In our lecture this week, we spoke about metaphors, myths and taboos. We spoke about each in general, what each means and how each effects the way we think today.
‘a myth is a metaphorical method of knowing and affirming reality without empirical data’
‘taboos are associated with images of ‘savage’ behaviour’
The lecture began by trying to understand the key issues of media theories and media culture:
Media theories:
- Why should we study: Understand the purpose
- Understand the narrative
- The language of cinema and images
Media culture is:
- Interdisciplinary
- International
- Inter-media
- Effects theory – What does the media do to an audience
- Reception theory – What audience do to the media
In the lab we were given the task to find a myth and taboo that we know. Then we had to choose a symbol that inspired us and which was associated with something relevant to us. We split into groups of 3 (Gary, Dean, Paul), and began researching each and sharing ideas between ourselves, which we would then have to present to the class as our findings. The 3 finding we found on and agreed with were:
- Myth: Loch Ness Monster
- Taboos: Cannibalism
- Symbol: The Harp – emblem of Ireland
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Our research for next weeks class is to:
- read the handout given in class and in two weeks do a class test
- form groups of 2, research 2 writers and prepare a presentation of our writers work in the lecture in two weeks time
