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)