Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Arts and Humanities

The Concept of Bricolage

The term bricolage was created in 1962 by Claude Lévi-Strauss to designate the style used in ancient tribal rituals where they made use of disparate elements that, joined together, have a meaning and evoke magical feelings. Nowadays, we name 'bricolage' a type of collage which reveals the attractiveness of pop culture. It consists of rearranging and juxtaposing previously unconnected objects to produce new meaning. This involves an inner process of re-signification, in which cultures change the original meanings of these objects in order to adapt them into new codes.

It is important to make clear that 'bricolage' is not 'collage,' as the latter consists of sticking together disconnected elements without any inherent... Continue reading "Bricolage and Allusion: Literary and Cultural Techniques" »

Event Props: 3D, 2D, Built & Sculpted

3D Props: Constructed or Sculpted

3D props are either constructed or sculpted.

Tall columns can be constructed from seamless paper tubing. Doors, frames, pediments, pedestals, planters, and other items are available, depending on budget and local prop rental warehouses.

Advantages: Self-standing, usually easy to install.

Disadvantages: Expensive and bulky to handle, transport, and ship.

2D Props: Flats and Cutouts

2D props are rectangular two-dimensional props that are scenically or decoratively painted or covered with decorative fabric. A standard 2D prop is the cutout profile piece, which can consist of representational artwork that is “cut out” along its outline.

Numerous decorative 2D hard props are... Continue reading "Props for Events: 3D, 2D, Built & Sculpted - A Practical Guide" »

Scripted and Unscripted TV Programmes

Scripted programmes: dramas, situation comedies, comedy shows, soap operas, documentaries, etc.

Unscripted programmes: talk shows, game shows, reality shows, news, sport and current affairs, etc., and may be either live or recorded.

Basic Camera Shot Types

• The Rule of Thirds: Dividing the frame into 9 equal sections to make the picture more appealing to the eye. It might be better used as a guideline.
• Extreme Wide Shots (EWS): Act to establish the area.
• Wide Shots (WS): Show the entire person or area. They are great for establishing the scene and allow for good action of the characters. Sometimes this is known as the long shot.
• Medium Shots (MS): Frame the subject from the waist up. This is the most common shot

Renaissance Painting and Sculpture

• Painting and sculpture reflected humanism; landscapes, cities, the human body, and portraits were realistically represented. New pictorial techniques emerged, such as perspective and oil paints.

New Artistic Interests

The new interests of society were reflected in the characteristics of the style:

• Idealism and Serenity: Artists sought to reflect reality, influenced by the ideas of the Greek philosopher Plato. They aimed to portray an ideal beauty, often devoid of overt emotions. This idealism can be seen in works by Botticelli, Raphael Sanzio, and Leonardo da Vinci. In contrast, Michelangelo often portrayed intense emotions in his works.

• The Human Body: There was a renewed focus on the anatomy of the human body.

Interviewer: Welcome to Job Talk. We're talking to Jim Harris, who works on animated films. Thanks for joining us, Jim. So, what do you do, exactly?

Jim: I'm a film editor. I'm the person who puts the animated movie together.

Animated vs. Live-Action Films

Interviewer: How is an animated film different from a regular movie?

Jim: Well, actually, they're very similar.

The Animation Production Process

Interviewer: Take us through the process.

Jim: Well, first, just like in a regular film, a script is written. You have to start with a good script.

Interviewer: Of course, and it has to be funny.

Jim: Exactly. Then a director is hired.

The Director's Role in Animation

Interviewer: Now, what does the director of animated films do? Direct the drawings?

Jim: Ha!... Continue reading "Animated Film Production: An Interview with Jim Harris" »

Allegory: Definition and Literary Examples

Allegory is a method of expressing a complex idea by means of simple visual images or narrative. An allegorical story must inherently contain two parts: the literal story and the figurative story that readers interpret following the author's lead. Note that the passing of time may influence interpretation, potentially leading to multiple meanings.

Distinguishing Allegory from Related Literary Devices

Allegory is distinct from, but often confused with, other literary devices:

• Metaphor: Compares two dissimilar things, showing what they have in common.
• Symbolism: Refers to isolated items that, when put together, form the larger allegory.
• Simile: Compares two things by explicitly stating the nature of the comparison.

Work and Education Vocabulary

• Apply for a job: Solicitar un trabajo
• Claim benefits: Pedir el desempleo
• Do a course: Hacer un curso
• Do a degree: Hacer una carrera
• Do an assignment: Hacer una tarea
• Do business: Hacer negocios
• Do your homework: Hacer la tarea
• Drop out: Dejar la universidad
• Get a job: Conseguir un trabajo
• Get fired: Ser despedido
• Get good/bad grades: Sacar buenas/malas notas
• Get paid: Cobrar
• Get promoted: Ascender
• Graduate from university: Graduarse en la universidad
• Leave school: Dejar el colegio
• Pass an exam: Aprobar un examen
• Pass with flying colours: Aprobar con nota excelente
• Pass your driving test: Aprobar el examen de conducir
• Start a business: Montar un negocio
• Start a career: Empezar una carrera profesional
• Start work: Empezar a trabajar
• Teach

Humanism: A New Worldview

Humanism was an intellectual movement characterized by its admiration for the Classical Age. Human beings were considered the center of the universe, rejecting medieval theocentrism. Key humanists included Erasmus of Rotterdam and Thomas More.

Reformation and Counter-Reformation

The Reformation took place in Europe in the 16th century, profoundly impacting religious and political landscapes.

The Protestant Reformation

Initiated by the German monk Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation rejected the Pope's authority and criticized corruption within the Church. Luther argued that salvation was achieved through faith in Christ alone and proclaimed only two sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist. Other significant Protestant movements... Continue reading "Humanism, Reformation, and Renaissance: Shaping Early Modern Europe" »

Deconstruction

Deconstruction refers to the relationship between texts and their meaning; it is a philosophical approach rather than mere literary criticism. Founded by Jacques Derrida, this theory posits that a text does not possess a fixed meaning. Instead of interpreting the text as a whole, one should allow it to illustrate its own hidden, alternative meanings.

This concept is often applied to flash fiction, where the reader actively constructs meaning, effectively inventing their own story. Because there is no objective truth and language is considered inherently unreliable, the variety of interpretations is infinite. For example, The Great Gatsby can be deconstructed: Gatsby realizes his dream is unfulfilled because he cannot purchase Daisy’s... Continue reading "Deconstruction, Narrative, and Literary Canon Explained" »

Mindless decisions can cut down time That could be used for something else and overthinking starts to come into the Equation as well and we will talk ourselves out of the decision all together.

model of decision making.

Problem recognition (Richard realizes that he deslikes his plasma tv)

Information search (Richard surfs web to learn about TVs)

Evaluation of alternatives (Richard compares models on reputation and Features)

Product choice (Richard chooses a TV with an appealing feature)

Outcomes  (Richard brings home and Enjoys his 4k TV)

relationship between a consumer’s level of expertise- When prior knowledge is very little or very great, Then little information is sought. However, when prior knowledge is moderate, that’s when The most information... Continue reading "bgr" »