Summary: I can honestly say I don't understand these chapters.
A TV show I enjoy watching is Shaolin Showdown.
The martial arts the contestants preform is always interesting to watch and it's interesting to see how the obstacles challenge the arts each contestant preforms. I would love to be able to preform some of the moves shown or even be able to do the things they do in the challenges, even if i fail at it.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
47. What does Art Do || 48. Interpretation of Art
1. Explain the Four functions of Art that Gowans deals with.
Substitute imagery: things like pictures or visual substitutes
illustration: things that tell a story, it illustrates something in our mind.
conviction and persuasion: works that sell products or show different beliefs, things that are persuading
beautification: something beautiful and pleasing to the eye
2. [skip]
3. Compare and Contrast the four functions of art with the four theories of art.
substitution is based on how close it represents something
illustration is how well it tell the story
conviction is based on how strong it can persuade
beautification is how expressive of emotions it is.
4. Apply Gowan's theory to the mass media. Which functions dominate our media? Explain why.
Mass media for commercials is based on conviction because they need to convince people to buy something, however, for general television programs, all but conviction are used. This is because the beautification is necessary to appeal to audience's viewing pleasure, and illustration is used for the message to be relayed and substitution is used for how close the images are identifiable.
5. How can an artist "create reality"? What would Aristotle say? Why?
The artist can create emotions and different stories and thus creating a reality, not necessarily the reality we live in, but a reality none the less. Aristotle would say art is reality and thus artists create reality through their art.
///////////////
1. How does Sontag compare the "old style" and "new style" of interpretation?
2. What does she say about Marxist and Freudian modes of interpretations?
Marxist was social interpretations while Freudian was mental interpretations. Marxist is basing judgment on outside influences while Freudian is based on personal or internal influences.
3. Why does she argue that interpretation is the revenge of the intellect of art on the world?
4. Can we be exposed to a text without interoperating it? Justify our answer.
5. What would various theorists I've dealt with in this book say about Sontag's argument.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
42. The Power of Rock Music || 43 Artistic Texts
42. Power of Rock Music
Rock music is a primitive form, that uses an understanding of how sound sand rhythms have emotional effects. When music is added to lyrics that sound perfectly simple, the emotion generated is changed and becomes the importance of the song. Kids and teens alike seem to be able to relate to the music with the difficulties in their lives and the music seems to touch them and relate back.
43. Artistic Texts
Messages can be found as art and different arts can be considered the text. Art is supposed to be a dense media to understand and television merely skims the surface of what is communicated.
primitive- simple or unsophistocated
literature- a way people communicate through texts
art-a visual way of representation
weak art- superficial, something that simply comes and goes
elite art- something that leaves its mark that can be applied to any generation
cannonize- a way to lift something to a higher level
Rock music is a primitive form, that uses an understanding of how sound sand rhythms have emotional effects. When music is added to lyrics that sound perfectly simple, the emotion generated is changed and becomes the importance of the song. Kids and teens alike seem to be able to relate to the music with the difficulties in their lives and the music seems to touch them and relate back.
43. Artistic Texts
Messages can be found as art and different arts can be considered the text. Art is supposed to be a dense media to understand and television merely skims the surface of what is communicated.
primitive- simple or unsophistocated
literature- a way people communicate through texts
art-a visual way of representation
weak art- superficial, something that simply comes and goes
elite art- something that leaves its mark that can be applied to any generation
cannonize- a way to lift something to a higher level
Favorite Lyrics- "Still Frame" by Trapt
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and i cant get out
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
an every time I think ive finally made it
I learn I'm farther away than I have ever been before
I see the clock and its ticking away, and the hourglass empty
What the F***do I have to say
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Release me, I'm just as lost as you
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
Keep it inside, the image portrayed
As if I couldnt stand losing as if I couldn't be saved, no way
A small confession I think I'm starting to lose it
I think I'm drifting away from the people I really need
A small reflection on when we were younger
We had it all figured out 'cause we had everything covered
Now were older its getting harder to see
What this future will hold for us, what the F*** are we going to be?
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Release me, I'm just as lost as you
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
So lost, I'm just as lost as you
Oh well what am I going to do
I'm afraid I'm falling farther away (from where I want to be)
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Release me, I'm just as lost as you
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
an every time I think ive finally made it
I learn I'm farther away than I have ever been before
I see the clock and its ticking away, and the hourglass empty
What the F***do I have to say
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Release me, I'm just as lost as you
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
Keep it inside, the image portrayed
As if I couldnt stand losing as if I couldn't be saved, no way
A small confession I think I'm starting to lose it
I think I'm drifting away from the people I really need
A small reflection on when we were younger
We had it all figured out 'cause we had everything covered
Now were older its getting harder to see
What this future will hold for us, what the F*** are we going to be?
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Release me, I'm just as lost as you
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
So lost, I'm just as lost as you
Oh well what am I going to do
I'm afraid I'm falling farther away (from where I want to be)
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out
Please help me 'cause I'm breaking down, this pictures frozen and I cant get out of here
Release me, I'm just as lost as you
Believe me, I'm just as lost as you
Sunday, November 16, 2008
46. Comedy
summary:
Aristotle was a great philospher who wrote many comedies and tragedies. There were apparently certain characteristics of comedy that needed to be fit:
-men lower than ordinary
-low status
-freedom
-not serious
-optimism
-pleasure
-cathexis
Questions:
1. Explain Aristotle's theory that art is based on imitation.
2. How does comedy fit into Aristotle's theory of art? Does that explain why sitcoms are so popular?
3. What other theories of art are there? Explain how they work.
4. What are the arguments in the debate on media violence? How do you feel? Justify your position.
5. What's the difference between tragedy and comedy? Between carthexis and cartharis?
6. How does Girard's theory of "mimetic desire" explain how advertising works.
Aristotle was a great philospher who wrote many comedies and tragedies. There were apparently certain characteristics of comedy that needed to be fit:
-men lower than ordinary
-low status
-freedom
-not serious
-optimism
-pleasure
-cathexis
Questions:
1. Explain Aristotle's theory that art is based on imitation.
2. How does comedy fit into Aristotle's theory of art? Does that explain why sitcoms are so popular?
3. What other theories of art are there? Explain how they work.
4. What are the arguments in the debate on media violence? How do you feel? Justify your position.
5. What's the difference between tragedy and comedy? Between carthexis and cartharis?
6. How does Girard's theory of "mimetic desire" explain how advertising works.
45. Humor and Communication
Summary:
The way a person apparently gives their comedy act, it must be done in a way that communicates it's a joke. it cannot simply be a way for a small group to understand the joke, the joke must be a widely known topic that all can laugh about.
term:
meta-communication: communication about communication; when we express how a form of communication should be (i.e. humor)
Questions:
1. What does Fry mean by "play frames" and what role do they have in humor?
Play frames are what define the punchlines.
2. What does Fry say about different kinds of punch lines?
Punchlines are essential to humor and define that the joke is a joke vs. a short story.
3. What is "meta-communication?"? What role does Fray say it plays in humor?
meta communication is the way we communicate how ewe communicate. it gives us experience for how we are supposed know something is a joke, which keeps our superegos from believing it's serious.
4. How does humor "trick" the superego? Why does this give us pleasure?
Humor gives a sense of superiority, it makes us pick on those lower than us.
5. Explain the incongruity, masked aggression, and superiority theories of humor.
the humor can be very insulting and but sometimes hold a hint of negativity in it, however our sense of superiority will make us laugh at people we believe beneath us.
6. Use the forty-five techniques of humor to reveal the techniques at work in some jokes.
The way a person apparently gives their comedy act, it must be done in a way that communicates it's a joke. it cannot simply be a way for a small group to understand the joke, the joke must be a widely known topic that all can laugh about.
term:
meta-communication: communication about communication; when we express how a form of communication should be (i.e. humor)
Questions:
1. What does Fry mean by "play frames" and what role do they have in humor?
Play frames are what define the punchlines.
2. What does Fry say about different kinds of punch lines?
Punchlines are essential to humor and define that the joke is a joke vs. a short story.
3. What is "meta-communication?"? What role does Fray say it plays in humor?
meta communication is the way we communicate how ewe communicate. it gives us experience for how we are supposed know something is a joke, which keeps our superegos from believing it's serious.
4. How does humor "trick" the superego? Why does this give us pleasure?
Humor gives a sense of superiority, it makes us pick on those lower than us.
5. Explain the incongruity, masked aggression, and superiority theories of humor.
the humor can be very insulting and but sometimes hold a hint of negativity in it, however our sense of superiority will make us laugh at people we believe beneath us.
6. Use the forty-five techniques of humor to reveal the techniques at work in some jokes.
Friday, November 14, 2008
36. Smart Mobs 37. How Crowds Think
36.
Summary: The new era, which technology has birthed, has begun where our entire style of doing something has changed. When we once merely talked into phones, we now stare at.
example of smart mob: the laptop, nintendo DS
37.
