Media Department

Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level

Course Aims

• To provide students with a conceptual framework which will give them the critical tools necessary to carry out their own investigations and generate their own questions of the mass media (media defined as: television, radio, film, the press, and forms closely linked such as the Internet and advertising)
• To enable students to engage with theory, research and ideas relating to the media, to develop research skills, show evidence of independent study and to communicate effectively both via a media technology and in written form
• To develop students’ ability to explore historical, social, political and economic contexts relevant to the critical reading of media texts and an understanding of media issues
• To build on, develop and extend students’ own interests, knowledge and enjoyment of media texts and technologies.

Entry Requirements

A GCSE in English Grade C or above. Students should be able to demonstrate some practical or critical awareness of the mass media.

Course Content

AS Modules
Module 1 – Reading the Media: introduction of Key Concepts that will be applied to a wide range of media texts.

Module 2 – Textual Analysis: A more detailed study of two media topics: Textual Analysis and Gender in Sitcoms. Students will analyse contemporary texts, examine principles underpinning them, and engage with issues relevant to them.

Module 3 – Practical Production: Students will be expected to apply knowledge of Key Concepts to a practical production involving a media technology.

A2 Modules
Module 4 – Advanced Production: making 5 minute film/music video.

Module 5 – Independent study: Investigation or research into an independent area of study that will deal with text, topic or issue: women and film.

Module 6 – Media issues and debates

Assessment

AS Unit 1: Written examination: 2 hours (30% of total AS mark)
Unit 2: Written examination: 1 hour (30% of total AS mark)
Unit 3: Coursework: (40% of total AS mark)
A2 Unit 4: Written examination: 2 hours (15% of total mark)
Unit 5: Coursework: (20% of total mark)
Unit 6: Written examination: 2 hours (15% of total mark)

Career and Higher Education Opportunities

Students wishing to study media studies further can take it to degree level at university or pursue it as a career within marketing, journalism or advertising.