Week 5 Assignment : Reading characters and the stereotypes they represent and resist can spark critical thinking

This week we learn about to be media literate is to understand how to read and use media, to practice critical media literacy is to recognize how media function to shape society and identity, and to be aware of how media operate in daily life and in the social and political scene.

We will consider how film might be used to support critical media literacy and traditional literacies in the Semiotic classroom.

Film : Titanic (1997)

Who is Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack Dawson?

Rose is a 17-year-old girl, originally from Philadelphia, who is forced into an engagement to 30-year-old Caledon Hockley so she and her mother, Ruth, can maintain their high-class status after her father's death had left the family debt-ridden. Rose boards the RMS Titanic with Cal and Ruth, as a first-class passenger, and meets Jack. She has got a lot to give, and she's got a very open heart. And she wants to explore and adventure the world, but she [feels] that's not going to happen. And Jack, he's an artist who is able to have his heart soar. Within the film, Jack is portrayed as a penniless Wisconsin man who has toured various parts of the world, primarily Paris. He wins two tickets onto the RMS Titanic in a poker game and travels as a third-class passenger with his friend Fabrizio. He is attracted to Rose at first sight and meets her when she attempts to throw herself off the stern of the ship. This enables him to mix with the first-class passengers for a night.

What stereotypes does he/she represent?

She leads as a first class lady. And he, a young artist from third class.

Is he/she good or bad?

Both are a good person, based on their characters.

What complexities does he/she have, if any?

Back up statements with evidence from the film.