Learning objective

To understand the theoretical terms used to analyse TV drama and how to apply them in your

exam answer

Hegemony

According to the theories of Karl Marx:

The dominant ideas (which become ‘common sense’) of any society are those

which work in the interests of the ruling class to secure its rule or dominance.

Prime minister: David Cameron, 43, ConservativeDeputy prime minister: Nick Clegg, 43, Liberal DemocratChancellor: George Osborne, 38, ConservativeHome secretary: Theresa May, 53, ConservativeForeign secretary: William Hague, 49, ConservativeDefence secretary: Liam Fox, 48, ConservativeJustice secretary: Kenneth Clarke, 69, ConservativeHealth secretary: Andrew Lansley, 53, ConservativeEducation secretary: Michael Gove, 42, ConservativeBusiness secretary: Vincent Cable, 67, Liberal DemocratChief secretary to the Treasury: David Laws, 44, Liberal DemocratWork and pensions secretary: Iain Duncan Smith, 56, ConservativeEnergy and climate change secretary: Chris Huhne, 55, Liberal DemocratLocal government secretary: Eric Pickles, 58, ConservativeTransport secretary: Philip Hammond, 55, ConservativeEnvironment secretary: Caroline Spelman, 52, ConservativeInternational development secretary: Andrew Mitchell, 54, ConservativeNorthern Ireland secretary: Owen Paterson, 53, ConservativeScotland secretary: Danny Alexander, 37, Liberal DemocratWelsh secretary: Cheryl Gillan, 58, ConservativeCulture, Olympics, media and sport secretary: Jeremy Hunt, 43, ConservativeLeader of the Lords: Lord Strathclyde, 50, ConservativeMinister without portfolio: Lady Warsi, 39, Conservative

The Cabinet

23 members

4 women

1 ethnic minority

0 disabled

0 working class

37-67 yrs age range

? gay

Hegemony??

Double garages

Jerry cans

Pasties

Binary Opposition

According to the theories of Levi-Strauss:

What drives a story is conflict between two opposing forces – creating binary opposition.

Stories can be organised through the binary opposition of stereotypes

What are the binary oppositions in these TV dramas?

• Upstairs/Downstairs

• White Heat

• Skins• Dr Who

• Titanic

• Waterloo Rd

Opening paragraphIn this essay I will be analysing the extract from <title of TV drama> and identifying how <element of representation> is represented. I will be demonstrating if, and how, the extract uses archetypes, generic types and stereotypes and applying Levi-Strauss’ concept of binary oppositions. Finally, I will determine if the extract conforms to or challenges hegemony. I will be doing this with reference to camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene.

Archetype

• This literally means: ‘the original model’

• This refers to characters such as hero, villain, princess, wise man etc

• These characters are well established in traditional stories and transcend history or culture

Generic type/Stock characters

• Generic types are characters found in particular genres (comedy, crime, horror)

• They are more narrowly defined than archetypes e.g. the coward, the fool, the absent minded, the charmer

Stereotypes

A stereotype is created by using a set of general characteristics to describe a group

of people, usually in a negative way, based on assumptions rather than fact.

Stereotypes are usually created by the dominant culture in society

Create a new blog on your current blog site2. Go to your coursework blog site3. Set up a new blog by adding a 2 to the existing blog. For

example:Charlie SpiersCoursework blog is: http://charliespiersrc.blogspot.comCreate new blog called:http://charliespiersrc2.blogspot.com

Any work you are asked to do in preparation for this exam should be posted on this second site.

Blog for this course: http://rctvdrama.blogspot.com

Finish writing up your answer to the exam question – there should be five

paragraphs in total

Post to your blog by Monday 16 th April