This document provides guidance on how to analyze representations in a coursework production using film theory. It defines representation and outlines several relevant theories: Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding theory, in which media texts encode messages for audiences to decode; Roland Barthes' theory of signifiers and the signified, where meaning is embedded through signs; and Judith Butler's queer theory about how sexuality is socially constructed through repetition of stylized acts. It prompts analysis of representations of sexuality, culture, and how editing, sound, mise-en-scene and camera construct these representations. It advises applying one of the three theories to examples from the student's own work and structuring the answer with an introduction, body paragraphs analyzing concepts, and

2. Question 1B: representation
Analyse one of your coursework productions in
relation to representation.
What is representation?

3. Applying the theory
Stuart Hall’s encoding/decoding theory
All media texts are encoded with messages
It is up to the audience to de-code these
meanings

4. Barthes
Signifier/ signified
Signifiers are used to signify meaning. Meaning
is embedded in a text in this way

5. Judith Butler
Queer theory
The idea of a natural and coherent sexuality,
both heterosexual and homosexual, is formed
through the repetition of stylized acts in time

6. How have you mediated
representations of sexuality in your
production?
• Homosexual?
• Heterosexual?
What about cultural representations?
• The idea of Britishness?
Use the Tube Chop tool to dissect your trailer to show how you have
represented each of the above. Find three examples for each. Use this
to analyse the micro elements used to construct these
representations, including;
• Editing
• Sound
• Mise-en-scene
• Camera

7. Can you apply any of the three
theories to your examples?

8. Structuring your answer
• The emphasis here is on using examples from
the text to support or challenge a theory or
idea
Introductory paragraph
1. Define the concept of representation
2. Outline the production
3. Tell the examiner about the concepts you
are going to discuss

9. Planning the rest of your essay
Use each concept to structure your answer
For example, you could start with Stuart Hall’s
encoding/decoding.
Then use two or three detailed examples from
your text to discuss how representation is
mediated in relation to this theory
Then you could discuss Barthes, and so on….
Design a detailed essay plan for this question