Write a 3-4 page essay that provides a semiotic analysis of ONE of the following

Write a 3-4 page essay that provides a semiotic analysis of ONE of the following options. At some point of your essay, you should point out one of the logical fallacies we have addressed so far. Identify the fallacy, define it, and show how it applies in the example you are addressing. For example, you might show that a character is using ad hominem in his/her words. If you can’t find a logical fallacy in your text, then you could use an example of one in your introduction or conclusion to show the problem with it.
Select a television program or a film/movie. If you select a television program, use examples from specific episodes rather than talking generally about the series as a whole. For example, if you select Fresh Off the Boat, you may discuss the characters in the program (e.g. Eddie, Jessica, Louis), but you should also call attention to specific moments of dialogue and specific situations in particular episodes.
Note the signs/images in the text such as clothing, setting, body positioning, words (dialogue) and any other elements that the text incorporates. Draw conclusions about what those signs/images stand for and what cultural messages, values, norms are being invoked and why. Use these notes to develop your argument: what overall interpretation can you offer about the text?
One way to approach this is to examine your text as a representation of the culture in which it was produced. If you did not know anything about that society, what image of that culture is constructed through the text? What values represent that culture? Is the text reasserting these values or is it parodying (or “making fun”) of these values? Another way to approach this is to consider the social, cultural, or psychological messages that the text is conveying (whether intentional or not).
Select a specific musical genre of your choice. Is there a culture attached to the genre? Are there certain groups of people who have embraced this genre within their culture? Are there certain artists and/or songs who are representative of this genre? Why? Are there key signs or images attached to the genre? Has the history or background of the genre played a role in shaping the values within the genre?
Another way to look at this issue is to discuss this musical genre in terms of the larger culture in which it was produced. Does the music represent certain values or beliefs of mainstream culture or does it speak against those values? To assist you in collecting evidence for this topic, you might want to use this chart Download chart.
Select a musical artist or group. Are there certain lyrics or themes that the artist regularly addresses? Are there certain sounds associated with the artist? Are there certain images or values? Are there parts of the artist’s life that are important to how s/he portrays his/her music? To assist you in collecting evidence for this topic, you might want to use this chart Download chart.
Select a musical performance of a minimum of 30 minutes (in other words, analyze a concert rather than just one performance). Are there certain behaviors the artist engages in during the performance? What is the positioning of the artist during the performance? What is the setting of the performance? Is this important? What equipment, instruments, props are used during the performance? What songs did the artist choose to perform?
IMPORTANT CAUTIONS
Do not select any of the texts that were assigned in class unless you have something significantly different to add to our class discussion.
For the television/movie option, do NOT merely provide a plot summary. Don’t just describe what happened in the program; instead, discuss why it is important.
For the musical genre option, do NOT merely provide a history of the genre. Only bring in history if you are going to analyze it.
For the musical artist option, do NOT merely provide a biography of the artist. Only bring in the artist’s life if you are going to analyze it.
OBJECTIVES
To think critically about the signs that entertainment media uses and to provide a semiotic analysis of how those signs somehow reflect or try to subvert the culture in which the text is produced.
To utilize other writers’ theories to help support and/or to articulate your own opinions and disagreements with those writers.
To provide a central thesis statement and to support that thesis statement with evidence from your analysis.
LOGISTICS
Must be typed and double-spaced with 1” margins on all sides. Use MLA formatting.
Standard 12 pt. font should be used.
The paper should include an informative and interesting title (do not use “Essay #2” or the name of the program or the musical artist as the title).
Papers must be a minimum of three FULL pages in length (not including the heading and title). Papers that are shorter will be graded as if there were not a page minimum then multiplied by the percentage that is completed. For example, a paper that is 2.5 pages will be graded and then multiplied by 83%, which is how much of the assignment was completed.