Structuralism and post-structuralism

 Part 1: Media Factsheet reading

Use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive to find Factsheet #90 Applying Structuralism and Post-Structuralism. Read the Factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What is the definition of structuralism provided by the Factsheet? 
Structuralism is a theoretical perspective that emphasises the existence of universal structures underlying the surface differences and assumed randomness of various cultures , stories and media texts.

2) What are binary oppositions and why are they important?
Binary oppositions are two things that are polar opposites 

3) How do genre and auteur theory link to structuralism? 
Auteur theory looks for patterns in the films made my the same directors which links to structuralism as it suggests that directors have a certain structure to how they create films. Genre links to structuralism as it implies that each film/ tv show in that genre have similar conventions.

4) Look at page 4 of the factsheet. What is post-structuralism?

5) What is your own opinion on this theory? Do you agree that we use established structures to understand the media (such as narrative and genre) or is the power now with audiences in a digital, post-structuralist media landscape? 

Part 2: The Mitchells vs The Machines analysis

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