Lecture 1: Semiotics
Blog Task:
- Set up your blog & email Nick your link - by the next session.
- Write-up main points of session 2 - semiotics terminology (see Bignell reading).
- Notes from Roland Barthes’ The World of Wrestling from Mythologies.
Semiotics Terminology:
Semiotics can be traced back to Ferdinand de Saussure and Charles Pierce.
A sign is anything that is capable of conveying meaning such as written words, speech and images. Signs can be grouped together to form codes - connotations which the signs can be referred to once connected.
Structuralism - Relationships based on method and interpretations of aspects of human cognition, behavior, culture and experience as we grow.
Essentialism - Belief of set characteristics based in our DNA of our ancestors' experiences.
They become symbolic - arbitrary signs have no resemblance to the physical appearance or attributes to the words it refers to. These signs work due to the differences between another. Each sign has a different meaning within different languages conveying they also have cultural meaning behind them.
Saussure - Perspective of reality constructed by the words and signs around us.
Each sign has two sides (dyad): Signifier + Signified = Sign
Signifier - the physical representation of the subject weather through verbal or textural context
Signified - the mental concept of the subject and experience with the subject/ cognitive reading
Language: The whole language system
Sign: Single Word
Parole: Partial example of speech or writing
Syntagm: A complete, ordered sequence of signs
Paradigm: Allows for exchange over a similar sign. Metaphorical or abstract sign without changing the overall structure
Marx on Ideology
Force of society ruling intellectual force. Some social groups retain a privileged position whereas others are less fortunate. Difference in class affects access to media. The dominant ideologies only operate through a general consensus.
A sign is anything that is capable of conveying meaning such as written words, speech and images. Signs can be grouped together to form codes - connotations which the signs can be referred to once connected.
Structuralism - Relationships based on method and interpretations of aspects of human cognition, behavior, culture and experience as we grow.
Essentialism - Belief of set characteristics based in our DNA of our ancestors' experiences.
They become symbolic - arbitrary signs have no resemblance to the physical appearance or attributes to the words it refers to. These signs work due to the differences between another. Each sign has a different meaning within different languages conveying they also have cultural meaning behind them.
Saussure - Perspective of reality constructed by the words and signs around us.
Each sign has two sides (dyad): Signifier + Signified = Sign
Signifier - the physical representation of the subject weather through verbal or textural context
Signified - the mental concept of the subject and experience with the subject/ cognitive reading
Language: The whole language system
Sign: Single Word
Parole: Partial example of speech or writing
Syntagm: A complete, ordered sequence of signs
Paradigm: Allows for exchange over a similar sign. Metaphorical or abstract sign without changing the overall structure
Marx on Ideology
Force of society ruling intellectual force. Some social groups retain a privileged position whereas others are less fortunate. Difference in class affects access to media. The dominant ideologies only operate through a general consensus.
Roland Barthes’ The World of Wrestling from Mythologies
How is the role/ character of each wrestler defined and communicated to the audience?
We are being introduced at the beginning by the commentator about the wrestler's physical power through their height and weight. The audience's reaction also help communicate the characteristics of the wrestler's as we received boos for Giant Haystacks and cheering for Big Daddy. Not only this but each of their clothes also indicate a bit of their personality, Big Daddy dressed in white's and gold...all of which are light and pure and we see this when he tries to help up the referee whereas Giant Haystacks has unkempt hair and wears darker colours such as maroon, tis dark side shows as he plays a bit unfair having kicked Big Daddy as he was helping out someone who was not an opponent.
What is the role played by the commentator?
The commentator's role is to put things into context as he narrates a 'story' of events which unfold. He directs the current events with their reaction as well as adding in verbal communication to explain what is happening in the match.
What about the role of the referee?
The referee adds onto the comedic purpose of the match as he adds onto some drama and indirectly engages with the audience. We can also see a comparison between the wrestler's and a normal man who doesn't wrestle but has been put into the ring. The referee controls the match to ensure there is fair play and plays a part of the performance as much as the wrestler's do.
Crowd response is the action in the ring clear to follow? If so how is this made possible
The wrestler's have this exaggerated gesture when they are in the ring, to show the audience a clear view as some incidents may be hidden. The audience's cheers dictate how they feel towards each wrestler and the fight.