Summary: While hte text is important, the majority of how things sell is through their image. Sometimes it's the image itself that is more important than the reality of things.
example of how something targets a crowd: clothing stores will decorate their stores to those the clothes are targeted to (youth, teen, old people, women, men) or magazines will decorate their layouts and covers according to those its targeted to. (pc world always has a windows logo somewhere on their cover, hidden perhaps but somewhere)
Summary: The new era, which technology has birthed, has begun where our entire style of doing something has changed. When we once merely talked into phones, we now stare at.
example of smart mob: the laptop, nintendo DS
37.
Summary: While hte text is important, the majority of how things sell is through their image. Sometimes it's the image itself that is more important than the reality of things.
example of how something targets a crowd: clothing stores will decorate their stores to those the clothes are targeted to (youth, teen, old people, women, men) or magazines will decorate their layouts and covers according to those its targeted to. (pc world always has a windows logo somewhere on their cover, hidden perhaps but somewhere)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
34. Cybertexts and Video Games 35. Digital Media
34. Summary:
The chapter is about video games and how the player of these games fits into the media, because do in some way. The way our games have been heading, though, we've been moving us closer to a world where we live in games; where the games create social ties and more. It also explores how/why a game is so additive for us.
terms:
nontrivial
epistemological problem
phonetic
communicative topology
35. Summary:
Stein says the media is going into a much stronger direction. Technology is taking over basically.
terms:
subliminaly
teledidonics
totalitarian
voluptuaries
The chapter is about video games and how the player of these games fits into the media, because do in some way. The way our games have been heading, though, we've been moving us closer to a world where we live in games; where the games create social ties and more. It also explores how/why a game is so additive for us.
terms:
nontrivial
epistemological problem
phonetic
communicative topology
35. Summary:
Stein says the media is going into a much stronger direction. Technology is taking over basically.
terms:
subliminaly
teledidonics
totalitarian
voluptuaries
Monday, November 10, 2008
40. Narratives in the Media - 41. Television is a Dramatic Medium
Summary
40. Narratives in the Media-
According to Michel de Certeau, stories rule our lives due to the media. We are exposed to this media from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed. The media imprints various information in us, or at least various beliefs. (imprinting: is a way that the narratives we see/hear affect us)
41. Television is a Dramatic Media
According to the A. C. Nielson comapny, the average person watches 4 hours every day. Children ages 2-7 watch 3.5 hours a day of tv, while kids 8+ watch nearly 7 hours a day. People who watch television sometimes the characters on television are their friends or have a parasocial relationship. Television can create illusions in our mind, as if it fills in where certain relationships lack.
Today I watched "Sabrina the Teenage Witch". It was very entertaining in a humorous way.
40. Narratives in the Media-
According to Michel de Certeau, stories rule our lives due to the media. We are exposed to this media from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed. The media imprints various information in us, or at least various beliefs. (imprinting: is a way that the narratives we see/hear affect us)
41. Television is a Dramatic Media
According to the A. C. Nielson comapny, the average person watches 4 hours every day. Children ages 2-7 watch 3.5 hours a day of tv, while kids 8+ watch nearly 7 hours a day. People who watch television sometimes the characters on television are their friends or have a parasocial relationship. Television can create illusions in our mind, as if it fills in where certain relationships lack.
Today I watched "Sabrina the Teenage Witch". It was very entertaining in a humorous way.
Friday, November 7, 2008
38. and 39.
Friday
7:30 am - wake up/shower
8:30 am - leave for class
9:30 am - Chemistry 101
10:30 am - Japanese hang out before class
11:30 am - Japense Class
12:30 pm - Lunch (sometimes)
1:30 pm - homework
2:30 pm - Human Symbolic Activity
3:30 pm - get out of HSA, room for homework/ hangout
4:30 pm - romm for homework/ hangout
5:30 pm - get stuff done (anything)
6:30 pm - dinner (if I feel like it)
7:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
8:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
9:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
10:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
11:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
Saturday
12:30 pm - think about going to bed, brain rotting activities
1:30 am - think about going to bed, brain rotting activities
2:30 am - try to go to bed, tv
3:30 am- hopefully in bed
4:30 am - hopefully asleep
5:30 am - sleep
6:30 am- sleep
------------------------------------------------------
Power Rangers- it gives an ideal world where the good guys always win with awesome fake fighting and humorous situations
South Park- Funny, has real world problems with a humorous solution, satirical
Avatar, the Last Air Bender- interesting plot with a childish look on a horrible world. brings a fictional situation to life.
7:30 am - wake up/shower
8:30 am - leave for class
9:30 am - Chemistry 101
10:30 am - Japanese hang out before class
11:30 am - Japense Class
12:30 pm - Lunch (sometimes)
1:30 pm - homework
2:30 pm - Human Symbolic Activity
3:30 pm - get out of HSA, room for homework/ hangout
4:30 pm - romm for homework/ hangout
5:30 pm - get stuff done (anything)
6:30 pm - dinner (if I feel like it)
7:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
8:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
9:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
10:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
11:30 pm - brain rotting activities (tv, gaming)
Saturday
12:30 pm - think about going to bed, brain rotting activities
1:30 am - think about going to bed, brain rotting activities
2:30 am - try to go to bed, tv
3:30 am- hopefully in bed
4:30 am - hopefully asleep
5:30 am - sleep
6:30 am- sleep
------------------------------------------------------
Power Rangers- it gives an ideal world where the good guys always win with awesome fake fighting and humorous situations
South Park- Funny, has real world problems with a humorous solution, satirical
Avatar, the Last Air Bender- interesting plot with a childish look on a horrible world. brings a fictional situation to life.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
33. Mind and the Media
Summary: Our minds are machines, products of society. They go as the media generally tells them. Though we think, maybe in the back of our minds, that we humans are superior, we are simply the product of what was being created by the media.
It just happens that a few people have strayed from the herd only slightly enough to see some things in a more "honest" way that others have not. Though their minds are just as self-centered as ours, they have not been as socially trained as us, and can see things in a different way.
A lot of this relates to Freud's iceberg theory. We have uncovered only a small amount of unconciousness. Karl Mannheim seems to relate back to Johnathon Culler though with his social sphere and where influence comes from.
It just happens that a few people have strayed from the herd only slightly enough to see some things in a more "honest" way that others have not. Though their minds are just as self-centered as ours, they have not been as socially trained as us, and can see things in a different way.
A lot of this relates to Freud's iceberg theory. We have uncovered only a small amount of unconciousness. Karl Mannheim seems to relate back to Johnathon Culler though with his social sphere and where influence comes from.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Chapter 30.
Hot Media:
Final Fantasy the movie
http://na.square-enix.com/dvd/ff7ac/
Trauma Center for the Wii
http://www.atlus.com/trauma_center/
Leapster Learning Systems
http://www.leapfrog.com/en/families/leapster/leapster_learning0/leapster.html
Cold Media:
Books- Good Night Moon
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Kids/BookDetail.aspx?isbn13=9780694003617
Cotton Eye Joe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIRKkSMHkl0&feature=related
Final Fantasy the movie
http://na.square-enix.com/dvd/ff7ac/
Trauma Center for the Wii
http://www.atlus.com/trauma_center/
Leapster Learning Systems
http://www.leapfrog.com/en/families/leapster/leapster_learning0/leapster.html
Cold Media:
Books- Good Night Moon
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Kids/BookDetail.aspx?isbn13=9780694003617
Cotton Eye Joe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIRKkSMHkl0&feature=related
Friday, October 31, 2008
28. Robinson Crusoe as a Myth
Faust- single minded pursuit of knowledge
Don Juan- Single minded pursuit of women
Don Quixote- single minded pursuit of women
Robinson Crusoe- single minded pursuit of achievement and enterprise
Robinson Crusoe- 3 essential themes
-Back to Nature
-Dignity of Labor
-Economic Man
It's not author that makes a story a myth, it's the society.
Don Juan- Single minded pursuit of women
Don Quixote- single minded pursuit of women
Robinson Crusoe- single minded pursuit of achievement and enterprise
Robinson Crusoe- 3 essential themes
-Back to Nature
-Dignity of Labor
-Economic Man
It's not author that makes a story a myth, it's the society.
27. Myths and Society
Ronald Barthes says that myth is a language.
Mythologies are much more than just a story and can be analyzed into detail, making inferences by simple things that are alluded to.
japaneseness- the entirety of japanese culture.
Marshall McLuhan= Canadian media theorist
Because a linen cleaner says it can clean deep stains out, it can mean the linen itself is deep, even if its thin physically.
Mythologies are much more than just a story and can be analyzed into detail, making inferences by simple things that are alluded to.
japaneseness- the entirety of japanese culture.
