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Use APA with sources screen_shot_2020_04_30_at_1.05.31_pm.png exemplar_2_high_distinction.pdf com00439_text_analysis_tips_1.pdf __mediatextanalysis_checklist2020doc.pdf Unformatted Attachment Preview Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Student Number: XXXXXXXXXX COM00439 – Theory in Practice: Issues in Media Studies Assessment 2 – Media Text Analysis The March 2014 cover of Cosmopolitan magazine arguably celebrates femineity, Commented [A1]: femininity - spelling encouraging confident and independent women. The media text uses imagery, text, and colour to influence women into purchasing the magazine. However, through semiotic analysis, I have chosen this media text due to the congested and conflicted meanings within the codes and signs. Commented [A2]: OK, I am interested – and will read on to see what you do with this idea. Robyn Lawley is a pioneer within the fashion industry, namely the first Australian plus-size model featuring on mainstream media covers (Champ 2011; Monica 2016). The image of Robyn shows lack of torso definition, a skin fold at the waist and a Commented [A3]: How crazy is it that size 14 is considered by some to be ‘plus-size’? bulge under her right armpit, illustrating her fuller figure. However, her defined cheek and collar bones portray her as slender. The image lacks any indication of Robyn’s clothing size, allowing denotations to form as to how she is perceived. Her Commented [A4]: A good comment body is elongated through a centred medium-long shot, forming a visual path to her Commented [A5]: excellent face. Visual focus is drawn to lighter parts of an image, with white often conveying innocence or virtuousness (Clarke and Costall 2008, p. 409). Robyn is wearing a stylish, but revealing outfit, which arguably conflicts with this connotation of innocence. Photographic images can be extremely effective at eliciting emotional responses within the audience (Evans and Thomas 2013, p. 91), allowing the reader a more intimate relationship with Robyn and the magazine, as she engages the audience through direct eye contact. The serious facial expression accords with connotations relating to weight issues, disorders and confidence within the target audience. Black, bold text signifies Robyn’s identity to attract fans, in addition to existing readers. The denotations relating to the words ‘thigh gap’ perpetuate focus on 1 Commented [A6]: and, also, the serious facial expression is a very stereotypical one for fashion models. current trends, as the disturbing ‘thigh gap’ trend is perceived as pressuring women and girls into pursuing unrealistic body image aspirations (Lawley 2013). Personal Commented [A7]: good interpretation will dictate whether positive or negative connotations are drawn, however, by utilising the text ‘ending the ‘thigh gap’ obsession’, the author pinpoints an underlying issue with many women striving to obtain the trendy ‘thigh gap’. The linked use of Robyn may subvert barriers by promoting healthy body images for women, conversely it may be detrimental for those who possess a ‘thigh gap’. The author may unintentionally alienate this cohort, rather than highlighting the negative effects of such trends in society. The imagery signifies the media text as focussed on empowering women to be confident, however this is contradictory due to adjoining disconnected text. The key Commented [A8]: good banner ‘start your own business’ is self-evident, but discords with Robyn’s outfit, which is not appropriate business attire. Further, remaining signifiers are superficial, Commented [A9]: yes including advice on wearing your wardrobe, perfect lashes, sex tapes, unsafe sex, thigh gaps, etc. These superficial, titillating matters are consistent with gossip magazines and do not conform with the connotation of the key banner. Although the banner is directed at empowering women, it conflicts with superficial and stereotypical matters addressed in the media text, creating ambiguity for the Commented [A10]: really good analysis XXXX audience. In large bold font, the words ‘go for it’ are positioned above ‘start your own business’, contrasting effectively and standing out over Robyn’s white outfit. These banners are closely situated, likely linked to encourage women to pursue their desired lifestyle. However, when connected with signifiers referencing making a sex tape and unsafe sex, negative connotations arise by suggesting women ‘go for it’. Persuasive connotations are also formed from the signifier ‘go for it’, urging the reader to purchase the magazine (e.g. go for it! pick me up! read me!). The banner ‘50+ ways to wear your wardrobe differently’ suggests upcycling existing clothing, appealing to a budget conscious audience who have limited financial resources to purchase new clothes. This signifier projects itself by using colour and 