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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 is the factor that changed the semiotic message carried out by the cell phone?

3. Fill-in the blank. The issue of "More Factor" dates back to the ___________.

4. Who is the author of the essay, "More Factor?"

5. Fill-in the blank. Authors posit that pop culture is a subject that is _____________

Short Essay Questions

1. Reality TV shows are a hot trend in popular culture and often based on schadenfreude. What do you think their impact could be on a middle school student?

2. What do the designer and brand signs represent?

3. What are popular signs of life?

4. What is the paradigm presented by Robert Ray in the "The Thematic Paradigm?"

5. What is the earliest sign of American consumption of "more?" When did that happen?

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

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

8. What is an archetype? Give two examples.

9. How does Jack Solomon employ semiotic analysis to study the culture of American advertising?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lippard, in her essay "Alternating Currents," claims that many, especially women who were raised in the country, come to the city to break away from family. She posits that moving a city represents a break with the family values. Do you agree with that position? What are possible motivations to move to the city?

Essay Topic 2

Many essays in the text book address the issues of American consumption and the role of corporations in consumption and promoting the concept of the American dream. However, in the event of a financial crisis, individual consumers are punished for not paying their credit card while corporations are bailed out. What should be the responsibility of the Government, the businesses, and the wealthy? Who should get the tax cuts and benefits and why?

Essay Topic 3

How do the movie characters and their roles conform the gender roles in American society? Do a semiotic analysis of a movie of your choice to support your arguments.

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