2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium.
The equilibrium is April sharing a heart with Corakinus because this is a normalized plot point by episode 4. The disruption is when April comes into contact with her father after he has been released from prison because he enrages her. It could also be Charlie introducing Matteusz to the cabinet of souls. It could also be when April's dad returns and she threatens him with swords. The recognition is when April doesn't hurt him. The new equilibrium is not shown but it will be in the second half of the two-parter.3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in Class fit into?
Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not fit Propp's character types.
Ms. Ames is the father figure character because she gives Miss Quill important information and offers to help her get the animal out of her head4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
Action codes are created using a variety of diegetic and non-diegetic sound. An example of an action code created by diegetic sound is when April says 'he knows where I am' an example of Action codes with non-diegetic sound would be the dramatic music that is used to increase the suspense and to build up to the next episode. Enigma codes are created by the episode's unanswered questions like whether or not April will get her heart back or if the petals will take over the earth.
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?
There is binary opposition -humans v aliens- this is shown between the cross-cutting between April and Corakinus to show that although they share a heart, they are actually very different. Another example of binary opposition would be between adults v teenagers, this is shown when April and her mum are arguing about her relationship with Ram.
Representations
1) How is gender represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
The main character is a female so stereotypes are reinforced.
2) How is age (e.g. teenagers; older people like teachers or parents) represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people?
The typical teenager is represented as there is generic teenage relationships in school.
3) How is race and ethnicity represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
Subverted because a polish man is seen as homosexual.
4) How is sexuality represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How does this reflect the BBC's remit to represent modern Britain?
Matteusz and Charlie are in a homosexual relationship which is regarded as completely ordinary by the other characters, this reflects the diverse nature of modern-day Britain. Also because Matteusz is gay and his family are overly Christian and do not accept him.5) How is disability represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Why are disabled people generally under-represented in the media and how does Class try to address this?
April's mum is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair but she is portrayed as a stereotypical parent when she is scolding April.
Audience
1) What were the viewing figures for Class and why do you think it did so badly?
Less than 5% of the TV audience watched Class when it aired. It did badly because it was created for an audience that doesn't exist. It is a Dr. Who spin-off, Dr. Who is aimed at a family audience so adults over 30 and children under 13. Class has explicit, violent and sexual content that Dr. Who's family audience could not watch. It aired at 11.30 pm on weekdays on BBCOne when their teenage audience would be asleep to prepare for school.2) What audience psychographic groups might particularly enjoy Class?
3) What audience pleasures are offered by Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.
Personal Relationships:
Diversion (Escapism):
Surveillance (Information / Facts):
4) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart?
5) How did fans in the 'Whoniverse' (also known as 'Whovians') react to Class? Watch the fan reaction video (and read the YouTube comments) on the Class notes blogpost or check the comments in the extension articles below to help with this.
Industries
1) What was the objective of BBC3 when it was launched?
2) Why did BBC3 go online-only in February 2013?
3) How does Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart meet the BBC's mission statement to 'inform, educate and entertain'?
4) How did the distribution of Class contribute to the failure of the show with audiences?
5) What advertising and marketing was used to try and promote Class to an audience? Why do you think this wasn't very successful?
