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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main argument of "Resisting the False Security of TV" by Tom Shales?

2. What was the theme of most of the movies in post 9/11 era as pointed out by Patrick Goldstein in "The Time to Get Serious Has Come?"

3. Who is the author of "Asian Women in Film: No Joy, No Luck?" .

4. Why is the Oprah Winfrey show popular, according to Steven D. Stark?

5. What are the products that may be promoted by advertisements employing the phenomenon, Democracy of Afflictions?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are shows like West Wing popular according to Todd Davis , the author of "The West Wing in American Culture?"

2. How is semiotic analysis of TV program different from a review or opinion?

3. What is commodification of desire?

4. What is the first step in semiotic writing as recommended by the authors?

5. Reality TV shows are a hot trend in popular culture and often based on schadenfreude. What do you think their impact could be on a middle school student?

6. What are some examples of popular culture?

7. What is Schadenfreude? How is it relevant to TV shows? Give two examples.

8. Taking the example of blue jeans, explain how a product undergoes a transformation as a cultural symbol.

9. When did the Energizer bunny ad appear? How is it a cultural icon in terms of success?

10. What are the factors that may influence semiotic interpretation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What did you learn about the history of American advertising from the chapter "Brought to You B(u)y: The Signs of Advertising?" How is the history of American advertising linked to the advancement of technology?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 1, the authors posit that compared to other American demographic groups, students may be freer to project their image through the products they buy. Write a paper stating your agreement or disagreement with the authors (this is called a position paper) in the context of your personal experience as a student.

Essay Topic 3

What is your position regarding people belonging to one culture adapting or copying another culture's art form? Do you agree or disagree with the points made by Paul C. Taylor in "Funky White Boys and Honorary Soul Sisters?"

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This section contains 1,045 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample