in Media Magazine. You can find it in our Media Magazine archive - issue 69, page 10. Answer the following questions:

1) What reasons are provided for why the audience may have been scared by the broadcast in 1938?

Its realistic news-style presentation and some listeners tuning in late or missing the disclaimer that it was fake.

2) How did newspapers present the story?

Dramatic descriptions of panic caused by listeners who believed the fictional Martian invasion was real.

3) How does the article describe the rise of radio?

The article describes radio as a change in communication, becoming a good way for presenting news and entertainment.

4) What does the article say about regulation of radio in the 1930s?

In the 1930s, the article mentions efforts to regulate radio to ensure true and responsible broadcasting.

5) How does the article apply media theories to the WOTW? Give examples.

Reception Theory: It explores how audiences interpreted the broadcast, with some receiving it as entertainment (preferred reading) and others mistaking it for real news (oppositional reading).
Hypodermic Needle Theory: It considers whether the broadcast went into fear, it was a direct impact on beliefs and reactions.
Cultivation Theory: It shows how the repeated message may shape ideas and beliefs.

Final index

FINAL INDEX:

Postcolonial theory

Postcolonial theory: blog tasks

Wider reading on race and Old Town Road

Read this W Magazine deep dive on the Yeehaw agenda and answer the following questions:

1) How did the Yeehaw agenda come about?

The Yeehaw agenda started as a social media movement to reinterpret cowboy culture, especially among Black communities.

2) Why has it been suggested that the black cowboy has been 'erased from American culture'?

It's suggested that the black cowboy has been 'erased from American culture' because of depictions and historical narratives often focus on white cowboys, neglecting African Americans.

3) How has the black cowboy aesthetic been reflected by the fashion industry?

The black cowboy aesthetic has been reflected in the fashion industry through cowboy hats, boots, and denim

4) Read the section on Lil Nas X and Old Town Road. What does it suggest about race and the country music community?

Lil Nas X and "Old Town Road" sparked discussions about race and the country music community by challenging traditional ideas of who can participate in country music.

5) What elements of the song and music video are suggested to be authentically country and western?

Lyric Themes
Musical Style
Visual Imagery

6) What genres of music does the article suggest have been shaped by black influences?

The article suggests that genres of music such as rock and roll, jazz, blues, and hip-hop have been shaped significantly by black influences.

7) In your opinion, what do you think has been the driving force behind the Yeehaw movement?

In my view, the Yeehaw movement has been a desire to reclaim and reinterpret cowboy culture, especially among Black communities.

Applying postcolonial theory to Old Town Road

Revise the postcolonial theories we have studied and apply them to the Old Town Road music video:

1) How does the Old Town Road music video both reinforce and challenge black stereotypes in the media?

Reinforcement: It reinforces stereotypes by depicting Lil Nas X in cowboy attire and featuring Western culture.
Challenge: It challenges stereotypes by presenting Lil Nas X in a empowered image, subverting expectations of what a black artist should look and sound like in the country music genre.

2) How could you argue that the Old Town Road video challenges Gilroy's theory of double consciousness?

The "Old Town Road" video challenges Gilroy's theory of double consciousness by presenting Lil Nas X confidently embracing cowboy culture and blending genres.

3) How does Lil Nas X and Old Town Road provide an example of Hall's theory of race representations? Alternatively, you could argue against this if you prefer.

Lil Nas X and "Old Town Road" use Stuart Hall's theory by subverting stereotypes and changing cultural boundaries in music. He blends genres like country and hip-hop, challenging traditional expectations of race and genre.

4) Are there any examples of Alvarado's theory of black stereotypes in the Old Town Road video? Why/why not?

In the "Old Town Road" video, Lil Nas X challenges black stereotypes by presenting a confident and empowered black cowboy, which goes against traditional expectations of race and genre in music videos.

5) How does Lil Nas X provide a compelling case study for bell hooks's theory of intersectionality?

Lil Nas X uses bell hooks's theory of intersectionality by challenging stereotypes associated with race, sexuality, and genre.

Zuzanna's coursework