Communications Exam #1 Study Guide

Catharsis

he experience of particularly difficult emotions through a medium that allows the experience to feel "safe" possibly helping us process those emotions in a healthier way.

Hermeneutic lens

a specific and personal way of  seeing the world that tells you what to notice but also tells you what to ignore.  

Frame of reference

your own personal lens through which you always have and always will view the world.  

Four axioms of communication

you cannot not communicate

meaning is in people, not in words

communication is a process of shared meaning

It’s a flawed process that can fail

Denotative vs. connotative

dictionary definition vs. secret meaning

Dominant culture

a culture that overpowers a community

(gender norms)

High vs. low culture

high: opera, fancy, rich

low: rap music, poor

Counter culture

goes against cultural norms

Co-culture

a group’s own culture with customs and beliefs

Discrete vs. diffuse

discrete: categories that have it’s own box

diffuse: categories are become popular and move around in them.

Form

the stylization of communication that effects the psychology of the audience. 

Realism

props, setting, hair, clothing are what create the theme.

Formalism

altered and manipulated to create themes

Practical vs. digital effects

practical: created by people

digital: created by computer/technology

Set vs. setting

set: a set where the camera can move anywhere

setting: time, place, and context