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Why study Media?
Our world is one that is now made from the very information media that are this course's topic. A-Level Media Studies allows students to engage in a theoretical and practical exploration of the many media that are now so crucial to daily life and to develop a genuine understanding of the position and role of the media.
Which syllabus do we follow?
We follow AQA specification for Media Studies
How many units are there?
There are four units in total: two at AS and two at A2.
What is each unit about?
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘Investigating Media’
The aim of this unit is to enable candidates to investigate different forms of media and reach an understanding of media language. They look at a range of media platforms; broadcasting, e-media, print, documentary and hybrid forms, lifestyle, music, news and sport. They investigate how each one is constructed and presented across the media and how audiences consume and respond to them.
Unit 2
AS unit 2 is called ‘Creating Media’
In this unit candidates will produce two linked media artefacts. They will choose from the following briefs: Film Production: Public Service Advertising or Current Affairs. Work can be submitted in a range o f contemporary formats which could include DVD, video, print, website, MP3/podcast. CD-ROM.
Unit 3
A2 unit 3 is called ‘Critical Perspectives’
This is a synoptic unit. It involves a case study into the way particular groups or places are represented across different media. Such an investigation allows students to consider a variety of current media issues and debates, such as media ownership, control and values.
Unit 4
A2 unit 4 is called ‘Media, Research and Production’
There are two sections to this unit; a critical investigation and a linked production piece. Candidates will research a particular theme in the contemporary media landscape and then produce a production piece linked to this exploration. Pieces could be produced in a variety of forms for example; DVD, video, print, website, MP3/podcast. CD-ROM
How is each unit examined?
Unit 1
Students sit a two-hour written examination. There are four compulsory short answer questions and a choice of one from two essays.
Unit 2
Students produce two production pieces taken from two of the three media platforms studied in unit 1 plus a 1500 word evaluation
Unit 3
Students sit a two-hour examination. There are three compulsory questions on unseen stimulus pieces and one essay from a choice of two topics.
Unit 4
This is a practical unit; it comprises a critical investigation and a linked production piece.
How is the course structured?
Students study for unit 1 and unit 2 concurrently, learning the theory at the same times as working on their practical projects. The same approach is employed at A2.
When do I sit my exams?
AS students sit their examinations in June. There will be opportunities to resit AS unit 1 in January of the A2 year. Practical work must be submitted before the spring deadline and students sit unit 3 in June of their A2 year.
Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?
Dennis Fulcher
BSc Hons (Kingston) MA (London) PGCE (Greenwich) Media and Social Sciences (HoD), Psychology, Sociology, Film, Politics and Law
Dennis Fulcher is the College’s polymath and Head of Humanities. Originally a graduate in Sociology, Dennis has also completed a Masters in Government and Political Studies, a PGCE and a Diploma in Print Journalism. He is also a teamleader for Government and Politics examiners. Dennis is a lifelong film enthusiast.
Wesley Ryalski
BA History, MA Medieval Studies (UCL) Media Studies
Wesley took his BA and MA at UCL and is working on a PhD in cultural power in the early medieval world at Birbeck. Wesley writes a teaching blog on media studies (http://rykalskireadsthemedia.blogspot.com) and contributes to a joint research blog on Walter Benjamin’s Arcades Project (http://arcadespromenades.wordpress.com) and the sea-side.
Beyond A level for Media Studies students
The type of degrees or careers that students may go on to pursue may include Advertising, Communication Studies, English, Politics, Public Relations, Psychology, Graphic Design, Journalism, Photography, Broadcasting, Digital Media, Film Studies and Media Production
Is there anything else I need to know?
Media Studies is theoretical as well as practical. The complexity of some of the concepts covered means that it is a more challenging A Level than is often assumed.
Textbooks
Title - Critical Theories of Mass Media: Then and Now
Author - Paul A. Taylor & Jan Ll. Harris
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Critical-Theories-Mass-Media-Then/dp/0335218113/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1277223105&sr=8-1-catcorr
Title – Mythologies
Author - Roland Barthes
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mythologies-Vintage-Classics-Roland-Barthes/dp/0099529750/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277223193&sr=1-1
Title - Key Themes in Media Theory
Author - Dan Laughey
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Key-Themes-Media-Theory-Laughey/dp/033521813X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277223376&sr=1-1
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