Media Studies AS and A2

What is Media Studies? A course designed to give you more awareness of the effect that T.V., film, newspapers and internet have on you and the world around you It allows you to read the hidden messages that media producers try to send you You get to make your own media artefacts to affect others

How is the course divided up? In the first year:  Foundation Portfolio in Media Studies (coursework) – two paired media artefacts e.g. a short piece of film that demonstrates “continuity”, paired with the opening two minutes of a fiction film

How is the course divided up? Key Media Concepts (exam) – Section A students gain an understanding of textual analysis and representation Looking at TV drama (Holby City, Ashes to Ashes) Watching a clip and analysing how it is made and how stereotypes are used/made

How is the course divided up? Key Media Concepts (exam) – Section B students gain an understanding of audience and institutions e.g. Looking at the music industry Producing a case study and looking at digital technologies, advertising, audience research etc.

How is the course divided up? In the second year: Advanced Portfolio in Media (coursework) – Students work with contemporary media technologies to produce a media portfolio e.g. Music video or Horror Film, CD cover, magazine advert

How is the course divided up? Critical perspectives (exam) – divided into two parts: Analysis of production work using media theory Exploration of contemporary media issues e.g. “We Media” – media like the internet that has been taken over by the readership

What do I need to do Media Studies? 5 A*-C passes at GCSE Minimum C grade in English Language A creative imagination The ability to read, understand and apply media theory Interest/skills in using internet tools such as blogs, forums, wikis etc. An interest in all media, not just film/TV The motivation to read outside of the class Media Studies has become very popular recently – all the above are important

What careers would this subject be useful for? A creative career in the Media: Film-making Television Advertising Journalism

What subjects would fit with Media Studies? English Sociology Psychology Business Studies Theatre Studies