Language and Representation

 

1) Choose three key moments in the episode and write an NCIS analysis for those clips. You can use your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed references using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc).

An Unearthly Child scene analysis

Narrative: Alien invasion, 

Character: Two teachers (History and science) Susan, DR Who,

Iconography:There was a Tardis,a spaceship,space,distopian etc.

Setting: 


2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to An Unearthly Child? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium.

The equilibrium is before Susan came to the school,the problem is Susan struggling in certain classes,the resolution is finding out that Susan and her grandfather are both exiled aliens but then the new equilibrium is that they all land on a alien planet.

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

If you apply Propp's character theory, the hero is Barbara, the helper is Ian.The heroine is Susan and the doctor is seen as a villain in this episode but normally is a anti-hero.

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

One enigma is London at the first scene of the episode which denotes horror.Another enigma is Susan's strange understanding of history and space suggesting her not to be human this is further shown in her dancing.

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in An Unearthly Child? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?


Representations

1) What stereotypes of men are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?

One stereotype of men being subverted is them being reinforced is that men are in charge this is shown by Ian taking charge and The doctor being male.One stereotype being subverted is of men being in charge as Ian is helping Barbara not the other way around.

2) What stereotypes of women/girls are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?

A stereotype of woman being reinforced is that woman are overly emotional this is shown at Susan's over reactions and outbursts.A stereotype of woman being subverted is them being sidekicks or this is shown by Barbara asking Ian for help making Ian the sidekick.

3) What are common media stereotypes of young people and old people? Do any of the characters or scenarios reinforce or subvert these conventional stereotypes (consider this was 1963)? Has this changed in more recent series of Doctor Who?

 

4) What representations of race/ethnicity can be found in Doctor Who: An Earthly Child? Is this surprising or not? Give reasons for your answer and consider historical / cultural context (the 1960s). Has this changed in more recent series of Doctor Who?

5) How is social class represented in An Unearthly Child? Think about how education and knowledge is presented in the episode.

Social and Historical context

1) How does An Unearthly Child reflect the social and historical contexts of the 1960s?

2) How might audiences have felt towards science fiction in the 1960s