Class: Language and Representation blog tasks

1) Write and NCIS analysis for the episode - using notes from the screening in class . Make specific,detailed references to moments in the text using media terminology(e.g.media language- camera shots and movement,diegetic/non-diegetic sound,mise-en-scene etc.) 

Narrative:Shared heart,Relationships (Ram and April),Parent's evening,April's Dad ,little flower petals.April gets into a fight with her dad,April goes to fight Corakinus. 

Character: Corakinus,April,Ram,Ensemble cast-'previously on',New Headteacher, April's Mum-'don't let the chair fool you' 

Iconography: Costume-Corakinus/shadow kin ,Prop;sword,CGI effect - blue lights,cabinet of souls,little flower petals,dead squirrel 

Setting:Shadow realm,classroom,School,Car,Kitchen,Bedroom

2)How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory : Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New Equilibrium 

Equilibrium - shared heart of April and Corakinus 

Disruption - April's dad is shown, April finds out that the aliens are coming and the introduction of the flower petals 

Recognition - Headteacher talks to Miss Quill about the flower petals 

Reparation - Opens/jumps into the portal 

New Equilibrium - "Next time" scene as there is a part 2

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in Class fit into? Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not fit Propp's character types.

It demonstrates that the hero could be April because she seeks freedom from Corakinus, she could also be the princess because she has the heart of Corakinus and needs to be free. The False hero is Ram Singh because he helps April but couldn't. The helper is Tanya as she doesn't play a huge role in the episode but tries and helps them because of her intelligence. The villain is Corakinus because he kills people and is part of the Shadow World.Quill helps the hero and therefore is the donor.

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

The action codes of April having Corakinus heart and Ram Singh's leg getting cut off makes the audience intrigued and wonder what happens next. The use of Corakinus and the makeup he wears in order to look abnormal makes us want to know what role he plays in the episode and how much of evil he truly is.

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?

Light vs Dark - Shadow world and earth Good 

Evil vs Good April who wants freedom and done nothing wrong contrasts to Corakinus who kills innocent people like Ram's girlfriend 

Parent vs Child - April's dad and April are not on good terms because he paralysed her mother

Representations

1) How is gender represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
April goes on a quest to save her own heart with her newly obtained power of summoning swords on command without relying on the help of a man to help her. The stereotype of men is subverted by Ram and his dad's open and loving relationship

2) How is age (e.g. teenagers; older people like teachers or parents) represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people?

The representation of adults in the media is reinforced by Tanya's mum scolding her for talking to a Ram

3) How is race and ethnicity represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Co-owner of a lonely heart represent diversity with Asian (Ram) and black (Tanya) characters

4) How is sexuality represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How does this reflect the BBC's remit to represent modern Britain?
They represent both heterosexual (April and Ram) and homosexual relationships (Charlie and Matteus)

5) How is disability represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Why are disabled people generally under-represented in the media and how does Class try to address this?

April's mum has been paralysis and in a wheel chair  and is trying to prove the struggle of being disabled