2 Commented [A11]:  shapes to create contrast, with a dark pink circle placed behind the white text. Creative use of shapes are necessary to communicate visual messages quickly and directly, particularly when an audience with a short attention span is bombarded by images. (Hashimoto and Clayton 2009, p.9). The primary colour scheme plays into existing stereotypes, linking pink as a ‘feminine’ or ‘girly’ colour (Clarke and Costall 2008, p. 408), though arguably supporting empowerment by suggesting women do not need to abandon femineity Commented [A12]: great to be successful. Bright pink is utilised to establish a link between the top and bottom of the cover, creating a pathway. The colour scheme creates visual relationships and interest, effectively avoiding sensory overload or confusion by using only four colours (Hashimoto and Clayton 2009, p. 238). The masthead is obscured, illustrating the magazine is established, demonstrating confidence that the product will be recognised without revealing the entire masthead. Contrast is created effectively through the bold, bright font in front of the Commented [A13]: yes pale background, allowing the audience to recognise this magazine from others. By using semiotic analysis, it is evident that several congested and conflicted meanings are formed within this media text. Positive connotations are formed around femineity, confidence and independence among women, however, it is evident that the media text is contradictory. 3 Commented [A14]: femininity Reference List Champ, N 2011, Robyn Lawley is the first Australian Plus Size Model to cover an Australian Magazine, viewed 26 April 2017, Clarke, T and Costall, A 2008, The emotional connotations of color: A qualitative investigation, Color Research and Application, Vol. 33, Issue 5, viewed 26 April 2017, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/doi/10.1002/col.20435/full Cosmopolitan magazine, March 2014, Bauer Media Group, Australia. Evans, P and Thomas, M 2013, Exploring the elements of design, 3rd ed, Cengage Learning, Delmar. Hashimoto, A and Clayton, M 2009, Visual Design Fundamentals: A Digital Approach, 3rd ed, Charles River Media/Cengage Learning, Boston. Lawley, R 2013, Robyn Lawley: Why The Dangerous “Thigh Gap” Trend Makes Me Mad, viewed 26 April 2017, Monica 2016, Meet the Model Robyn Lawley: Fearless, Respected and Inspiring, viewed 26 April 2017, 4 Appendix Theory in Practice: Issues in Media Studies Assignment 2 – Media Text analysis Student Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Media text selected: Cosmopolitan magazine cover March 2014 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 750 words submitted online submitted on time submitted with reference list brief synopsis of text copy of text attached (or a link to online text) rationale for your choice textual analysis Marking criteria Fail Pass Quality of textual analysis Good Excellent Comments X Thanks, XXXXXXXXXX, for this very well structured, expert analysis within the short word limit. You’ve done very well, and have full understanding of the process of textual analysis, taking a cultural studies (contextual) approach. Logical, clear and substantiated comments. And it’s great that you were able to find the contradictions inherent in the cover’s meanings. Good work on design, colour and gender representation. 10/10 Coherency of comments/arguments X 10/10 Depth of research X 10/10 Presentation skills, spelling, grammar, referencing skills 9/10 Additional comments: X Just a couple of tiny errors. Great work XXXXXXXX – you have a flair for semiotic analysis. Grade: High Distinction 5 6 1 COM00439 Media Text Analysis Tips Analysis Be clear about the task you are doing, which is a close analysis of your chosen media text. Content Evidence of research: demonstrate that you:- uncovered interesting and relevant published sources - have read them critically, and used them to support your argument. n.b. Familiarity with relevant source material is a vital aspect of any academic assignment. Strong and coherent argument: including - capacity to provide an informed, coherent and cogent argument - personal response informed by supporting evidence - a critical response demonstrating your capacity for analysis. Presentation Structure of presentation: Your work should have three identifiable sections, plus bibliography/list of references. You only need to give the bibliography and appendix a heading. Introduction - sets the scene, explains problem to be tackled and articulates argument. - states your position and the main points you will develop. Body of the assignment - supports thesis and substantiates claims with reference to academic works - develops thesis or argument in a logical and coherent manner - avoids repetition and argument which is not directly relevant (you may indicate your awareness of further sets of issues in endnotes). Conclusion - summarises and reasserts the validity of the central argument - places the argument in the context of broader issues - may also suggest further issues to consider. Bibliography/List of References A bibliography of all sources used in researching and composing the assignment. This must be consistent with the referencing system used. Appendices - you definitely need to include the media text itself, either in full, or as a link to it online. Your work will not be graded without this. - if you wish, you may include other media examples and additional research information. If you take up this option, then it is wise to refer to material used in appendices in the body of the project . 