Marshall McLuhan= Canadian media theorist
Because a linen cleaner says it can clean deep stains out, it can mean the linen itself is deep, even if its thin physically.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
26. The Power of Advertising in Capitalist Societies
Advertising treats its target groups like commodities who have problems they may not even realize and the advertised subject is the solution. Huang says that people who sell have used aesthetics to seduce us into becoming consumers.
25. Images of Women in Advertising
I nearly completely agree with this chapter. The idea of the provocateur is extremely false and been around for ages. She is not a real person and is simply a form that kills nearly every woman's self-esteem in the idea that women aren't beautiful and will be lonely the rest of their life if they are not like the provocateur. In today's society, she is tall, and nearly a size 4 in waist, though of course that size is getting smaller with nearly each trend. The thin, porcelain looking models with little emotion except a poutting or false-happy attitude and charasmatic eyes are what define today's models. The beauty myth, is strong, and made stronger thanks to cosmetic, fashion, excerscise and food advertising.
Monday, October 27, 2008
24. Miss America's Mythic Significance
anachronist- an error in chronology where something is out of its chronological time.
Oedipus
Harvey Cox- a teacher at Harvard who's done research on religion, culture and politics and written several books on such subjects.
ikon-different version of icon
symbolic hero- the one we associate as the hero or main good-person, a way we look up to others, connects to our unconcious psyches
paradigmatic- when a word that is a part of a set of elements that can substitute eachother in a sentance
the main point of the chapter: Miss America was once a symbol for beauty, and purity, and innocense. These days Miss America is similar to any other [female] celebrity. The celebrities are tracked and made to look bad after we doll them up to make them as good as possible.
Oedipus
Harvey Cox- a teacher at Harvard who's done research on religion, culture and politics and written several books on such subjects.
ikon-different version of icon
symbolic hero- the one we associate as the hero or main good-person, a way we look up to others, connects to our unconcious psyches
paradigmatic- when a word that is a part of a set of elements that can substitute eachother in a sentance
the main point of the chapter: Miss America was once a symbol for beauty, and purity, and innocense. These days Miss America is similar to any other [female] celebrity. The celebrities are tracked and made to look bad after we doll them up to make them as good as possible.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
23. House as a Symbol of Feminity
Main point: A woman's house is like a woman's second body. The contents of the home can stand for the psychological content, and she takes care of it like she takes care of her own body.
A car symbolizes a man, fast, strong and powerful: everything a man should be.
The house symbolizes a woman, warming, inviting, nuturing and protective, all that a woman should be.
reaction formation- when an emotion or reaction is expressed unconsciously by expressing its opposite in a similar unconscious manner.
A car symbolizes a man, fast, strong and powerful: everything a man should be.
The house symbolizes a woman, warming, inviting, nuturing and protective, all that a woman should be.
reaction formation- when an emotion or reaction is expressed unconsciously by expressing its opposite in a similar unconscious manner.
Monday, October 20, 2008
22. The Meaning of Symbols
-when a word or image is symbolic, it generally has an obvious and immediate meaning, but also has a much wider "unconcious" part that can never fully be explained.
-Man can never fully comprehend or precieve something/anything completely.
-Symbol: Greek (symbolon)- a token; used as a substituion for something else.
-Jung believes we learn symbols in a sublinimal manner and they have the power to reach hidden realms.
-Archetypes: there are hero and myths of paradise that are part of a collective unconciousness of all people which is universal.
-Man can never fully comprehend or precieve something/anything completely.
-Symbol: Greek (symbolon)- a token; used as a substituion for something else.
-Jung believes we learn symbols in a sublinimal manner and they have the power to reach hidden realms.
-Archetypes: there are hero and myths of paradise that are part of a collective unconciousness of all people which is universal.
-Pierce and his trichotomy, 3 elements in his theories of signs
Kind of Sign Method of Communication Example Process
+ Icon Resemblance Picture Can See
+ Index Casual Connection Smoke/fire Figure Out
+Symbol Convention Flag Learn
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
16. Black Speech
In what ways does Abraham's essay agree with Tannen's?
They both said that boys are more prone to verbal battles and more adventurous than girls are.
How do black people from Camingerly use rhymes for entertainment and in social situations?
They base their raps and rhymes on what their social situation is, but they also must be preformed well and so it is entertainment to poke fun a bit and present their rhymes in an artistic manner.
What does it mean to say that this rhyming behavior is "regressive"?
They're generally simple rhymes that can be preformed by nearly any child.
How might this rhyming behavior be manifested or utilized now in the mass media?
The rhyming is now used as entertainment for anyone, which can send messages to the people through the media.
Can you find any other examples of verbal dueling in American society?
They both said that boys are more prone to verbal battles and more adventurous than girls are.
How do black people from Camingerly use rhymes for entertainment and in social situations?
They base their raps and rhymes on what their social situation is, but they also must be preformed well and so it is entertainment to poke fun a bit and present their rhymes in an artistic manner.
What does it mean to say that this rhyming behavior is "regressive"?
They're generally simple rhymes that can be preformed by nearly any child.
How might this rhyming behavior be manifested or utilized now in the mass media?
The rhyming is now used as entertainment for anyone, which can send messages to the people through the media.
Can you find any other examples of verbal dueling in American society?
tv shows, on the street, on the net, radio, music, movies.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
15. Men and Women Use Language Differently
Have the media changed the conversational styles of men and women? Justify your answer.
I don't believe the media has actually changed, so much as its added to the styles. Both men and women now seem to find challenges against eachother and voice such an oppinoin and often it's merely the men's voice that carry more, not that they are simply more talkative.
What did Tannen find when she studied the conversational styles of boys and girls?
She found that boys centeraled their friendship around physical activities while girls centered theirs on who they trusted to tell their secrets to. She found our classrooms tend to use Walter Ong's "ritual opposition" in which the children "compete" for attention. She said girls are disadvantaged because boys are raised with "adversativeness" and thus are more assertive than girls.
Charles Winick, a sociologist, has suggested that there is "desexualization" going on in America- that men are getting weaker and women stronger. Do you think he's right? If so, why might this be the case?
I think he's wrong. I believe men are not getting weaker, but women are getting stronger. Instead, there is more of an evening of the playing field. Women are learning now to better assert themselves so the men may feel like their getting weaker, but in reality they are not.
What implications does Tannen's research have for education in general, and teaching in particular?
In general, apparently same sex classes actually benefit the students. Apparently women who go to all girls schools do better later in life.
I don't believe the media has actually changed, so much as its added to the styles. Both men and women now seem to find challenges against eachother and voice such an oppinoin and often it's merely the men's voice that carry more, not that they are simply more talkative.
What did Tannen find when she studied the conversational styles of boys and girls?
She found that boys centeraled their friendship around physical activities while girls centered theirs on who they trusted to tell their secrets to. She found our classrooms tend to use Walter Ong's "ritual opposition" in which the children "compete" for attention. She said girls are disadvantaged because boys are raised with "adversativeness" and thus are more assertive than girls.
Charles Winick, a sociologist, has suggested that there is "desexualization" going on in America- that men are getting weaker and women stronger. Do you think he's right? If so, why might this be the case?
I think he's wrong. I believe men are not getting weaker, but women are getting stronger. Instead, there is more of an evening of the playing field. Women are learning now to better assert themselves so the men may feel like their getting weaker, but in reality they are not.
What implications does Tannen's research have for education in general, and teaching in particular?
In general, apparently same sex classes actually benefit the students. Apparently women who go to all girls schools do better later in life.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
14. Conversation as Narrative
Discuss Labov's six rules and give examples from conversations you've had.
an abstract - an overview of the story - When you are in the middle of a conversation and a friend interrupts with "Now that you mention..." it's expected the friend's story will be closely related.
an orientation - telling us who, what, when, where, and why - While not always necessary in the story, the who, when and maybe where would be helpful. The what is always useful and is the main point of the story.
a complicating action - sequence of events - Useful in discussing what happens when, even if it's merely by seconds in a conversation.
an evaluation - the importance and meaning of the events in the story - Good for scary stories and what makes certain parts so scary.
a resolution - how the story ends - Very important for any story. Without it, it's not complete. There's suspense, and then there's torture.
a coda - connecting the story back to present time - Not always possible, like with scary stories, but able to be brought with the phrase "but I digress," or "Anyway..." and returning to whatever the original subject was.
Can the order of events in a conversation be changed without affecting the meaing? Explain.
Yes. Assuming the meaning is to scare or is a simple message, the way things said can or cannot affect the meaning.
How can a film or television story be considered a "glorified" conversation?
In order to keep the attention of the audience a film can exaggerate certain parts of a conversation or simply alter what a simple conversation can be by adding or leaving things out. For example, the talk of a divorce can be much less dramatic in real life than on television.
Does Dialogue in films and other media narratives follow Labov's rules? Justify your answer.