Based on observation would you classify wrestling as a sport?
Wrestling is not a sport although it does appear to have similarities to a sport, overall wrestling is a theatre performance, It does not have the same nature of how sports authentically turn out.
We are being introduced at the beginning by the commentator about the wrestler's physical power through their height and weight. The audience's reaction also help communicate the characteristics of the wrestler's as we received boos for Giant Haystacks and cheering for Big Daddy. Not only this but each of their clothes also indicate a bit of their personality, Big Daddy dressed in white's and gold...all of which are light and pure and we see this when he tries to help up the referee whereas Giant Haystacks has unkempt hair and wears darker colours such as maroon, tis dark side shows as he plays a bit unfair having kicked Big Daddy as he was helping out someone who was not an opponent.
What is the role played by the commentator?
The commentator's role is to put things into context as he narrates a 'story' of events which unfold. He directs the current events with their reaction as well as adding in verbal communication to explain what is happening in the match.
What about the role of the referee?
The referee adds onto the comedic purpose of the match as he adds onto some drama and indirectly engages with the audience. We can also see a comparison between the wrestler's and a normal man who doesn't wrestle but has been put into the ring. The referee controls the match to ensure there is fair play and plays a part of the performance as much as the wrestler's do.
Crowd response is the action in the ring clear to follow? If so how is this made possible
The wrestler's have this exaggerated gesture when they are in the ring, to show the audience a clear view as some incidents may be hidden. The audience's cheers dictate how they feel towards each wrestler and the fight.
Based on observation would you classify wrestling as a sport?
Wrestling is not a sport although it does appear to have similarities to a sport, overall wrestling is a theatre performance, It does not have the same nature of how sports authentically turn out.
Lecture Notes:
02/02/22
Lecture 2: Reading words and Image
Blog Task:
Upload your notes covering terminology;
Upload your notes covering terminology;
- Anchorage (types)
- Difference between denotation & connotation
- Intertextuality
- Drawing and analysis of the Treachery of Images (Rene Magritte
Reading Words and Image Terminology:
Anchorage: the relationship between words and visuals – both stand together complimentary in the relationship. How they stand together to guide the audience.
Word Specific: Text or verbal words provide all or most of the information that we need to decode the message.
Image Specific: Image providing all or most of the information that we need to decode the message.
Dual Message: Words and image communicate together – in tone or context.
Interdependent (or Convergent): Words and images working together as they contribute information independently – conveys neither could do alone.
Parallel or Divergent: Following different ‘paths’ and communicate they ideas that do not intersect.
Word Specific: Text or verbal words provide all or most of the information that we need to decode the message.
Image Specific: Image providing all or most of the information that we need to decode the message.
Dual Message: Words and image communicate together – in tone or context.
Interdependent (or Convergent): Words and images working together as they contribute information independently – conveys neither could do alone.
Parallel or Divergent: Following different ‘paths’ and communicate they ideas that do not intersect.
Denotation - primary meaning
Non-coded – A sign's instant reading/literal meaning A general consensus or a census – a literal deduction Connotation - secondary reading Plane of expression…abstraction can take many forms, including style, mediums, materials, and production.... Inducers of ideas – connect to other ideas Intertextuality
The connection between two or more texts |
Ceci n'est pas une pipe
Text denotations:
The text denotations of these photos are as follows: "This is not a pipe" is translated from French. The writing is written in a poetic font that seems like handwriting. Text connotations: The language connotations of the phrase, on the other hand, indicate to the viewer that what they are looking at is not a pipe but something altogether different. The full stop at the conclusion of the sentence indicates that the statement is true. The word "pipe" is a major signifier in the text, and it conjures up images of the thing. The curls in the font reflect an expressive handwriting style, yet the uniform size of each letter gives the typeface a professional appearance. Rene Magritte's signature in the bottom right corner denotes ownership and authority over the images. Image denotations: The dentations in the image come from a realistically painted pipe on a canvas, painted with oil paint. Surrealism is the style of this piece. Image connotations: While the picture connotations are of a highly talented painting depicting a pipe, the lighting within the artwork demonstrates a level of realism. The pipe's dark, rich colours make it appear more masculine, and the pipe's gold band makes it appear more valuable. As a result, the images appear to be a sign of authority and prestige. Anchorage: The interaction between text and image pushes readers to examine the image itself by working together to provide meaning. Frame of reference: The background or frame of reference for this work of art is that it was painted in 1929 by Rene Magritte when she was 30 years old, and the significance and impact that this image has had on people is always altering with our changing society and our own particular perspectives on the world. |
Lecture Notes:
09/02/22
Lecture 3: Decoding Advertising
Blog Task and Notes:
- Upload Panzini ad (class analysis with reference to Barthes' The Rhetotic of Image).
