Written Tasks - Power and Persuasion

We should be starting to use Communication (Media) Theories by now.  Suggestions are in brackets after each question.  Read about Media Theories at the bottom of this page.

Short Answers

1. Discuss how media producers use technical and symbolic codes to influence audience perception of a political figure. Use evidence from a studied film. (Framing, Priming)

2. Discuss how the production context (e.g., historical or political climate) of a media work shapes its intended persuasive message. (Agenda Setting, Dependency Theory)

3. Discuss how a specific representation is constructed to serve a particular ideological purpose. Use evidence from a studied film. (Framing, Cultivation Theory)

4. Discuss how media aesthetics (e.g., cinematography, editing) are manipulated to create a sense of 'truth' in a documentary or mockumentary style. (Medium Theory, Priming)

5. Discuss how media producers identify and target a niche audience through specific narrative or stylistic choices. Use evidence from a studied film. (Uses and Gratifications)

Extended Answers

1. Narrative Manipulation: Construct an overview of a media work that manipulates narrative structure. Analyze how these choices challenge audience expectations and evaluate the impact on the meaning conveyed. (Framing, Two-Step Flow)

2. Production Context & Aesthetics: Construct an overview of a media work where the production context significantly influences its aesthetic style. Evaluate how this relationship reinforces the work’s persuasive power. (Dependency Theory, Medium Theory)

3. Personal Expression & Culture: Construct an overview of a media work where personal expression is used to critique social or political values. Evaluate how this expression provides cultural benefit. (Spiral of Silence, Agenda Setting)

4. Context & Interpretation: Construct an overview of how cultural context influences audience interpretation. Evaluate how changing contexts can alter the perceived 'truth' of a media work. (Knowledge Gap, Cultivation Theory)

5. Style & Audience Engagement: Construct an overview of how a director uses signature style and theme to persuade an audience. Evaluate the effectiveness of this engagement. (Uses and Gratifications, Framing)