This assignment will be comprised of two parts:

This assignment will be comprised of two parts:

Part I: Conduct a semiotic analysis of two visual signs in the music video.

Choose two (preferably visual) “signs” from this music video and analyze them using either the Saussurean or Peircean models.

First: Briefly explain de Saussure OR Peirce’s model (drawing on course readings, lectures, discussions). In a few sentences, discuss why you chose that model. Cite specific readings with page numbers to exhibit your own synthesis of and engagement with course material.

Second, identify your two signs and analyze them using your chosen model. You may draw on the concepts of signs relations (Peirce), denotation/connotation, codes–so long as you explain how you are using those concepts in your analysis. You will be graded for how thorough and convincing a semiotic analysis you conduct given the model you choose.

Part One should be 450-600 words.

Part II: Analyze the music video in relation to dominant discourses.

Consider that a discourse produces through different practices of representation forms of knowledge that are deeply implicated in the operations of power. Chose a dominant discourse related to class, race, gender, criminality, poverty, respectability, (other?) and discuss how it is at work in the representations in this music video. Is this music video challenging or reinforcing this dominant discourses and the knowledge it produces about this topics? You do not have to discuss all the discourses–choose one that you feel most strongly about using as a lens for your analysis. Again, you should cite specific readings with page numbers to exhibit your own synthesis of and engagement with course material.

Part Two should be 450-600 words

TOTAL ASSIGNMENT should be 900-1200 words, typed, double spaced, in legible font with in-text parenthetical citations and a reference list.