Media Studies
AQA
AS 5571
A2 6571
A word from the Prime Minister...
"Cinema and television are central to the arts world. But they are also big business... A policy for Britain's art and culture is as much in the hands of media executives as it is in the hands of the government. Whether it is drama or sport on television, education services online, entertainment on video, the vitality of our culture is becoming synonymous with the vitality of our media."
The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair
Don't let anyone tell you that Media Studies is a soft option. If you choose this subject, you will be confronted by challenging critical theory to allow you to decode media texts and understand their context and history. You will need to master the Key Concepts which underpin this subject - Media Language, Representation, Audience, Ideology and Institution. You will need to develop practical skill in order to create a media product, such as a short film.
You will also have the exciting prospect of working in the major areas of TV, film, radio, advertising and journalism. You will be able to assess the impact of new media developments. There will be ample opportunities for you to carry out reading and research relating to you own media interests and expertise.
The AS Course
Media 1: Reading in the Media
This unit tests the ability to analyse unseen media texts using the Key Concepts. It is examined by a 75 minute written paper, which includes a 15 minute reading and viewing time. It makes up 30% of the total AS marks (15% of the A2 total).
Media 2: Textual Topics in Contemporary Media
You will study a minimum of two topics, chosen from the following:
1) Film and Broadcast Fiction
2) Documentary
3) Advertising and Marketing
4) British Newspapers
This unit is examined via a 90 minute written paper and is worth 30% of the AS mark (15% of the A2 mark).
Media 3: Practical Production (Coursework)
In this unit, you will master one or more media technology in order to produce a product. This might be a film trailer, an advertising campaign, a radio broadcast or pages from a newspaper or magazine. These are just a few examples of possible projects. This product is supported by a written brief (750 words) and an evaluation (1000 words).
The work is internally marked and moderated; it may also be externally moderated. The coursework forms 40% of the AS mark and 20% of the A2 total mark.
A2 Media Studies
Media 4: Texts and contexts in the Media
At least two topics are studies in preparation for a 90 minute written exam. The topics offered are: The Production and Manufacture of News; Genre; Representation; Media and Audiences. The unit forms 15% of the A2 mark.
Media 5: Independent Study (coursework)
You will prepare and produce an extended essay of about 3000 words relating to contemporary media texts or issues arising from issues in contemporary media. The unit carries 20% of the A2 total mark.
Media 6: Comparative Critical Analysis
This synoptic unit embraces all of (he areas studied on the course. You will analyse unseen media texts through comparison and differentiation; advanced awareness of media theory is essential at this point The unit is examined via a 90 minute written paper which includes 30 minutes reading and viewing time; it carries 15% of the A2 total.
and finally...
Don't be too concerned if you don't have any real awareness of how the media operates; and interest will do for a start. We do expect, however, that you have polished written and verbal skills and that you will be able to cope with the heavy reading load. It's much, much more than just watching TV and films (although you do get to do plenty of that too!).
The content of the Media Studies course connects with many disciplines: literary criticism, economics, history, politics, philosophy, visual art, sociology. The best qualification is a desire to learn about this massive component of popular culture.
Media Studies is accepted by universities as part of a student's entry profile. Many 6th form students now take Media-related degrees in higher education. Be mindful that neither the A2 nor a degree gives you a free pass into what is a highly competitive industry.
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Saturday, 22 November 2008
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