TV drama this is a story which is presented in a dramatic way and explores a range of genres.

. Representation to represent something is to describe or depict it. It also means to symbolise or stand for. Mediation/mediated a negotiation to resolve differences that is conducted by some impartial party. Stereotype a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing Hegemonic norm the process where dominant culture maintains its position e.g. Ideology a system of ideas reflecting social needs and aspirations of an individual group, class or culture. Semiotics this is the study of signs and symbols. Connotation this is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that some work or phrases carries Signifies to be an indication/symbol of. Signifier a signs physical form as distinct from its meaning e.g. sound, printed word or image. Types of signifiers: Iconic a mode where the signifier is seen as resembling or imitating the signified e.g. portrait, cartoon. Indexical a mode where the signifier is directly connected in some way to the signifier Symbolic a mode where the signifier does not resemble the signified but is determined by chance so e.g. language in general (alphabet, punctuation, Binary opposites a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning e.g. good vs. evil in Batman: The Dark Knight. Mode of address this is how media shouts at the audience e.g. how music magazines are presented to the audience. There are several types: 1st person, 3rd person, formal/informal, colloquial language (slang), expletive language (swearing) Anchoring fixing of a meaning. Conventions a way in which something is usually done particularly in a specific area or activity e.g. side and back lighting is used in horror films to create a mysterious atmosphere and build up suspense.

Conventions of TV drama Characters there are always certain characters in a TV drama such as good and bad characters. Familiar settings settings such as homes, offices, hospitals etc. as the audience are able to relate to it easily. Stories/narratives many different storylines which the audience can usually relate to. Dialogue this is used to tell stories and occasionally monologues are used, for example in voice overs to tell the story. Music different types of music is used to suit different parts of the drama e.g. slow song would be use when a character is sad. It also usually makes the actions more realistic. Cinematography shot reverse shot is the main technique used as dialogue is key in TV drama which is demonstrated through shot reverse shot.

Representational issues in TV drama Representation action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or he state of being so represented. Age: Youth are usually portrayed as rebellious and associated with crime. They may also be shown as moody, lazy or always going out. People in the 20s-30s are often shown as attractive, in love, partying etc. Elderly people are usually displayed as slow, weak and powerless.

Race: Common representations: African criminal, gangster, Asian intelligent, martial artist, electronics-obsessed, Latino ugly, uneducated, White British/American hero, lead role, powerful.

Gender: This what we use to categorise human beings as it is the main part of our identity and we make assumptions on people based on their gender at first (we would have different expectations to a boy and a girl e.g. girls would be more gentle than boys. Women and men are represented differently due to the stereotypes we have of them e.g. women in the kitchen and men going out to work. However, the rise of Feminism led to female characters not being restricted to the kitchen. They are now occasionally portrayed as the one in power over their husband. Class: Upper class: rich, intelligent, posh. Middle class good family values, well behaved. Working class less intelligent, less happy and poor. Lower class criminals, no family values, bad parents.

Disability: People who are physically disabled include: paralysed, blind, deaf etc. These people would be at a disadvantage in the drama where they may be bullied or looked down upon. However in some cases they may be sympathised by characters in the drama as well as by the audience. Regional identity: This is referring to the part of the UK someone is from e.g. English, Scottish etc. Scottish loves outdoors, drinks a lot, wearing kilts etc. English obsessed with football and beer or sometimes they are shown as posh and rich. Irish drunks, lives in country side, religious people etc.