For the most part, I want to say yes. The majority of any conversations do have an orientation, a complicating action of some sort, an evaluation, and a resolution. Thus you have 4 out of 6 necessities of the model. The abstract isn't necessarily given, or at least not in so many words, often it must be analyzed to find it. In a conversation, a coda isn't always needed, but sometimes for stories that branch off into other things a coda is used to relate back to the original story. If it's not, a speaker can be lost in why the subject was brought up.
Narratives are one way we make sense of the world. How does this work?
Narratives are stories that get told. It's through these stories that we can learn things and come up with alternative "what-ifs" and theories aobut how the world works. They're also ways that we share how people do things and what goes wrong so we can learn from these mistakes.
What implications does the importance of narratives have for the mass media?
Narratives are very important for the mass media. The mass media need to tell their stories for various reasons, mainly so the story is believable and the message is sent. In magazines and radio, narratives are needed to send different messages of sex and advertisement or simply entertainment. Story are often told on the radio for entertainment by the DJs.
an abstract - an overview of the story - When you are in the middle of a conversation and a friend interrupts with "Now that you mention..." it's expected the friend's story will be closely related.
an orientation - telling us who, what, when, where, and why - While not always necessary in the story, the who, when and maybe where would be helpful. The what is always useful and is the main point of the story.
a complicating action - sequence of events - Useful in discussing what happens when, even if it's merely by seconds in a conversation.
an evaluation - the importance and meaning of the events in the story - Good for scary stories and what makes certain parts so scary.
a resolution - how the story ends - Very important for any story. Without it, it's not complete. There's suspense, and then there's torture.
a coda - connecting the story back to present time - Not always possible, like with scary stories, but able to be brought with the phrase "but I digress," or "Anyway..." and returning to whatever the original subject was.
Can the order of events in a conversation be changed without affecting the meaing? Explain.
Yes. Assuming the meaning is to scare or is a simple message, the way things said can or cannot affect the meaning.
How can a film or television story be considered a "glorified" conversation?
In order to keep the attention of the audience a film can exaggerate certain parts of a conversation or simply alter what a simple conversation can be by adding or leaving things out. For example, the talk of a divorce can be much less dramatic in real life than on television.
Does Dialogue in films and other media narratives follow Labov's rules? Justify your answer.
For the most part, I want to say yes. The majority of any conversations do have an orientation, a complicating action of some sort, an evaluation, and a resolution. Thus you have 4 out of 6 necessities of the model. The abstract isn't necessarily given, or at least not in so many words, often it must be analyzed to find it. In a conversation, a coda isn't always needed, but sometimes for stories that branch off into other things a coda is used to relate back to the original story. If it's not, a speaker can be lost in why the subject was brought up.
Narratives are one way we make sense of the world. How does this work?
Narratives are stories that get told. It's through these stories that we can learn things and come up with alternative "what-ifs" and theories aobut how the world works. They're also ways that we share how people do things and what goes wrong so we can learn from these mistakes.
What implications does the importance of narratives have for the mass media?
Narratives are very important for the mass media. The mass media need to tell their stories for various reasons, mainly so the story is believable and the message is sent. In magazines and radio, narratives are needed to send different messages of sex and advertisement or simply entertainment. Story are often told on the radio for entertainment by the DJs.
13. Dialogic Aspects of Communication
Why does Bakhtin assert that "the word is born in a dialogue"?
How does he define "dialogic"? Define "dialogism".
How does he explain the way we understand linguistic utterances?
We understand the utterance because of the language used, but the meaning we understand because of what else is said before and after the utterance that relate to the utterance. The utterance isn't simply a mumble of something, it can be an entire sentence or word.
Define "intertexuality". Give some examples of it from films, tv, and music.
Basically there's strong relations between the texts that are produced at any given time, and texts that were previously created. The relation between the recently publicized Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer and Dracula can be seen.
The idea that vampires co-exist and thrive off human blood. The difference in relation is that the vampires in Stephanie Meyer's books are good and can also feed off animals to survive in a near perfect condition.
The idea of a solo guitarist can be related to the bards of the medievel period. Someone who sings and plays an instrument.
The idea of reality tv can relate to the news. The news lets us read about what happens in the real world, mostly through one side, but sometimes multiple views. Reality tv shows us one side of what happens as well and sometimes, if the camera follows more than one person, more than one view can be seen.
Can a work ever not be intertextual? Defend your answer.
Technically I don't think a work can ever not be intertextual. All artists derive their creative ideas from some other source that inspires them. They can come close to how a scenario goes but change their own so it's different, but that doesn't mean it doesn't still relate.
Communication must take cultural norms into account. How does this affect media?
If the media wishes for a certain affect, the idea of how normal something can be must be accounted for. If the news wishes for people to believe them, they must make their news at least somewhat truthful and believeable. If it's not, no one will credit it for being truthful and thus the prupose for news is defeated.
Is there a difference between conversation and dialogue? Explain your answer.
I argue there is.
Conversation is merely what is being said on the outside. That one comments with nice weather, another agrees, they transist into baseball and in the end neither can remember how the conversation started.
Dialogue is what is meaningfully being said. Not only does it start with nice weather but transits into how baseball is a good pasttime and who wins which launches into a discussion about who's stats are better and which team will fall into first or second according to their players' stats. While neither may be able to remember how the conversation started, the bulk of what was talked about was remembered and thus there was dialogue.
How does he define "dialogic"? Define "dialogism".
How does he explain the way we understand linguistic utterances?
We understand the utterance because of the language used, but the meaning we understand because of what else is said before and after the utterance that relate to the utterance. The utterance isn't simply a mumble of something, it can be an entire sentence or word.
Define "intertexuality". Give some examples of it from films, tv, and music.
Basically there's strong relations between the texts that are produced at any given time, and texts that were previously created. The relation between the recently publicized Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer and Dracula can be seen.
The idea that vampires co-exist and thrive off human blood. The difference in relation is that the vampires in Stephanie Meyer's books are good and can also feed off animals to survive in a near perfect condition.
The idea of a solo guitarist can be related to the bards of the medievel period. Someone who sings and plays an instrument.
The idea of reality tv can relate to the news. The news lets us read about what happens in the real world, mostly through one side, but sometimes multiple views. Reality tv shows us one side of what happens as well and sometimes, if the camera follows more than one person, more than one view can be seen.
Can a work ever not be intertextual? Defend your answer.
Technically I don't think a work can ever not be intertextual. All artists derive their creative ideas from some other source that inspires them. They can come close to how a scenario goes but change their own so it's different, but that doesn't mean it doesn't still relate.
Communication must take cultural norms into account. How does this affect media?
If the media wishes for a certain affect, the idea of how normal something can be must be accounted for. If the news wishes for people to believe them, they must make their news at least somewhat truthful and believeable. If it's not, no one will credit it for being truthful and thus the prupose for news is defeated.
Is there a difference between conversation and dialogue? Explain your answer.
I argue there is.
Conversation is merely what is being said on the outside. That one comments with nice weather, another agrees, they transist into baseball and in the end neither can remember how the conversation started.
Dialogue is what is meaningfully being said. Not only does it start with nice weather but transits into how baseball is a good pasttime and who wins which launches into a discussion about who's stats are better and which team will fall into first or second according to their players' stats. While neither may be able to remember how the conversation started, the bulk of what was talked about was remembered and thus there was dialogue.
12. Art and Society: A Model
What four "coordinates" involving works of art for Abrams?
work, artist, universe/nature, audience
How does Abrams define each of these coordinates?
Work- the product
Artist- who creates the product
Universe- the subject of the work
Audience- who the product is targetted to
Abrams says most theories concetrate on only one coordinate. why is this so?
The orientation is toward mostly work. This is because everything somehow revolves and relates back to the work. The universe explains what the work is about, the audience views and interprets the work and the artist creates the work. The audience has next to no dealing with the artist directly, the universe isn't shown to the audience without the work, the audience doesn't see anything without the work's presentation. The work is the center.
What changes does the Berger model make to the Abrams model?
The Berger model adds in a medium and America. Medium is any way the work is presented, tv, radio, magzines, etc. America is the society where the message is created and disseminated. Also, all elements are labled with an A word, except Medium in an effort to help simplify things and make it easier to remember.
What did McLuhan mean when he said "the medium is the message"?
He means the way the message is conveyed can be more important than the message itself. The medium plays an important role in the way the artist creates and communicates their message.
work, artist, universe/nature, audience
How does Abrams define each of these coordinates?
Work- the product
Artist- who creates the product
Universe- the subject of the work
Audience- who the product is targetted to
Abrams says most theories concetrate on only one coordinate. why is this so?
The orientation is toward mostly work. This is because everything somehow revolves and relates back to the work. The universe explains what the work is about, the audience views and interprets the work and the artist creates the work. The audience has next to no dealing with the artist directly, the universe isn't shown to the audience without the work, the audience doesn't see anything without the work's presentation. The work is the center.
What changes does the Berger model make to the Abrams model?
