Q4: THEORY For this question you will be asked to evaluate a theory (maybe through choice of 2) to either (or maybe both) LFTVDs we have studied. What is the difference between application and evaluation? Summarise theory  Provide examples from key text(s) Offer a balanced argument Conclude at end

What you need to do/know Know your theorists! Be able to break every theory down into 3 main points Know what points apply to the texts studied Know which points are limited in relation to the texts studied

Sample Question (17mins writing time) Basic structure: Intro paragraph (introduce the theory and paraphrase it. What area of the TF is it from and what is the main idea?) A.T.E 1 A.T.E 2 A.T.E 3 Conclusion – how useful/relevant is the theory when analysing the key texts?

Main body of essay – A.T.E Structure: Always start a paragraph with a sentence that tells your reader what the rest of the paragraph is all about. A: Aspect of theory. Sentence starter: One aspect of ________’s theory is ... T: Text – evidence/detail from BOTH texts that highlight or evidence the aspect you identified above. Sentence starter: This is clearly/ somewhat/ particularly/ less relevant/ evident in _[text]__ when...  [Then go into detail. Use the texts to illustrate this. Be detailed, specific and use terminology. Link to wider ideologies if you can]. Use conjunctions when moving the discussion from one text to the other. E: Evaluate/explanation. This is where you put in some analysis and make conclusions. Conclude the relevance/usefulness of the aspect of theory you have discussed in regards to both texts, how far, to what extent etc. Offer ideas why/why not the theory is relevant.

For example: A T E Todorov’s theory of narratology supports the concept that there are narrative resolutions or some kind of closure to a narrative. However, there is no restoration of the equilibrium in either TV drama as the convention of long form TV drama suspends the resolution and episodes unravel over a period of time. This enables the narrative to be explored through different plots and characterisation. These open or unresolved narratives help to set the scene of the next episode and enables conflict to be explored and possibly restored at some stage in the future. This therefore is a limitation of Todorov’s theory and is only relevant here in identifying the differences between singular narrative films and long form TV drama, as the idea of narrative closure is more relevant for single narratives rather than the complex serial-narratives of long form drama where climax and resolution are delayed and sometimes never reached.

Evaluation of Media Language Theorists 3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Where is the theory limited or irrelevant to LFTVD? Baudrillard Strauss

3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Theorist 3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Where is the theory limited or irrelevant to LFTVD? Barthes Todorov Narratives are structured around 5 key events which reflect values and ideologies Equilibrium is disrupted into disequilibrium There is an attempt to restore a new equilibrium The stages of narratology are evident in LFTVDs  The disruption is found in episode 1 – both texts The attempt to restore is a major convention and provides the show with the desired drama. Episodes do not include all 5 stages of narrative structure Hard to apply to LFTVDs with multi-stranded narratives  Character driven episodes that focus less on story Neale

Evaluation of Audience Theorists 3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Where is the theory limited or irrelevant to LFTVD? Gerbner Bandura

Theorist 3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Where is the theory limited or irrelevant to LFTVD? Hall Jenkins Shirkey

Evaluation of Industry Theorists 3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Where is the theory limited or irrelevant to LFTVD? Hesmondhalgh Curran & Seaton Livingstone & Lunt

Evaluation of Representation Theorists 3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Where is the theory limited or irrelevant to LFTVD? Van Zoonen Butler Gilroy

3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Theorist 3 aspects/ideas of theory How the theory applies to LFTVD? Where is the theory limited or irrelevant to LFTVD? Hall hooks Gauntlett Media representations portray a range of different messages about identity, which can be adopted by audiences Identities including gender and sexuality are now seen as ‘less fixed’ Online media allow people to express and explore their identities. Range of representations and identities on screen Contradictory gender representations of men in both texts (Hopper/Will, Theiss/Troels) Certain characters have grown in audience identity and become cult favs (Barb, Dustin, Lund) We are presented with fixed gender roles in both texts (although they do change or develop) which are considered the social and hegemonic ‘norm’. Underrepresentation of various sexualities in both texts.