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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. What context should one consider first when interpreting a sign?

2. What does the phrase "Commodification of desire" refer to?

3. What are some motivators typically used in ads?

4. Which movie does Michale Parenti use to make his arguments in the essay "Class and Virtue?"

5. What does the essay, "Signs of Shopping" examine?

Short Essay Questions

1. When did the Energizer bunny ad appear? How is it a cultural icon in terms of success?

2. What are some examples of popular culture?

3. According to the authors, what are the advantages of writing about popular culture?

4. What is the first step in semiotic writing as recommended by the authors?

5. What do the designer and brand signs represent?

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

7. What are the factors that may influence semiotic interpretation?

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

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

10. How are Asian women represented in American movies? How does it reinforce the image held by society?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose six advertisements from magazines catering to different consumer groups, such as men, women, and children. Do a semiotic analysis of the underlying message and ideologies. Your analysis must include the impact of these advertisements on the consumer groups they are targeting.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

How does the culture of consumption affect the environment? Choose an example to provide evidence for your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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