The Berger model adds in a medium and America. Medium is any way the work is presented, tv, radio, magzines, etc. America is the society where the message is created and disseminated. Also, all elements are labled with an A word, except Medium in an effort to help simplify things and make it easier to remember.
What did McLuhan mean when he said "the medium is the message"?
He means the way the message is conveyed can be more important than the message itself. The medium plays an important role in the way the artist creates and communicates their message.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
11. The Lasswell Formula
What is a formula? Is it different from a model? If so, how?
Formula: a statement expressing some fundamental truth or principle. The formula generally has a mathematical nature, however in such a case the only way it differs is how it represents data. Generally, though, the model shows the result of when a formula has bee put into practice.
What is the Lasswell formula? How does it relate to Jakobson's model?
Lasswell's formula asks questions that need to be answered in order to come to conclusions. Jakobson's model already gives the answer and asks for the question.
Some communications scholars have attacked it. Why did they do so?
Scholars have attacked the idea of a model because it is too generalized.
Define phatic" communication and give some examples of it.
Phatic communication is used to express emotions vs. specific information. Examples may be a sigh, a grunt, or even perhaps a scream.
Formula: a statement expressing some fundamental truth or principle. The formula generally has a mathematical nature, however in such a case the only way it differs is how it represents data. Generally, though, the model shows the result of when a formula has bee put into practice.
What is the Lasswell formula? How does it relate to Jakobson's model?
Lasswell's formula asks questions that need to be answered in order to come to conclusions. Jakobson's model already gives the answer and asks for the question.
Some communications scholars have attacked it. Why did they do so?
Scholars have attacked the idea of a model because it is too generalized.
Define phatic" communication and give some examples of it.
Phatic communication is used to express emotions vs. specific information. Examples may be a sigh, a grunt, or even perhaps a scream.
10. A Model of the Communication Process
List and define Jakobson's six constitutive factors involved in verbal communication.
context- the main bulkof the message.
addresser- the one sending the message.
message- what the adresser sends
addressee- the one who gets the message.
contact- he physical channel between the addresser and addressee.
code- what the context is composed of.
Define and explain the difference between "emotive" and "referential" functions.
The referential function is more denotive or congnitive.
The emotive is more expressional.
Scholes says there is a difference between a message and a meaning. Explain.
The message is physically what is understood in the literal sense. The meaning is more of an understanding through a code and is generally not literally proposed.
How do the different codes people have cause problems for the mass media.
Because everyone's codes are different and what can mean one thing to one person or one group of people can end up meaning something to an entirely different group of people. The media must judge and decide how to best represent something to everyone's appeal.
context- the main bulkof the message.
addresser- the one sending the message.
message- what the adresser sends
addressee- the one who gets the message.
contact- he physical channel between the addresser and addressee.
code- what the context is composed of.
Define and explain the difference between "emotive" and "referential" functions.
The referential function is more denotive or congnitive.
The emotive is more expressional.
Scholes says there is a difference between a message and a meaning. Explain.
The message is physically what is understood in the literal sense. The meaning is more of an understanding through a code and is generally not literally proposed.
How do the different codes people have cause problems for the mass media.
Because everyone's codes are different and what can mean one thing to one person or one group of people can end up meaning something to an entirely different group of people. The media must judge and decide how to best represent something to everyone's appeal.
8. Culture and Unconcious
How did E.B. Tyler define culture?
"That complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and many other capabilities and habits aquired by man as a member of societies." (pg. 23, 50 ways to Understand Communication)
What changes would you make to this definition? How do you define culture?
I probably wouldn't use the same wording the idea is the same. I suppose I define culture as the "customs and habits of a specific group of people". The customs and habits would by default include the knowledge, belief, morals, laws and arts.
If the unconcious imposes form on content, how do we know this?
Years of study and research have proved certain theories about this to be true. While we cannot simply identify everything, scientists and theorists have probed too many and sought out answers.
Why does Levi-Sauss argue that the forms imposed by the mind are universal?
Levi-Sauss argues this because he believes that we impose upon contact which can be found for everyone.
How can these forms be the same for all minds, ancient and modern, primitive and civilized?
They supposedly are because there are relations between the human conciousness of all systems.
How can collective phenomena be unconcious? What aspects of life are covered by this notion?
It can be compared to language, where the linguistic grammers are unconciously known until the science of the language is discovered by the person. The collective phenomena can be covered by many though, including moral, politics, attitudes, religion, and even social aspects.
"That complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and many other capabilities and habits aquired by man as a member of societies." (pg. 23, 50 ways to Understand Communication)
What changes would you make to this definition? How do you define culture?
I probably wouldn't use the same wording the idea is the same. I suppose I define culture as the "customs and habits of a specific group of people". The customs and habits would by default include the knowledge, belief, morals, laws and arts.
If the unconcious imposes form on content, how do we know this?
Years of study and research have proved certain theories about this to be true. While we cannot simply identify everything, scientists and theorists have probed too many and sought out answers.
Why does Levi-Sauss argue that the forms imposed by the mind are universal?
Levi-Sauss argues this because he believes that we impose upon contact which can be found for everyone.
How can these forms be the same for all minds, ancient and modern, primitive and civilized?
They supposedly are because there are relations between the human conciousness of all systems.
How can collective phenomena be unconcious? What aspects of life are covered by this notion?
It can be compared to language, where the linguistic grammers are unconciously known until the science of the language is discovered by the person. The collective phenomena can be covered by many though, including moral, politics, attitudes, religion, and even social aspects.
7. Structural Perspective
What does it mean to say "the mind works through form?"
Our minds learn things and experience things in a structured form, in a physical form of some kind, and thus our minds work through that.
Claude Levi-Strauss believes the way the mind works hasn't changed over history. What do you think?
I think the way the mind works has changed over history. First and foremost the mind still strives for survival, however priorities have changed, new things have come into the picture that we must account for. Bargaining and moral has come into question. While the basic instinct of survival still lives, we can now deny the instinct and go against. Gruesome it may be, suicide is not in our instinct but it is something some yearn for.
What is the role of paired opposites in the ideas of Levi-strauss?
The idea is similar to the Chinese philosphy of Yin and Yang. That without one there cannot be the other. It is not a relation of good vs. bad, more as a a good vs. not good.
Why do "separate units" have no meaning in language?
Separate units are only separate units because they become so from the ways they are assembled. Seperate units in themselves have no meaning on their own unlike the combined units. For example, "A" in itself has no meaning. "A ball" however means there is one type of ball involved somewhere in anything, even if only in a sentance.
It is the way that myths are ssembled that is crucial, Douglas asserts. Why?
Because myths belong to a different level of mental activity. Myths must reach beyond the plane of basic reality and reach into an imaginary world where anything can happen. We must not only find a way to stretch our minds to see what wouldn't not originally be seen in real life and thus in order to make the myth reach a certain level, it must be assembled in a semi-logical way. You cannot have Icarus one day walking along the path and finding a pair of wax wings and falling to his doom the next. There must be reason and logic to understand how such a thing happened.
Define structuralism and explain its significance.
Structuralism: a way to analyze different works of literature, linguistics, or other written/spoken language.
It allows us to delve deeper into the realm of writing and language and to understand how different ways of speech are started, understood and discontinued. Structuralism also begins other theories in psychology and anthropology.
Our minds learn things and experience things in a structured form, in a physical form of some kind, and thus our minds work through that.
Claude Levi-Strauss believes the way the mind works hasn't changed over history. What do you think?
I think the way the mind works has changed over history. First and foremost the mind still strives for survival, however priorities have changed, new things have come into the picture that we must account for. Bargaining and moral has come into question. While the basic instinct of survival still lives, we can now deny the instinct and go against. Gruesome it may be, suicide is not in our instinct but it is something some yearn for.
What is the role of paired opposites in the ideas of Levi-strauss?
The idea is similar to the Chinese philosphy of Yin and Yang. That without one there cannot be the other. It is not a relation of good vs. bad, more as a a good vs. not good.
Why do "separate units" have no meaning in language?
Separate units are only separate units because they become so from the ways they are assembled. Seperate units in themselves have no meaning on their own unlike the combined units. For example, "A" in itself has no meaning. "A ball" however means there is one type of ball involved somewhere in anything, even if only in a sentance.
It is the way that myths are ssembled that is crucial, Douglas asserts. Why?
Because myths belong to a different level of mental activity. Myths must reach beyond the plane of basic reality and reach into an imaginary world where anything can happen. We must not only find a way to stretch our minds to see what wouldn't not originally be seen in real life and thus in order to make the myth reach a certain level, it must be assembled in a semi-logical way. You cannot have Icarus one day walking along the path and finding a pair of wax wings and falling to his doom the next. There must be reason and logic to understand how such a thing happened.
Define structuralism and explain its significance.
Structuralism: a way to analyze different works of literature, linguistics, or other written/spoken language.
