For every answer remember you must include examples from the text. Although the question is about media representations, you must include media language in your answers! (Media language constructs media representations!)
Consider the codes and conventions of the advertising form and how media language influences meaning:
- How does a charity advert (like Super.Human technically is) utilise the codes and conventions typical of advertising in general?
- How does Super.Human subvert typical features of a charity advertisement?
- Identify all the: 1) technical codes 2) editing techniques 3) characters 4) narrative this advert uses to communicate its message quickly.
Consider how and why particular social groups may be under-represented or misrepresented:
- What is an example of a ‘dominant group in society’?
- What is an example of a ‘marginalised group in society’?
- How does this advert subvert representations of ‘marginalised groups’?
- What do we learn about Channel 4’s ideology from this advert?
Consider how representations are constructed through processes of selection and combination:
- What choices do the producers make in how they represent people living with disabilities?
- How are stereotypes both used and subverted in this advert?
- How is representation of reality constructed?
Consider theoretical perspectives:
- How does Stuart Hall’s theory of representation apply?
- How does David Gauntlet's theory of identity apply?
Note: this answer requires theories!
Preparing for Unseen Comparisons
1. Watch this video three times
Compare how audiences are positioned by the representations in this WaterAid advertisement and the Super.Human. advertisement you have studied.
In your answer you should:
- consider how the representations construct versions of reality
- consider the similarities and differences in how audiences are positioned by the representations
- make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the representations relate to relevant media contexts. [30]
2. Watch the following video three times:
.Compare how audiences are positioned by the representations in this Save The
Children advertisement and the Super.Human. advertisement you have studied.
In your answer you should:
- consider how the representations construct versions of reality
- consider the similarities and differences in how audiences are positioned by the representations
- make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the representations relate to relevant media contexts. [30]
3. Watch the following video three times:
Compare how audiences are positioned by the representations in this Not Special advertisement and the Super.Human. advertisement you have studied.
In your answer you should:
- consider how the representations construct versions of reality
- consider the similarities and differences in how audiences are positioned by the representations
- make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the representations relate to relevant media contexts. [30]