• Semiotics
• Text/Sign
• Prior Knowledge

• Intertextuality
• Truth
• Denotation/
  Connotation

• Change
• Myth
• Alien

• Two Things
• Two More

• Barthes
• Baudrillard

• Research Qs
• Heuristic Qs
• Method

  

One Semiotic Method for examining differences of value or representation follows this basic strategy:

1) Look for similarities

Examine the pop culture object (the movie, song, ad), working from prior knowledge and detailed description. What other things come to mind that are like the particular object you are examining? Even things that may not be in the same "category."

2) Look for differences

How is this object different from other things like it? Different from other things like it in different time periods or contexts. Do research on the historical background (read a biography or works on the time period or genre/meduim). What differences show up?

3) Look for arguments or interpretations

Linking similarities and differences to historical contexts can provide reasons for the similarities and/or differences. This can produce arguments and interpretations.

When looking at these shifts in meaning—changes in mythologies—value systems are often key historical markers. Determine the Myth or Value System that creates the similarities and differences in these contexts. How/why do they change?

Compare and contrast and provide good reasons for the change in representation, based on historical context (produce a reasoned argument with specific support)

See an example of this kind of analysis. (SOL, 3rd)