1. Media Studies Terms to know throughout the course…

2. Media
An intervening means or agency used when we want to communicate with people indirectly
Media does not offer a transparent window on the world but representations and images
Selective versions of the world rather than direct (doesn’t show everything)

3. Medium The singular of media
A means, or way of doing and/or communicating
Ex. photography

4. Mass Media
Refers collectively to all media technologies: Internet (including social media), television, newspapers, radio, etc.
Used for mass communication

5. Totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, images and other phenomena that are preferred by mainstream culture
Generally propped up by Western (our) culture
Heavily influenced by mass media, this collection of ideas permeates the everyday lives of the society

6. The American Dream A successful and satisfying life
It usually implies financial security and material comfort…
but can also imply a dream of fame, exceeding social, ethnic, or class boundaries, or simply living a fulfilling life

7. Denotation vs Connotation
Denotation = explicit or direct meaning
Connotation = the associated or secondary meaning; something suggested or implied (created through our culture)

8. Target Audience
The specific group in society for which a media product is designed, and to which a media product should appeal

9. Censorship
The practice of suppressing a text or part of a text that is considered objectionable according to certain standards

10. Genre
A category of media texts characterized by a particular style, form or content

11. Stereotypes
A form of media representation by which instantly recognized characteristics are used to label members of social or cultural groups
While often negative, stereotypes can contain an element of truth and are used by the media to establish an instant rapport with the audience

12. Marginalized
Those perceived as lacking desirable traits or deviating from the group norms
Tend to be excluded by wider society and ostracized as undesirables
Minorities
Women
Poor

13. Representation
The ways in which the media portrays particular groups, communities, experiences, ideas, or topics from a particular ideological or value perspective

14. Left & Right Opposing sides of the political spectrum
Left = Socialism (in Canada)
= Democratic Party (in US)
Right = Conservative (in Canada)
= Republicans (in US)
Liberal party - central?