It allows us to delve deeper into the realm of writing and language and to understand how different ways of speech are started, understood and discontinued. Structuralism also begins other theories in psychology and anthropology.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
6. Language Codes
How do restricted and elaborated codes affect people's lives? elaborated codes are much more complex and are supposedly for a more middle-upper class. It is based more on logical stands than resctricted codes are. Restricted codes are more simple, use easier sentence structure
What are the basic characteristics of restricted and elaborated codes? Restricted codes have a basis in condensed symbols, while elaborated codes are based in articulated symbols.
What positive attributes are connected to each code?
How do langauge codes shape future behavior?
Supposedly, if children grow with an elaborated or restricted code they will ascert themselves in either the middle class or low class culture.
Does this coding notion help explain the "culture of poverty"?
In my oppinoin, it does not. The culture of poverty cannot simply be explained by the language. End.
Which code did your parents speak when you grew up? Give an example.
I like to think my parents used the restricted code. They wouldn't know about the "code" and they did use emotion. However, the fact is probably they used the elaborated code. Always using semi-complex wording and grammer and many qualifiers were part of the language. The vocabulary was varied and they are middle class through and through.
Do you think the mass media have affected the codes people learn?
I certainly do believe so. Even though my parents would use elaborated code with me, I learned restriced code from television. Children are very impressionable at a young age and the media has so many techniques for getting their message out there, whatever it may be.
What are the basic characteristics of restricted and elaborated codes? Restricted codes have a basis in condensed symbols, while elaborated codes are based in articulated symbols.
What positive attributes are connected to each code?
How do langauge codes shape future behavior?
Supposedly, if children grow with an elaborated or restricted code they will ascert themselves in either the middle class or low class culture.
Does this coding notion help explain the "culture of poverty"?
In my oppinoin, it does not. The culture of poverty cannot simply be explained by the language. End.
Which code did your parents speak when you grew up? Give an example.
I like to think my parents used the restricted code. They wouldn't know about the "code" and they did use emotion. However, the fact is probably they used the elaborated code. Always using semi-complex wording and grammer and many qualifiers were part of the language. The vocabulary was varied and they are middle class through and through.
Do you think the mass media have affected the codes people learn?
I certainly do believe so. Even though my parents would use elaborated code with me, I learned restriced code from television. Children are very impressionable at a young age and the media has so many techniques for getting their message out there, whatever it may be.
5. Society Precedes Indivisuals
What does Culler mean when he says "society is the primary reality?"
He means of the ways we precieve things and differentiate between reality and fantasy, society is our main comparing system. We get our notion of what is real vs. what isn't from what society says.
How can society "precede" the indivisual? Is this a chicken and egg argument?
Two people from society come together and make the person, where as the person as a group make up society. I don't beleve it is an chicken and egg argument though because two general people had to come together first and two alone is not society.
Why isn't society the result of indivisual behavior?
Because one person does not make a general society. Many bodies come together make the society and thus many people's behaviors are needed. One person's behavior, however influential it can be, does not make a new society.
What is the underlying basis of the science of semiotics for culler?
The assumption that as long as human actions or productions convery meaning, they can be considered signs.
Is it correct to say that the single indivisual doesn't think? Explain why or why not.
I think it's wrong to say the indivisiual doesn't think. Instead I like to think the indivisual thinks, the group does. In other words, the indivisual thinks of things, but it's the group that puts it into action.
Why is the notion of the "self-made man/woman" an illusion? What does de Tocqueville say?
The idea of a self-made man/woman is that the person makes their own way without help from anyone else. That despite the challenges they can overcome on their own, they will always need some sort of help in one way or another. Tocqueville says indivisualism is from an inccorect judgement not depraved feelings.
He means of the ways we precieve things and differentiate between reality and fantasy, society is our main comparing system. We get our notion of what is real vs. what isn't from what society says.
How can society "precede" the indivisual? Is this a chicken and egg argument?
Two people from society come together and make the person, where as the person as a group make up society. I don't beleve it is an chicken and egg argument though because two general people had to come together first and two alone is not society.
Why isn't society the result of indivisual behavior?
Because one person does not make a general society. Many bodies come together make the society and thus many people's behaviors are needed. One person's behavior, however influential it can be, does not make a new society.
What is the underlying basis of the science of semiotics for culler?
The assumption that as long as human actions or productions convery meaning, they can be considered signs.
Is it correct to say that the single indivisual doesn't think? Explain why or why not.
I think it's wrong to say the indivisiual doesn't think. Instead I like to think the indivisual thinks, the group does. In other words, the indivisual thinks of things, but it's the group that puts it into action.
Why is the notion of the "self-made man/woman" an illusion? What does de Tocqueville say?
The idea of a self-made man/woman is that the person makes their own way without help from anyone else. That despite the challenges they can overcome on their own, they will always need some sort of help in one way or another. Tocqueville says indivisualism is from an inccorect judgement not depraved feelings.
Friday, September 19, 2008
2. Signs and Semiotics
How does Saussure define a sign?
A sign of something that unites a concept with a sound-image. It's something that leaves an impression on our senses and we can recall and make the connection.
What is the relationship that exists between a signifier and a sifnified?
They indicate the opposition that separates them from eachother, and from the wholes that they're part of.
Explain Saussure's statement that "concepts are purely differential".
That concepts don't show what's the same, but instead what's different about each one and how it makes it different.
What does Saussure mean when he says "in language there are only differences"?
That language is based off oppositions, but not the negation of. (ex: happy vs. sad, not happy vs. unhappy)
What is the difference between language, speech, and parole?
Language is more of a social thing, between people.- needs more than one person to use and learn.
Speech is more for the indivisuals and socialness.- needs people but can also be created on ones own.
Parole is more based on the indivisual. - you only need yourself to come up with some sort of speech.
Is what you are wearing today language, speech, or parole? Explain your choice.
I suppose my clothing choice is more speech than anything. It is not dependant on socialness, but more on my own choices. At the same time, they're in an acceptable style for the social interactions with others.
A sign of something that unites a concept with a sound-image. It's something that leaves an impression on our senses and we can recall and make the connection.
What is the relationship that exists between a signifier and a sifnified?
They indicate the opposition that separates them from eachother, and from the wholes that they're part of.
Explain Saussure's statement that "concepts are purely differential".
That concepts don't show what's the same, but instead what's different about each one and how it makes it different.
What does Saussure mean when he says "in language there are only differences"?
That language is based off oppositions, but not the negation of. (ex: happy vs. sad, not happy vs. unhappy)
What is the difference between language, speech, and parole?
Language is more of a social thing, between people.- needs more than one person to use and learn.
Speech is more for the indivisuals and socialness.- needs people but can also be created on ones own.
Parole is more based on the indivisual. - you only need yourself to come up with some sort of speech.
Is what you are wearing today language, speech, or parole? Explain your choice.
I suppose my clothing choice is more speech than anything. It is not dependant on socialness, but more on my own choices. At the same time, they're in an acceptable style for the social interactions with others.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
9. The Importance of Metaphor
Define the folling terms:
Metaphor-an analogy made between two (or more) things without using like or as
Similie- an anaology made between two (or more) things using like or as
metonymy- a figure of speech which represents something else symbolically.
"sweat" can mean "hard labor," and "Capitol Hill" represents the U.S. Congress. ~Dictionary.com
synedoche- a figure of speech that has a logical verbal form, but is construed.
"The house was built by 40 hands" for "The house was built by 20 people." See metonymy. ~Dictionary.com
Defend or attack the notion that our conceptual system is fundamentally metaphoric.
When we get down to it, the way we think of things and create concepts is through the basic metaphors of every day life. Not only in writing and speech, but also actions. When we act a certain way it's because we try to represent something. ex: we skip to show happiness, we pout to show we're upset. we give roses to show love or romance.
Give me some examples of how metaphors may affect our behavior?
How can a snake be both metaphoric and metonymic?
Metaphor-an analogy made between two (or more) things without using like or as
Similie- an anaology made between two (or more) things using like or as
metonymy- a figure of speech which represents something else symbolically.
"sweat" can mean "hard labor," and "Capitol Hill" represents the U.S. Congress. ~Dictionary.com
synedoche- a figure of speech that has a logical verbal form, but is construed.
"The house was built by 40 hands" for "The house was built by 20 people." See metonymy. ~Dictionary.com
Defend or attack the notion that our conceptual system is fundamentally metaphoric.
When we get down to it, the way we think of things and create concepts is through the basic metaphors of every day life. Not only in writing and speech, but also actions. When we act a certain way it's because we try to represent something. ex: we skip to show happiness, we pout to show we're upset. we give roses to show love or romance.
Give me some examples of how metaphors may affect our behavior?
A metaphor can not only misconstrue the way we take words given but also mislead us into thinking the wrong things. Metaphors tend to be cryptic.
How can a snake be both metaphoric and metonymic?
A snake can both represent a penis, or something that the garden of eden.
Discuss the implications of specific metaphors. Find ones that are interesting.
