Happy Friday, class. We're going virtual. So hold on to your hats.
Remember those great terms intertextuality and polysemy? Go ahead and pull out the Sandvoss reading ...
For intertextuality, consider page 23 to the top of page 24. Sandvoss states that the "text is constituted through a multiplicity of textual elements; it is by definition intertextual and formed between and across texts as defined by the point of production" (p. 23). Later he adds that "(i)ndividual texts ... are part of a wider web of textual occurrences and the meaning derived from them. These textual elements are read in the context of other texts" (p.23). We read all texts based on the context of the other texts we have consumed. We do this when we compare a new television show with one we have already seen, or comparing musical artists, or movies, or any medium.
For polysemy, consider pages 29-30. A key phrase comes at the end of the section: media texts are "polysemic to the degree that the endless multiplicity of meaning has collapsed into complete absence of intersubjective meaning" (p. 30). As we in the audience try to balance between the familiar and unfamiliar nature of the new texts, we are faced with this multiplicity; and yet we come to some sort of meaning: ours. It may not be everyone's but it is ours.
There are plenty of other "nuggets" in this "thick" article. I hope you take the time to reflect and consider some of them. We'll have a fuller discussion on Monday.
Your assignment.
What this episode of the television show Psych (go here if you want an explanation of the series). The show is rated TV-PG. The episode is embedded in this blog, but you can also find it on the Hulu.com page, if you think that would be faster. Remember, depending on your computer, there may be some jumps and stops and starts. In other words, be patient. Allow it to load. Bring a soothing cup of coffee or soda or water.
Also, bring a notebook. "Read" the episode. Jot down impressions. Look for signs of intertextuality. What kinds of assumptions are the writers making about their audience? Do you think the writers were successful? What kinds of things spoke to you? Why do you think those spoke to you? In the comment section related to this blog entry, write a one- or two-sentence immediate reaction to the episode and/or to the other student comments. It is important to do this, as this is how I will take roll for today's (Friday, September 5, 2008) class (so be sure and include your name to your post).
Refer back to your readings (both the Media Literacy chapter, as well as the essay by Sandvoss discussed above). Begin to make connections between your impressions and the information you gleaned from the readings (isn't that one of the skills of media literacy?).
When you've watched the show enough, write your analysis/findings in 1-2 pages. Remember, you should have already taken Composition 2 for this class, so grammar, spelling, and syntax count. Here's a novel idea, use the Pages computer program in the Mac lab! It'll be great fun.
Be prepared to discuss your writing on Monday. In the meantime, have fun.
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21 comments:
I have never watched Psych before, this episode was very funny and as I was looking for intertextual comments I realized I am not familiar with alot of the jokes that were made. It was still entertatining though, which only proves what Sandvoss was saying.
Interesting point, Franki. Even if you don't see any intertextuality via pop cultural references, a viewer is still reading experiencing intertextuality via how he or she organizes or categorizes the episode to make sense of it. For instance, which parts are funny? Why? etc.
--MrC
My instant reaction is shock. Because I found an obscene amount of intertextuality, at least in comparison to what I thought I'd find. It was entertaining, but it was also interesting to see how much time they spent on the charecter flaws rather than the specific storyline.
-nick stohler...rocks.
I think the writers assumed the viewers had at least a little knowledge of "Starsky and Hutch," whether the movie or the original series. The car, the pawn shop "disguises," and even the show's detective premise reminded me of the old show.
Another major intertextual reference was the "terrorist" picture (i.e. the old 70's SLA propaganda pictures).
This was the first time I have watched or even heard of this show Psych. There was quite a bit of intertexuality even within the first five minutes. It reminded me of a mix of CSI, reno 911, and a soap opera. My dad being a cop i understood a lot of the jargon which made the episode even more funny.
Like Frankie, I had never viewed this series prior to this assignment. However, I did find it pretty comical. Typically I'm not very good at acknowledging references within storylines, so I'll admit I probably didn't catch on to much of the implied entertainment. As for the intertextuality that did catch my eye, I spotted a reference to the movie "Zoolander" when Shawn was posing for the reporter. The scene where Gus, Shawn and his father were dressed (to impress) in their 70's attire also gave an example of intertextuality when Shawn said to his father, "Keepin it real". Which is a phrase we would use in today's lingo. Although I wasn't sure what some of the pop culture references were, names that were used did stick out such as Methuselah Honeysuckle, Phil Collins, Popeye Doyle, and Pookie. The construction of the intertextuality of Psych is what I think the viewers appreciate about this series. Therefore, I agree with Sandvoss when he states that "intertextuality is thus the essence of all texts".
--- Hope Franklin
This was the first time I had watched or even heard of this show, but I did find it quite comical. I was also shocked about how much intertextuality I found. I took note of all the 70's references like music, clothes, and language used to emphasize this decade. I have to say the overall episode was "fly."
