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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. According to the authors, what is the demographic group that is probably freer to project an image of their choice through the products they use and display?

2. What do designer labels symbolize, according to Anne Norton?

3. What does the essay, "More Factor" examine?

4. Who is the most popular talk show host of the 1980s?

5. What does Nina Leen's selection, "Just What Do You Do All Day?" showcase?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is it important to do a semiotic analysis of American film?

3. What is commodification of desire?

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

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

6. How do advertisements perpetuate gender stereotyping?

7. According to Michael Parenti, the author of "Class and Virtue," how does the movie Pretty Woman represent class and virtue?

8. What archetype does the movie Pretty Woman represent? What are the archetypes for the hero (Richard Gere) and the heroine (Julia Roberts)?

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

10. What is one addiction that all businesses really like their customers to keep?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How is inferential racism prevalent around us through positive and negative images of racial minorities? Give some examples to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

What is the impact of reality TV shows on children? Take a reality show as an example to do a semiotic analysis of its potential impact on middle school children watching it.

(see the answer keys)

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