- Conduct a semiotic analysis of a modern magazine ad of your choice.
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Panzini Advertisement:
linguistic message
Non coded - Literal meaning Labels, brand names, and colours all contribute to the image's overall structure. The title 'the luxury of Italy' implies that this is high-end food that you may serve to your family, something that appears to be more expensive despite the fact that it appears to be grocery shopping. Although knowledge of French is required to comprehend the text, several words are comparable to those found in the English language, making it possible to decipher the message. Coded - Connotations The repeated brand name on several products demonstrates the brand's commitment, and the products have a high quality thanks to professional photography and product composition. Image Message
Denotation (non-coded) reading A tablecloth is covered with an assortment of food items (both loose and in packaging). The photograph is an example of an iconic sign; the brand name is what catches the eye and guides it throughout the image. Connotation/coded reading To make the products stand out, the objects have been carefully composed. The string bag not only makes the image appear more ecologically friendly, but it also shows us exactly what has been placed, including the tiny ingredients, creating a more authentic family-friendly image. The lighting gives the image a warm tone that contrasts nicely with the tomato outside the bag. The red, white, and green colours are reminiscent of the Italian flag, indicating the origin and legitimacy of the items as well as how delicious the food will be. • Associating: linking factory-produced goods with organic/natural goods... • Intertextuality: arranged like a still life - a piece of art - a link to historical Italian painting |
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EXO'S KAI - Dazed Magazine:
linguistic message
Non coded - Literal meaning Dazed Magazine promotes Kai with his upcoming drama: First Kiss For the Sixth Time. Dazed is a renowned fashion magazine that caters to people all around the world, with a focus on South Korea as Kai is a well-known face in the k-pop business as a member of EXO and belonging to one of the world's wealthiest corporations (SMENT). Coded - Connotations The magazine's title features the firm name in bold to draw the reader's attention to who worked on it; the brand is well-known, and the model they chose appeals to a wide range of target audiences. The rest of the headlines are minor and do not relate to the magazine's core theme. Image Message Denotation (non-coded) reading The body picture draws our attention to the watch, implying that the magazine is trying to sell the readers something. The word "time" is used in the text to describe the product. Kai flaunts his expensive Diesel watch, which contrasts with the rest of his clothing. Connotation/coded reading Dark colours contrast with neutral yellow tones, bringing the model and goods to life. The photograph has been meticulously positioned to ensure that Kai is the center of attention in the magazine, with his face taking center stage. |
Lecture Notes:
16/02/22
Lecture Four: The Graphic Code of Comic Books
Blog Task and Notes:
- Write-up Scott McCloud text (transition types).
- Casestudy: research a comic artist of your choice & analyse a page of their work.
Moment to Moment
The frames in a moment to moment transition have a modest or slight difference between them, indicating that a short period of time has passed.
Action to Action
During the same scenario, the action to action transition reveals distinct acts of the characters.
Subject to Subject
The transition from subject to subject depicts a shift in subject while remaining in the same setting or concept.
Scene to Scene
Transitions from scene to scene indicate that a substantial amount of time has elapsed. Changes the location of the user.
Aspect to Aspect
Aspect to aspect moves the scenes from one panel to the next, drawing the viewer's attention to them. There is no apparent time change, and the different parts of the same scene are shown.
Non-Sequitur
Non-Sequitur transitions contain no connection between panels and leave the interpretation to the observer.
The frames in a moment to moment transition have a modest or slight difference between them, indicating that a short period of time has passed.
Action to Action
During the same scenario, the action to action transition reveals distinct acts of the characters.
Subject to Subject
The transition from subject to subject depicts a shift in subject while remaining in the same setting or concept.
Scene to Scene
Transitions from scene to scene indicate that a substantial amount of time has elapsed. Changes the location of the user.
Aspect to Aspect
Aspect to aspect moves the scenes from one panel to the next, drawing the viewer's attention to them. There is no apparent time change, and the different parts of the same scene are shown.
Non-Sequitur
Non-Sequitur transitions contain no connection between panels and leave the interpretation to the observer.
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Robert William Montana (October 23, 1920 – January 4, 1975) was an American comic who was born in the state of California. His characters from the Archie Comics are well-known. I chose one of the Sabrina comics from the Archie Comics Timeline for this assignment.
After examining my comic, I found that not all transition kinds are required to fit on a single page, and instead, it maintains it simple with only two or three different styles. My action to action scenes reveal signs of assisting/hugging Sabrina before shoving her into the sea. The transition from scene to scene depicts a geographical shift from one location to another. The last panel was a little more difficult to translate, but I thought moment to moment fit it well because Sabrina would have just been outside her house for a short time before entering her kitchen. |
Lecture Notes:
23/02/22
Lecture Five: Subculture and Style
Blog Tasks and Notes:
- Define what a subculture is - using at least one academic source.
- Post visual examples of cultural capital (fashion, graphics... etc.) for a subculture of your choice.
Mainstream culture -
Mainstream culture is the parent culture or prevailing culture of society, molded by powerful political, media, social, and corporate forces. The goals of dominant social groups are reflected in mainstream culture. It can only function if everyone agrees.
Subculture -
A subculture is a group of people who belong to a subculture that is believed to be distinct from the general public or mainstream culture. It occurs when people refuse to engage in mainstream culture, or when they subvert, parody, or disrupt aspects of it.
"we are interested in subculture – in the expressive forms and rituals of those subordinate groups – the teddy boys and mods and rockers, the skinheads and the punks – who are alternately dismissed, denounced and canonized; treated at different times as threats to public order and as harmless buffoons."
"The word ‘subculture’ is loaded down with mystery. It suggests secrecy, masonic oaths, an Underworld. It also invokes the larger and no less difficult concept ‘culture’. So it is with the idea of culture that we should begin."
Hebdige, Dick. Subculture : The Meaning of Style, Taylor & Francis Group, 1981. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cumbria/detail.action?docID=169053.
Mainstream culture is the parent culture or prevailing culture of society, molded by powerful political, media, social, and corporate forces. The goals of dominant social groups are reflected in mainstream culture. It can only function if everyone agrees.
Subculture -
A subculture is a group of people who belong to a subculture that is believed to be distinct from the general public or mainstream culture. It occurs when people refuse to engage in mainstream culture, or when they subvert, parody, or disrupt aspects of it.
"we are interested in subculture – in the expressive forms and rituals of those subordinate groups – the teddy boys and mods and rockers, the skinheads and the punks – who are alternately dismissed, denounced and canonized; treated at different times as threats to public order and as harmless buffoons."
"The word ‘subculture’ is loaded down with mystery. It suggests secrecy, masonic oaths, an Underworld. It also invokes the larger and no less difficult concept ‘culture’. So it is with the idea of culture that we should begin."
Hebdige, Dick. Subculture : The Meaning of Style, Taylor & Francis Group, 1981. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cumbria/detail.action?docID=169053.
Dark Academics
Dark Academia is a well-known academic aesthetic centered on classic literature, self-discovery, and a general thirst for knowledge and learning. It's one of several variations on the Academia aesthetic, each with its own focus on a specific subject. The graphics in Dark Academia are mostly inspired by upper-class European civilizations of the nineteenth century, Gothicism, and American Prep. The upper class of this era valued a liberal education that included courses like Latin, rhetoric, and classics. These are now considered as odd and little esoteric, providing an allure that portrays learning as something that cultivates mystery, curiosity, and diligence that isn't usually seen in modern education.
Dark Academia is a well-known academic aesthetic centered on classic literature, self-discovery, and a general thirst for knowledge and learning. It's one of several variations on the Academia aesthetic, each with its own focus on a specific subject. The graphics in Dark Academia are mostly inspired by upper-class European civilizations of the nineteenth century, Gothicism, and American Prep. The upper class of this era valued a liberal education that included courses like Latin, rhetoric, and classics. These are now considered as odd and little esoteric, providing an allure that portrays learning as something that cultivates mystery, curiosity, and diligence that isn't usually seen in modern education.
Lecture Notes:
02/03/22
Lecture Six: Gender and Identity
Blog Tasks and Notes:
- Upload notes to your blog
- Conduct a review of Laura Mulvey’s essay – Visual Pleasure & Narrative Cinema. Key points? (See Blackboard – Learning Materials folder)
- Read through ‘critical essay’ questions (See Blackboard – ASSESSMENT folder)
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Sex and Gender
Sex biological difference between male and female. Official documents/legal requirements etc. Gender the cultural roles of masculinity and femininity - social constructs. Key debates on gender
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The male gaze
Erving Goffman - Gender Advertisements
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The Tiger Who Came To Tea
- 1960's Children's book - Reinforces gender stereotypes - women in the kitchen and the men at work = the perfect family life around that era - Masculine and Feminine roles - Power Dynamic - Mother and Daughter are the only women who appear - everyone else around them are all men - The tiger (male) is seen to be causing a mess - the mother is worried about the kitchen and what her husband would think - the husband 'saves' the day |
Cover analysis - Tom Holland (GQ) vs Khloé Kardashian (Cosmopolitan)
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Cosmopolitan - Khloé Kardashian
- Colours are brighten and more vibrant - use of pink enforces femininity. - Headlines are sexist and misogynist - basing a women's worth based on how they appear. - Use of text feels more messily laid out - doesn't lead the eye well. - Casual clothes, shows the full body - reinforcing gender roles and femininity. |
GQ - Tom Holland
- Colour scheme is dark and and greyish which is also seen as a masculine colour/shade. - Tom appears sophistacted in his apparel and the use of typeface also reflects this. - The title and headlines appear more organised and well thought of. - Bust shot - focusing more on the facial expression - Gender roles enforced within the suit. |
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Regressive argument?
- Heterosexual in context and outlook. - Reinforce/obscure patriarchy. - Link gender and consumerism. - Unrealistic role models. |
Progressive argument?
- Post modern texts, irony and humour. - Provide sense of community. - Encourage dialogue between man and woman. - Provide cultural place for gender identities to be explored. manipulated or preserved. |
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Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema - Laura Mulvey
Mulvey's essay delves into the concept of 'The Male Gaze,' as well as the pre-existing patterns of sexual inequalities between men and women. However, I would say that this theory and idea are still relevant in today's world.
Mulvey begins by discussing Freud's views. Erotic pleasure is linked to coded erotic themes interlaced throughout popular film. Women are seen as objects, which is linked to narcissistic and voyeuristic viewers who observe and objectify those on the cinema screen, regarding them as virtually unreal. Cinema is the loss and reinforcement of ego at the same time. In response to the notion that women are envious of men because they lack a penis and Instead they have a vagina, and as such, they must be 'punished,' as they pose a threat to male viewers. It is later claimed that the objectification of the vagina, and women in general, occurs as a result of this dread in males. Overall, I thought this essay to be incredibly intriguing and enlightening, despite its difficulty in reading. Many of the viewpoints are antiquated, but they do aid in explaining how our society and culture have been influenced. I believe the essay has supplied me with crucial information and tools to analyse and acknowledge the underlying biases, thus I will definitely view movies in a new perspective. |
Lecture Notes:
09/03/22
Lecture Seven: Global Culture and Ethical Design
Blog Tasks and Notes:
Choose one of the following;
Choose one of the following;
- Analyse one of the written extracts (see Learning Materials folder)
- Find examples of artists/designers who take a strong ethical and/or political stance in their work.
- Construct/write a personal ethical manifesto
Lecture Notes:
16/03/22
Lecture Eight: Post Modernism and Visual Culture
Blog Tasks and Notes:
- Read through/annotate at least one of the written extracts (see Learning Materials folder).
- Construct a glossary of key terms covered in session.
- Critical essay questions - make progress
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Key themes: Rationalism. Technology > culture. Belief in grand narratives. Foreground of high (elitist) culture.
Post truth culture: Distrust in fact/expert opinion. Truth is relative, contested, not absolute. Replaced by authenticity. Modernism: Roughly took place in America from the mid-19th century to the late 1970's. There was a sustained period of development in the arts which innovated change within media, industry and sciences, etc. Political and power constructs. Post Modernism: A reaction that goes against the intellectual assumptions of the modern period, goes against values in history. Concept lacks consensus of the meaning. Rationalism: Religious ideologies being replaced by scientific ideologies. Determinism: Idea that our actions and choices are predetermined by the history before us. Meta-narrative: Explores storytelling and is often drawing attention to its own artificiality. After Modernism: Idea that modernism met it’s end and can not be modernised. Anti Modernism: The complex reactions to the failures of modernism (conflicts, holocaust, ecological disasters etc.). Rejection of rationalism and truths, scepticism of grand political schemes of modernism. A feminist view to modern media. Hyper Modernism: The concept based on the continuation of Modernism and post modernism. An incomplete constant state. The idea of an object is irrelevant to the function. |
Hyper Reality: A lack of boundaries between fantasy and reality.
Bricolage: Sampling of ideas from the past to create something new (pop music, imagery, design, aesthetic etc.) Parody: loaded simulation of the original text (author and referent). Work that emulates another with the intention to mock the original. Pastiche: Images presented without context or reality which removes the meaning. Intertextuality & Double coding. Hybridity & Irony. Intent to celebrate the work it originally emulates. Visual culture Mutations of public space: Urban or fantasy architectural spaces, eg. theme parks are hyper reality. Global/cultural hybridity. The Unstable Image: Lack of trust in images due to the loss of reality and context as images are easily manipulated using photoshop. The real or untouched. Bricolage, parody and pastiche. Intertextuality and double coding. Hybrid genres and recycled narratives. The real, retouched or recycled: No longer trusting images as a true representation. The degradation of image, reading representation and not meaning. Semiotic overload. The society of the spectacle: Mediation – perception of life lived on and seen through screen. |
High Vs. Low Culture
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High culture
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Low Culture
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Lecture Notes:
23/03/22
Lecture Nine: The Critical Designer
Lecture Notes:
30/03/22
Lecture Ten: The Research Journey
Blog Tasks and Notes:
In pairs or trios: Select a topic Come up with a research question Design a research project to answer your question. Pick a topic (or come up with your own) Come up with a research question. Design a research project;
In pairs or trios: Select a topic Come up with a research question Design a research project to answer your question. Pick a topic (or come up with your own) Come up with a research question. Design a research project;
- Memes and postmodernism
- Typography and album covers
- The role of inspiration in the creative process
- Zines as subversive media
- The role of emotion in the creative process
- The illustration or design process -digital tools vs traditional tools
- Diversity in children’s picturebooks
- Subculture
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Creative research - Exploratory, serendipitous and non-linear. For inspiration and for problem-solving. Idiosyncratic – and often difficult to describe
Academic research - Research seeks the answer to a question or a solution to a problem. Research is rooted in theory (and may create new theory) Visual - Study of media or artefacts Social science - Surveys, interviews etc Practiced based - Research by doing |
Quantitative methods use numbers
• Surveys, counts and questionnaires • Aim for generalisability – to represent the whole of target population Roots in sciences • Good for snapshots or trends • Can’t answer how or why Qualitative methods use words • Interviews, focus groups, conversations, diaries etc • Aim for deeper insights • Recognises complexity of ‘humans’ in cultures and wider society • Values individual perspectives • Good for asking how or why • Difficult to generalise |
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By Karamo Brown, Jason "Rachel" Brown, Anoosha Syed (Illustrator)
Diversity in children’s picturebooks
African American Culture
Illustration Process
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Lecture Notes:
27/04/22
Lecture Eleven: Academic Presentation and Harvard Referencing
Lecture Notes:
04/05/22
Lecture Twelve: Conclusion and Dissertation Introduction
Lecture Notes:
11/05/22
Essay Notes: Gender & Style Magazines
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