Well, that was pretty interesting.. I enjoyed the jokes in the beginning of the clip. Like the whole, take it from my good side thing had me rolling! I know that we all could relate to those quirky jokes! The intertexuality was highly evident throughout the clip! I have never seen psych before this but it grabs all audiences in my opinion, above the age of 12 for the most part :)
I have seen this episode before. I have seen Psych a lot and the show humor goes along with the show its not a comedy per say but it is funny the humor runs along with the dialogue between the people. So i agree with Hope when she says the essence is in the text
My first reaction was your typical 70's cop show with humor. I've watched this show a few times in the past. I noticed a lot of intertextuality in this episode. The father didn't look anything like Phil Collins. But you had to know who Phil Collins was to be able to make your own decision
Sandvoss quotes Iser on page 29, stating that the text “appears to be nothing more than a mirror-reflection” of the readers (or in this case the audience) views. This implies that every individual will perceive the show differently and obtain a different reaction. Like Kareens comment about ‘Starsky and Hutch’ and Mary Beths comment about ‘CSI’, I saw a great deal of intertextuality. However, I also saw a great deal of similarity between the character Shawn and the character JD in ‘Scrubs’, a show I really enjoy. These similarities caused my interest in the show to grow and its comical value to develop further.
Many of the most striking aspects of intertextuality in the show were non-verbal: the attempt to slide over the car by Shawn as seen in many 70’s style movies or the use of the song ‘Car Wash’ at the end of the show, typical of the 70’s genre. Although I have watched this show once or twice before, this is the first time I notice the intertextuality presented in the show.
Valerie Lebeau
I have never actually seen Psych before, let alone heard of it. The model posing at the beginning made me think of Zoolander among other movies. I am not really good at noticing particular things such as intertextuality. I get distracted to much I suppose. I am not big on watching shows such as CSI so I was having a hard time finding intertextual examples.
I have never seen Psych before, but I found this episode entertaining. I agree with Hope that the name references used in the episode (Phil Collins, Methuselah Honeysuckle, etc.) were good examples of intertextuality. I also agree with Kareen's "Starsky and Hutch" reference. Overall, I believe this episode is a good example of how knowing more could enhance the experience, but not knowing does not make it any less enjoyable.
- Jenn DeHart
From shaft references to Starsky and hutch, this show had many intertextualties and polysemy, this show has many underlining themes. Overall the show was decent...
Jonathan Walton
I have never seen this show before I thought it was funny. It reminded me of a comedy version of CSI. Also when Shawn Spencer tried to slide across the hood of the car like in Starsky and Hutch or the Dukes of Hazard I also noted a lot of 70's disco era lingo that made no sense to me.I didnt pick up on as much intertextual as others did but I noticed some.
Brent Mathews
Well I think I join the majority of the class as first time Psych viewers and I have to say I was entertained. It seemed to me that there were numerous intertextual comments but I only recognized a few. The ones that were the most recognizable to the class I think came fluidly and gelled well with the show and script. It is interesting to note that when you are looking for these certain comments and actions it almost enhances your enjoyment of show.
This was the first time I ever watched this show and I thought it was really funny. The characters are witty and quick in their humor. I loved the references to 70s fashion and lingo and the sarcastic humor based throughout the show. I noticed a lot of intertextuality but I'm sure there are some things I missed because I'm not too familiar with the type of humor in that show. I did notice them talking about having a 3rd eye which is a term used in paganism and I thought it was funny because he's a psychic.
I didn't notice as many cases of intertextuality as some other people did, maybe I'm media illiterate. However I did not feel lost or confused by anything which proves if used correctly, intertextuality will not take away from the experience to someone who doesn't pick up on it. I did like the Phil Collins joke.
-Caleb
This was the first time I had ever watched a whole episode of this show, and unfortunately, its difficult for me to find hiden meanings, or references in this case, unless they are layed out in front of me. However, I did enjoyed the way this show is based on the now-a-day popular 'criminal show' genre, yet it also has a comical side as well. The mannerisms of the fahter in the intro clip reminded me of those of Decetive Heratio Cane in CSI Miami. And the way that Shawn tried to slide across the hood of the car reminded be of the infamous Duke's of Hazzard. Overall, I found this show to be funny and entertaining.
Hannah Spurlock
This is the first time i ever watched psych, and probably the last time lol (unless it's for another assignment). Although i caught intertexuality with the authors reference to the 70's. Since the episode began with the case in the 70's it was very clever to place the re-opening of the case mixing today and then in order to solve the mystery. In the end i got multiple senses of the way the episode ended. It kinda symbolized the end of the 70's with the old 70's car smoking and him getting out of it, walking away. -Chris Moon
I found it difficult to pick up on specific cases of intertextuality because I am so used to it being built into television just as a part of the show. I did notice the phil collins and starsky and hutch references as well as what I think was a reference to zoolander in the beginning. In all cases of intertextuality that I noticed I do not think it would have taken away from the viewer's enjoyment of the show if they did not get the joke.
-Lindsey Forson
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