Discuss the implications of specific metaphors. Find ones that are interesting.
she's an angel // wolf
4. Antithetical Meanings of Words
Why does Freud assert that "no" doesn't exist in dreams?
Because, according to Freud, our minds don't like the restriction so in our dreams we reduce the restriction so we have none.
How can a word have two meanings that are opposites of one another?
Freud says "our conceptions arise through comparisons." Is that what Saussure argued?
Do you think the iceberg model does justice to Freud's theories on the unconcious?
I'm sure it could. Because our unconcious is such a large mystery to us, it is fitting that the idea of 90% of it is being unseen in the shadows of the water.
What is meant by "reactions formation"?
Supposedly we express one feeling through its opposite. An example is supposedly when kids are young, some do mean bully things when they really like the girl, like chase them in the yard, pull pigtails, trip them in the halls, etc.
Are most people in the United States dominated by their ids or superegos? Defend your answer.
When someone just wants something to smoke. When it really doens't matter if they get a cigar or a cigarette or a pipe.
Because, according to Freud, our minds don't like the restriction so in our dreams we reduce the restriction so we have none.
How can a word have two meanings that are opposites of one another?
Freud says "our conceptions arise through comparisons." Is that what Saussure argued?
Technically Saussure argued that there's only differences in language, however the idea is the same.
Do you think the iceberg model does justice to Freud's theories on the unconcious?
I'm sure it could. Because our unconcious is such a large mystery to us, it is fitting that the idea of 90% of it is being unseen in the shadows of the water.
What is meant by "reactions formation"?
Supposedly we express one feeling through its opposite. An example is supposedly when kids are young, some do mean bully things when they really like the girl, like chase them in the yard, pull pigtails, trip them in the halls, etc.
Are most people in the United States dominated by their ids or superegos? Defend your answer.
I think people are more dominated by their IDs these days. Because many are into who they are and what they wear or just being different, it's their identity in this world that make a person a person and thus it's sad that despite perhaps a secret urge to do something, they don't because of the public appearance of them being the ones who do it.
When is a cigar only a cigar?When someone just wants something to smoke. When it really doens't matter if they get a cigar or a cigarette or a pipe.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
35867. Extras Q's due 9/15
1) list on your blog a word which played an important role in the history of th eUS
No: the more people saw "no" in any sign the more people had the urge to go against the sign and do whatever it is they said they couldn't do, especially if it violated civil rights or freedoms.
2) list on your blog a word which played an important role in your life
Up: It was recorded as my first word. I love to be in the sky in planes, i love climbing and just moving up in general (physical or metaphorical). "Up" is usually my goal.
3) list on your blog an example of a word which had changed meaning through the years.
Hot: "Hot" used to simply pertain to temperature, but in the 20th century, hot became a term for beautiful as well, most commonly used in clubs or raves. It was once mainly a term for good looking men or women that are found sexually arousing, but was soon also used for ordinary objects such as cars, pictures, or even a computer. It is now used for looks of anything or anyone, in a good way usually.
No: the more people saw "no" in any sign the more people had the urge to go against the sign and do whatever it is they said they couldn't do, especially if it violated civil rights or freedoms.
2) list on your blog a word which played an important role in your life
Up: It was recorded as my first word. I love to be in the sky in planes, i love climbing and just moving up in general (physical or metaphorical). "Up" is usually my goal.
3) list on your blog an example of a word which had changed meaning through the years.
Hot: "Hot" used to simply pertain to temperature, but in the 20th century, hot became a term for beautiful as well, most commonly used in clubs or raves. It was once mainly a term for good looking men or women that are found sexually arousing, but was soon also used for ordinary objects such as cars, pictures, or even a computer. It is now used for looks of anything or anyone, in a good way usually.
3. When I use a Word, Humpty Dumpty said...
Would it be better to celebrate "unbirthdays" rather than birthdays? If so, why? If not, why not?
It would be better not to, because since the birthday is only one day a year, it is more of a reason to celebrate, it stands out and comemorates the day of birth wich is usually a joyous one. However, because unbirthdays are so common, there is little reason to celebrate. Also it would be very expensive to get or make someone a present for all 364 days a year.
Was Humpty Dumpty correct when he asserted that words mean whatever he wants them to mean?
In a way, he is. A word is simply a sound or several sounds someone makes that end up meaning something. It matters not what the word is. If someone grew up thinking the word "woof" mean cat. They would eventually see a cat and could call out "I see a woof!" It's merely on how the person is raised and what they learn the word to mean.
What is the difference between connotation and denotation?
Denotation is the literal meaning behind the word, while the connotation is what the word represents.
(http://www.reference.com/browse/denotation)
Are the dictionary makers "masters" of what words mean? Defend your answer.
No, they are not the "masters" of what words mean. They just happen to have been able to compile a large common sum of views on what the word means. It does not mean they define what the word is. A dictionary is also usually made up of dozens of people all compiling data from dozens of others in which the data is taken from hundreds of thousands of people.
If words could mean whatever we wanted them to mean, could we communicate with others?
No we could not. Just because a word means one thing for us, it does not mean it means the same thing for others and what can be a good thing for some is a bad thing for others. Miscommunication is huge in today's world, and that's when there's a common meaning for most words among people.
It would be better not to, because since the birthday is only one day a year, it is more of a reason to celebrate, it stands out and comemorates the day of birth wich is usually a joyous one. However, because unbirthdays are so common, there is little reason to celebrate. Also it would be very expensive to get or make someone a present for all 364 days a year.
Was Humpty Dumpty correct when he asserted that words mean whatever he wants them to mean?
In a way, he is. A word is simply a sound or several sounds someone makes that end up meaning something. It matters not what the word is. If someone grew up thinking the word "woof" mean cat. They would eventually see a cat and could call out "I see a woof!" It's merely on how the person is raised and what they learn the word to mean.
What is the difference between connotation and denotation?
Denotation is the literal meaning behind the word, while the connotation is what the word represents.
(http://www.reference.com/browse/denotation)
Are the dictionary makers "masters" of what words mean? Defend your answer.
No, they are not the "masters" of what words mean. They just happen to have been able to compile a large common sum of views on what the word means. It does not mean they define what the word is. A dictionary is also usually made up of dozens of people all compiling data from dozens of others in which the data is taken from hundreds of thousands of people.
If words could mean whatever we wanted them to mean, could we communicate with others?
No we could not. Just because a word means one thing for us, it does not mean it means the same thing for others and what can be a good thing for some is a bad thing for others. Miscommunication is huge in today's world, and that's when there's a common meaning for most words among people.
Friday, September 12, 2008
1. Words and Communication
What does it mean to say that language is a game?
All languages can be broken into different game pieces of vowels, consenents, pitches, stresses, junctures and terminal contours. All these pieces are used in the game of putting them together for a way to communicate.
If Langauge is a game, does that mean that conversation, based on language, is a game?
Yes, because the object is to convey the different words one used in the previous game and a new game is created to make sure one understands the other.
What other definitions of language does Farb offer?
Defend the assertion that speech is the basis of "all the other hallmarks of our humanity".
Speech can definately be considered the basis of "all the other hallmarks of our humanity" because without speech, of some kind (not necessarily full sentences or words) there is very little communication and we are limited to what we can convey. Pointing and gestures can only get so far, but even gestures are considered a type of speech (American Sign Language). With sounds and gestures humanity has been free to alter and combine and create many different languages of their own filled with complexity in audio and script.
What are the attributes of a game? What implications does langauge being a game have?
A game must have game pieces, and a set of rules to play by and most importantly, a (set of) player(s). Language has different sounds as the game pieces, the players are humanity itself, and the rules are endless for different forms of communication. Each langauge can have a set of rules and thus a new game in itself, depending. For instance, Japanese is a different game as opposed to old English. There are different characters, sounds, and order to how things work, thus creating 2 ways for the same game. The goal in all games, however, is the same: communciate to another person.
All languages can be broken into different game pieces of vowels, consenents, pitches, stresses, junctures and terminal contours. All these pieces are used in the game of putting them together for a way to communicate.
If Langauge is a game, does that mean that conversation, based on language, is a game?
Yes, because the object is to convey the different words one used in the previous game and a new game is created to make sure one understands the other.
What other definitions of language does Farb offer?
Defend the assertion that speech is the basis of "all the other hallmarks of our humanity".
Speech can definately be considered the basis of "all the other hallmarks of our humanity" because without speech, of some kind (not necessarily full sentences or words) there is very little communication and we are limited to what we can convey. Pointing and gestures can only get so far, but even gestures are considered a type of speech (American Sign Language). With sounds and gestures humanity has been free to alter and combine and create many different languages of their own filled with complexity in audio and script.
What are the attributes of a game? What implications does langauge being a game have?
