Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
DUE August 2025
,COM3703
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
Due August 2025
Media Studies: Content, Audiences and Production
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3
2. Communication and Media Semiotics ......................................................................... 4
2.1 Definition and Relation to Communication ............................................................. 4
2.2 Characteristics of a Sign ........................................................................................ 4
2.3 Types of Signs ....................................................................................................... 5
3. Narrative Analysis ....................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Barthes’ Five Narrative Codes ............................................................................... 7
3.2 Details of Chosen Episode .................................................................................... 8
3.3 Binary Opposition .................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Four Phases of Narrative Progression ................................................................. 10
4. Film Theory and Criticism .......................................................................................... 11
4.1 Definition of Film Theory ...................................................................................... 11
4.2 Eisenstein’s Three Film Theories ......................................................................... 11
4.3 Critical Analysis Using De Putter’s Framework .................................................... 12
, 4.4 Auteur Directors ................................................................................................... 13
5. Media Audience Theory ............................................................................................ 14
5.1 Passive vs. Active Audiences .............................................................................. 14
5.2 Typology of Needs for Telenovela Audiences ..................................................... 15
5.3 Gratifications Sought vs. Obtained ...................................................................... 16
5.4 Suitability of the Uses and Gratifications Theory ................................................. 16
References .................................................................................................................... 17