KS5 Media Studies

Introduction to TV Drama- Denotation and

Connotation

LO: To understand what is meant by denotation and connotation

To be able to apply these concepts to analyse given signs

Why study the media? It’s powerful The visual image is important in

today’s society – it’s not just about literacy!

Continually expanding/diversifying Gives you vital skills which make

you employable in todays diverse working environment

Expectations

Expectations As a department we have very high

expectations of our students. Arrive on time and prepared for each

lesson- equipment, notes etc. You will focus on your studies and push

yourselves to achieve the best possible grade.

Work hard, in lesson and on homework essays- this is essential to prepare you for your exams.

Symbols

Many colours, PICTUREs or objects can symbolise (represent) a bigger idea or message.

Words and images in media texts can work on more than one level.

In media, we have to think what meaning is being communicated by the colours/pictures/objects etc.

Denotation Denotation is the straight forward or

common- sense meaning of a sign. Literally what is actually shown in an image.

A red rose is a flower – that is its straight forward meaning or denotation.

An apple is a fruit we eat-

A lamb is a young sheep-

Connotation Connotation is the extra, linked

meaning that goes with any sign.

The connotations of a sign will be much more personal than the straight forward denotation because they are to do with personal ideas and feelings about it.

The connotations will not be the same for everybody.

Think about the rose…• For romantics a red rose can be a

symbol of love.

• In Lancashire it is a symbol for the county.

• It has even been a symbol for a political party.

• These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the

image carries with it.

Connotations- The Rose

Think about the apple…• It can be a symbol of health.

• It can have associated meanings of New York -“The Big Apple”.

• It can even have stand for sin.

• These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the

image carries with it.

Connotations- The Apple

And the lamb…

• For some a lamb has linked or extra meanings to do with Wales..

• For others it has religious meaning.

• It can even stand for a season- Spring .

• These are all connotations or extra layers

of meaning that the image carries with it.

Connotations- The Lamb

Thinking about representations

Many colours, objects or ideas can symbolise (represent) a bigger idea or message.

When analysing a text it is important to consider the inferred meaning of not only the images and text presented but also the colours used

Colour Connotatio

ns

Think- Pair- Share Work with the person next to you to

come up with as many connotations as possible for the colours listed on the following slides.

Remember-: Connotation is an idea or association, not something that is that colour.

What could this colour symbolise?

What could this colour symbolise?

What could this colour symbolise?

What could this colour symbolise?

What could this colour symbolise?

What could this colour symbolise?

A two step content analysis of images

1. Denotation- Straightforward reading of what is in the picture.

2. Connotation- The extra, linked meanings that go with the picture.

1 :- Sky. Sand. Girl. Boy. Donkey.

2:- Beach. Seaside. Holiday. Family holiday. Traditional British holiday.

photo courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com)

Homework Task

Find an image (can be from the internet/home/around the school/taken yourself)

Stick into your book. Write a paragraph analysing the

images using denotation and connotation.

Rememeber to comment on the images, together with any colours used.