A game must have game pieces, and a set of rules to play by and most importantly, a (set of) player(s). Language has different sounds as the game pieces, the players are humanity itself, and the rules are endless for different forms of communication. Each langauge can have a set of rules and thus a new game in itself, depending. For instance, Japanese is a different game as opposed to old English. There are different characters, sounds, and order to how things work, thus creating 2 ways for the same game. The goal in all games, however, is the same: communciate to another person.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
20. Fashion as Communication
what does the author say about the differences between the ways men and women use their bodies?
Men use their bodies in a very straightforward manner and learn to grasp and hold and manipulate things, while women are delicate and precious and learn to caress things and people.
What is a gender script? How do these gender scripts function?
It says men should use their bodies and put it out there while women's bodies are precious and they should have a nurturing nature in them.
What did Flugel say about clothes and sexuality? Do you agree? Justify your answer.
I agree with Flugel to an extent. I agree that clothes do portray one's sexuality at times, but i can't imagine it's supposed to show the "suitability for sexual intercourse. It can show how much someone can be desirable, no doubt. Many do go for that. However, I don't believe it means they're ready to get laid right then if they wear something see through. Sometimes the clothing is for personal reasons, or for comfortable-ness. The idea of a thong was once to show you're ready to get laid because it gives easier access than full panties. However, some argue these days that they wear them for comfort as opposed to sexual allure.
What did Laver say about the social spheres of men and women dress? Do you agree? Explain your answer.
He says that men's sphere is a social one that shows the hierarchy of the male's status in society. While women's spheres are on seductiveness and designed to show how desirable a woman is.
For the past, I would disagree and say the women were also trying to dress for social status purposes, however some were simply unable. In this day and age, I would say women are dressing more for the show of seductiveness, but also the men would be doing it. The baggy pants and all would be to hide his penis when it grows in the prescense of a very alluring woman who dresses seductive to simply see the reaction.
How is fashion "collective behavior"?
It's collective because people want to collect and gather as much of the current trend as possible, and when one trend is finished they go after another, simply collecting more stuff.
What is the irony of fashion?
The irony in fashion is that people who don't want to follow the trend, end up making yet another trend that others follow and most of them go by a certain trend anyway simply as an opposite to the current. Goth or punk is a great example. People would wear all black so as to go against the fashion of many colors, and more and more people picked up. Then people added some color and tried their own style of wrist bands, fishnets on the arms, etc. and soon that became a trend in itself because it was found to be "cool" and soon everyone was doing it.
Men use their bodies in a very straightforward manner and learn to grasp and hold and manipulate things, while women are delicate and precious and learn to caress things and people.
What is a gender script? How do these gender scripts function?
It says men should use their bodies and put it out there while women's bodies are precious and they should have a nurturing nature in them.
What did Flugel say about clothes and sexuality? Do you agree? Justify your answer.
I agree with Flugel to an extent. I agree that clothes do portray one's sexuality at times, but i can't imagine it's supposed to show the "suitability for sexual intercourse. It can show how much someone can be desirable, no doubt. Many do go for that. However, I don't believe it means they're ready to get laid right then if they wear something see through. Sometimes the clothing is for personal reasons, or for comfortable-ness. The idea of a thong was once to show you're ready to get laid because it gives easier access than full panties. However, some argue these days that they wear them for comfort as opposed to sexual allure.
What did Laver say about the social spheres of men and women dress? Do you agree? Explain your answer.
He says that men's sphere is a social one that shows the hierarchy of the male's status in society. While women's spheres are on seductiveness and designed to show how desirable a woman is.
For the past, I would disagree and say the women were also trying to dress for social status purposes, however some were simply unable. In this day and age, I would say women are dressing more for the show of seductiveness, but also the men would be doing it. The baggy pants and all would be to hide his penis when it grows in the prescense of a very alluring woman who dresses seductive to simply see the reaction.
How is fashion "collective behavior"?
It's collective because people want to collect and gather as much of the current trend as possible, and when one trend is finished they go after another, simply collecting more stuff.
What is the irony of fashion?
The irony in fashion is that people who don't want to follow the trend, end up making yet another trend that others follow and most of them go by a certain trend anyway simply as an opposite to the current. Goth or punk is a great example. People would wear all black so as to go against the fashion of many colors, and more and more people picked up. Then people added some color and tried their own style of wrist bands, fishnets on the arms, etc. and soon that became a trend in itself because it was found to be "cool" and soon everyone was doing it.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Chapter 19 Facial Expressions:
List and Discuss the areas facial expressions give information about.
Poker players try to hide emotions to give away or mislead other opponents.
Research what has been found about which muscles express which emotion in the face.
Great site for interactive expression maker:
http://www.do2learn.com/games/facialexpressions/face.htm
Why do we feel emotions when we are watching preformers pretend to feel things in texts?
- affective state- emotions, such as fear, sadness, joy, or disgust
- cognitive activity- concentration or boredom, how attentive someone is
- temperament and personality- hostility, or shyness, anything that has a human trait
- truthfulness- (sort of self explainatory) whether somoene is concealing or keeping a secret
- psychopathology- aids in diagnosing and treating disorders such as mania, schizophrenia, depression, etc.
Poker players try to hide emotions to give away or mislead other opponents.
Research what has been found about which muscles express which emotion in the face.
Great site for interactive expression maker:
http://www.do2learn.com/games/facialexpressions/face.htm
Why do we feel emotions when we are watching preformers pretend to feel things in texts?
It can make us relate simply through images and thus we can feel with the actor.
Do you think any facial expressions are universal.? If so, which ones? Justify your position.
I do believe some facial expressions are universal such as happiness or sadness. I believe it's natural to smile when happy. Babies can't be taught right off the bat if they're happy, but they smile naturally, or their face twists in a frown as they cry. People have not been taught to blush if they're embarressed, it's simply natural. And thus, I believe certain expressions are natural and universal, though not all, such as silly faces. Those are shown and taught.
Are facial expressions gender specific? If so, which ones? Explain your answer.
I do not believe facial expressions are gender specific. Body language can be gender specific, however, facial expressions are not.
If we can automate reading facial expressions, do you think that will be good or bad?
Contrary, I think we already have. We have computers and books that map out each facial look, idea or expression and we can recreate as we see fit. Some rare people can be trained to read the expressions and i think it can be good, so long as it's used appropriate, such as finding liars for criminal purposes.
Bonus Question: Which is more important, verbal or nonverbal?
I believe non-verbal communication is more important. It's one thing to say something, anyone can say something but they don't have to mean it. The actions put into it, or the expression on someone's face can tell someone if the word is true.
Do you think any facial expressions are universal.? If so, which ones? Justify your position.
I do believe some facial expressions are universal such as happiness or sadness. I believe it's natural to smile when happy. Babies can't be taught right off the bat if they're happy, but they smile naturally, or their face twists in a frown as they cry. People have not been taught to blush if they're embarressed, it's simply natural. And thus, I believe certain expressions are natural and universal, though not all, such as silly faces. Those are shown and taught.
Are facial expressions gender specific? If so, which ones? Explain your answer.
I do not believe facial expressions are gender specific. Body language can be gender specific, however, facial expressions are not.
If we can automate reading facial expressions, do you think that will be good or bad?
Contrary, I think we already have. We have computers and books that map out each facial look, idea or expression and we can recreate as we see fit. Some rare people can be trained to read the expressions and i think it can be good, so long as it's used appropriate, such as finding liars for criminal purposes.
Bonus Question: Which is more important, verbal or nonverbal?
I believe non-verbal communication is more important. It's one thing to say something, anyone can say something but they don't have to mean it. The actions put into it, or the expression on someone's face can tell someone if the word is true.
Chapter 18 Non Verbal Communication
Define "nonverbal" communication. How does it differ from verbal communication?
Non-verbal communication: every day social interaction consisting of facial expressions, postures, movements and gestures.
Verbal communication, however, can contradict the silent messages and thus we can mistrust what we hear or say.
What are the three dimensions of human behavior that are expressed non-verbally?
Can you think of other dimensions that might be expressed non-verbally?
Not yet.
Non-verbal communication: every day social interaction consisting of facial expressions, postures, movements and gestures.
Verbal communication, however, can contradict the silent messages and thus we can mistrust what we hear or say.
What are the three dimensions of human behavior that are expressed non-verbally?
- in like or dislike
- dominance
- responsiveness
Can you think of other dimensions that might be expressed non-verbally?
Not yet.
-in class: emotion, shock/surprise
Why do we trust body language and facial expressions more than verbal messages?
Because our actions tend to dictate what we mean to say and so our words are merely a weak form of communication.
Why do we react certain ways to visual stimuli?
We react depending on the level of awarenesss something or someone is for us. The more aware of the moment, or the object/person we are, the more we react.
Why do we trust body language and facial expressions more than verbal messages?
Because our actions tend to dictate what we mean to say and so our words are merely a weak form of communication.
Why do we react certain ways to visual stimuli?
We react depending on the level of awarenesss something or someone is for us. The more aware of the moment, or the object/person we are, the more we react.
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