ARTH 1000 Midterm Distinctions

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Technological determinism

A perspective that believes social and cultural factors are the sole drivers of change, ignoring the influence of technological advancements.

A viewpoint that emphasizes the role of individual choice and personal agency in shaping social change, downplaying the impact of technology.

A position that sees technology as the most important determining factor in social change, positing technology as somehow separate from social and cultural influence. (correct)

A theory that suggests economic systems are the primary influence on social dynamics, with technology playing a minor, supportive role.

Denotative vs. Connotative

Denotative refers to the literal or face-value meaning of an image. For example, a photograph of a rose denotes a flower. Connotative refers to the cultural and emotional associations or meanings attached to that image. For example, a rose might connote romantic love or passion depending on the context. (correct)

Denotative refers to the symbolic meanings of an image that are universally understood. For example, a lion might denote bravery. Connotative focuses on the literal description. For example, the number of colors in the image.

Denotative is concerned with the emotional reactions an image elicits. For example, a stormy sky might denote anger Connotative describes the specific shapes and lines used in the artwork.

Denotative relates to the aesthetic appeal of an image. For example, a vibrant painting of a landscape. Connotative addresses the technical details. For example, the size or resolution of the image.

Looking vs. Seeing

Seeing is simply the act of glancing at something without any real focus. Looking is about observing only in scientific terms, such as measuring distances and angles.

Seeing is the physical act of perceiving with the eyes. Looking involves a deeper engagement, where social context, power dynamics, and subjectivity shape how one interprets what is seen. (correct)

Seeing refers to the emotional connection one feels towards an image. Looking is the technical analysis of visual elements, like color and texture, without any interpretation.

Seeing is the mental process of recalling images from memory. Looking describes the ability to focus on multiple objects simultaneously, disregarding any personal biases or contexts.

Mimesis vs. Social Constructionism

Mimesis refers to the concept of representation as imitating reality, as seen in the classical idea of art as imitative (seeing art as a form of imitation of the real world). Social Constructionism suggests that meanings are constructed through social, cultural, and historical processes (What we see is shaped by experiences and they are not a reflection of reality). Signup and view all the answers

Sign, Signifier, Signified

Sign is the combination of the signifier, a word, image, sound, or object, and the signified, the concept or meaning it represents. Signup and view all the answers

Studium vs. Punctum

Studium refers to the general, culturally informed understanding of an image—what we might call its obvious or intended meaning. Punctum is the element of a photograph that emotionally moves an individual viewer, a detail that stands out and captivates in a deeply personal way. Signup and view all the answers

Dominant-intended, negotiated and oppositional reading

Dominant-Intended Reading is when the viewer fully accepts and agrees with the intended message of the media content without questioning it ( the audience interprets the message as the creator intended). Negotiated Reading happens when the viewer partially accepts the intended message but adapts or modifies certain aspects based on their own personal context, experiences, or viewpoints. Oppositional Reading refers to when the viewer completely rejects the intended message of the media content and instead interprets it in a way that directly opposes the dominant meaning (the audience critiques or challenges the values or assumptions presented in the media). Signup and view all the answers

High vs low culture

High culture refers to cultural products and activities that are traditionally associated with the elite or educated classes. These include classical music, fine arts, literature, and philosophy. High culture is typically viewed as intellectually and artistically superior and is often preserved in institutions like museums, concert halls, and universities. Low culture refers to forms of culture that are considered more accessible and associated with the tastes of the general public or popular audiences. Examples include mass media, television, popular music, and mainstream movies. Low culture is often seen as commercial, entertaining, and lacking the intellectual depth or refinement of high culture. Signup and view all the answers

Viewer vs audience

A viewer refers to an individual who interacts with a visual text or media, focusing on personal experience and interpretation. This concept emphasizes the subjective nature of how one person engages with and makes meaning from visual content. An audience refers to a collective group of individuals who consume the same media. The term often speaks to how media producers think about and target groups of people. Signup and view all the answers

Colonial vs Postcolonial:

Colonialism is the process of a nation extending its power over another nation, people, or territory to render them a colony. It involved both the conquest of countries politically and economically and the restructuring of the culture of the colonized, with enforced changes in language and values, among other things. Postcolonial refers to the broad set of changes that have affected both former colonies and colonizers and in particular to the mix of identities, languages, and influences that have resulted from complex systems of dependence and independence. Signup and view all the answers