1. Semiotic Analysis

2. Making Meaning Language (texts) a system of signs Meaning not obvious, must be elicited Signs are arbitrary –“alphabet of deaf-mutes” Relationships between signs & components of signs is key

3. Signs Sound-Image signifier Concept signified Relationship is arbitrary, unmotivated, unnatural

4. Symbols Signifier Signified Schoolhouse Education

5. Signs & Symbols Relationship between sign & symbol NOT wholly arbitrary Meanings of signs must be learned –Structured associations –Codes

6. Codes Intelligible – signifiers and signified agree

7. Messages & Meaning Everything sends a message –Clothing –Food –Gestures –Rituals –Texts of all kinds

8. Matching Meaning Connotation Figurative Signified Inferred Suggests meaning Realm of myth Denotation Literal Signifier Obvious Describes Realm of existence

9. Denotation Literal Signifier Obvious Describes Realm of existence Connotation Figurative Signified Inferred Suggests meaning Realm of myth

10. Denotation Literal Signifier Obvious Describes Realm of existence Connotation Figurative Signified Inferred Suggests meaning Realm of myth

11. Semiotics How meaning is created & conveyed Signs – combinations of signified & signifier Relationships between signs key –Language is social institution All is “text”

12. Intertextuality Conscious or unconscious Parody –Style –Genre Quote Homage

13. Intertextuality Metaphor –Like or as Metonomy –Implied –Association with known image Uncle Sam Cowboy hat Red rose

14. Codes Based in socialization –Can vary from transmitter to receiver of texts Cultural captial –Toolset for understanding codes –Some meanings easier to understand, “taken for granted”

15. Codes Audiences negotiate meaning –Intended meaning –Negotiated meaning –Oppositional meaning OJ LA Riots Cathy Freeman

16. Intertextuality & codes Appropriation Homage Signs/signified Cultural capital Social world

17. Codes All-pervasive Specific Clear cut Personality, social roles, institutions, ideology Genre, formula Rituals, expectations

18. Cinematic Technique Signifier Close-up Medium shot Full shot Long shot Definition Face Most of body Full body Setting & characters Signified Intimacy Personal relationship Social relationship Context, scope, distance

19. Decoding “Pulp Fiction” Looking for oppositions Character Time period/cohesion Mood Power Sexuality

20. Decoding “Pulp Fiction” What does the surveillance suggest? Why do both characters use drugs? What is accomplished by the “square?” What function does the car/booth serve? What is implied by hand-rolled cigarettes? What is the purpose of the dance?

21. Decoding “Pulp Fiction” Surveillance Camera –Power shift –Gaze (hers, ours) Subject/object transfer –Omnipresent husband/boss –Class difference –Veil Insecurity, anticipation, propriety

22. Decoding “Pulp Fiction” Drugs –Outsiders –Glamour Sophistication, control, expense –Insecurity –Sexual surrogate –Death Intensity, surreal, shifting consequences

23. Decoding “Pulp Fiction” “Square” Booth Cigarettes Dance

24. Short Essay There are 3 positions a “reader” can take in relationship to a “text” and its meaning. Briefly describe each of these positions, and give an example using “Pulp Fiction” or another popular text for material.