2 Effective and correct use of footnotes/citations Accurate referencing is essential. All sources must be acknowledged. Whichever method is employed, it must be used correctly and consistently. You MUST NOT present other people’s work as your own – paraphrase what they say (i.e. write in your own words) and credit their ideas, or quote them in clearly marked quotations (eg with quote marks, or in italics, and indented, if over 10 or so words long, according to your chosen referencing system’s style guide). Plagiarism is a very serious offence and will be dealt with according to university policy. Standard of English expression Express as effectively and clearly as possible, without discriminatory language. You can write in the first person (as in ‘the reason I chose this text is …’ if you choose. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are important for comprehension. Don’t bury your ideas under careless expression - they may never see the light of day! Use spell and grammar checking programs to help you to do a thorough final edit before you hand the assignment in. And make sure you do a proper proof-read yourself as well! Assignment Tips The following points are some basic guidelines for composting assignments: 1. Read the question thoroughly, then read it again twice as hard. Pick out the key words (think about definitions) and try to establish relationships between these key words, which address the question asked. Look at the criteria sheet for the assignment and address these points. 2. Do the requisite amount of research: read the study guide and the relevant suggested readings, look at other sources of information that relate to the question. Consult your own notes and discuss issues with a friend or fellow students if possible. 3. Write the first draft of your assignment keeping in mind your argument and the sequence in which it takes place. This is where detail and examples come into play. 4. Make sure you are familiar with your chosen system of citation and referencing. The main rules are: to provide sufficient information so that others can look up your sources; and to be consistent throughout your work in the details you provide and how you provide them. 5. Before handing in the polished version of your work, check the grammar and spelling. 6. Keep to the word limit (within ten percent more or less than the required word limit is acceptable). 7. Keep in mind that assignments submitted after the due date, without an extension that you negotiate before the due date, will be penalised. The purpose of this assignment is to assess student media literacy and ability to perform a close textual analysis. You will apply a basic semiotic analysis to a media text of your choice, to explore how meanings are made and interpreted. - Settle on a specific media text - Write a brief synopsis of your chosen text – i.e. describe it - Give a rationale for your choice of text. What drew you to this particular media example? - Write a close textual analysis of your text: here are some pointers: - ◦ Identify the main signifiers in your text. What do they signify? - ◦ Roland Barthes outlined divergent orders of signification, the first being denotation and the second connotation. Discuss with regard to your selected text. - ◦ Which meanings do you think are presented as dominant? - ◦ How does it try to position you as a reader? - ◦ Can you identify any ambiguities in the text where meanings could be disputed and negotiated? - As with all academic assignments, make ensure you include a reference list with your submission. - Check your spelling/grammar etc. – make sure your responses read coherently. - Please include a copy of your chosen media text as an appendix to your assignment; for instance, a jpeg attachment of a print media advertisement. Be aware of the marking criteria as you approach your assignment tasks. The Criteria for thisMedia Text Analysis sentation Pre are state d below . Media Text Analysis Presentation Marking Criteria - Coherency of comments/arguments - Presentation Skills - Depth of research (set readings and beyond!) - Quality of Textual Analysis - Submission of reference list. ... Purchase answer to see full attachment