View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Fill-in the blank. Authors posit that pop culture is a subject that is _____________

2. What is the purpose of the Standards and Practices staff?

3. What is the main purpose of malls?

4. What does the essay "A Gentleman and a Consumer" examine?

5. Fill-in the blank. The issue of "More Factor" dates back to the ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe some of the key elements or processes involved in the semiotic analysis of TV programs.

2. How are Asian women represented in American movies? How does it reinforce the image held by society?

3. What is Democracy of Afflictions? Name some of the products that are sold under this theme.

4. What is the image projected by an American mall? What is the real image?

5. How do advertisements perpetuate gender stereotyping?

6. What are some examples of popular culture?

7. According to the authors, what are the advantages of writing about popular culture?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lippard, in her essay "Alternating Currents," claims that many, especially women who were raised in the country, come to the city to break away from family. She posits that moving a city represents a break with the family values. Do you agree with that position? What are possible motivations to move to the city?

Essay Topic 2

How do malls and departmental stores shape our values and create expectations? How are the traditions of religious and public holidays affected by the consumer culture?

Essay Topic 3

Choose six advertisements from magazines catering to different consumer groups, such as men, women, and children. Do a semiotic analysis of the underlying message and ideologies. Your analysis must include the impact of these advertisements on the consumer groups they are targeting.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,020 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample