In this assignment, you will explore how cultural messages are produced and interpreted by analyzing Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show through the lens of Stuart Hall's Encoding/Decoding theory. This exercise aims to deepen your understanding of how meaning is constructed and received in cultural texts.
Goals
- Demonstrate your learning of key concepts of Encoding/Decoding.
- Develop your interpretative skills of cultural objects.
- Engage in thoughtful discussion with your peers about the cultural event.
Preparation
Please complete the following prior to starting your task. Thanks!
- Read: Stuart Hall's "Encoding/Decoding" (focus on key sections outlining the model).
- Watch: Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance and Commentary
Tasks
FIRST: Write a 250-300 Word Analysis:
- Summarize the main points of Hall's Encoding/Decoding theory.
- Identify specific elements in Lamar's performance that convey cultural messages (e.g., lyrics, visuals, choreography).
- Discuss how these elements can be interpreted differently by various audiences.
- Reflect on your own interpretation and how your cultural background influences your understanding.
SECOND: Respond to two classmates with a thoughtful question or comment. (5 points each)