This document introduces semiotic analysis, which examines the relationship between referents (the thing being referred to), signifiers (the form used to represent it), and signifieds (the concept brought to mind). It explains that semiotics operates on the levels of denotation (literal description) and connotation (implied meaning). Students are then asked to work in groups, analyzing images on cards for their connotations and how those connotations might be used by TV drama producers.

1. SEMIOTICANALYSIS

2. The Concept…..REFERENT SIGNIFIER SIGNIFIEDThe actual thing referred to The physical form of the sign The concept that (word or image) enters our mind when we see the signifier

3. Semiotics works on 2 levelsThe level of Denotation & the level of Connotation.Denotation – is literally what you see (description)

4. Connotation – is the derived meaning.Example: Denotation (red rose) Connotation (love)

6. TaskIn Small groups pick a card. Conduct a semiotic analysis on the images, suggesting what connotations can be derived from them and why the producers of the TV Drama might have used them.