1. Course Overview

2. Learning Objectives To examine the role of the media in todays society. To look at social, economic, political and historical contexts. To understand media theory. To link media research and practical production relevant to the contemporary media landscape.

3. UNIT 3 – Critical Perspectives Two pre-set topic areas for study throughout the year. 1) Representations in the media 2) The impact of new/digital media Each candidate MUST produce an individual case study of their own choice for each pre set topic.

4. UNIT 3 - Representation In class, we will study... Images of...... across a range of media Stereotyping Representation and genre Wider contexts Audience Cross-cultural factors The effect of globalisation on representations Values and ideologies.

5. UNIT 3 - Representation You will be expected to complete your own research into a case study. Previous examples include; Representation of refugees in British newspapers Representation of Los Angeles in Hollywood films Representation of teenagers in British soap operas and films Representation of celebrities in newspapers and magazines.

6. UNIT 3 - Representation Example Case Study – refugees in British newspapers Research into and documentation of the treatment of refugees in a variety of newspapers (or just one). Study of the political and social reasons for the construction of such representations. The possible effects on the audience of the newspaper. Examination of this representation across other media platforms. Always ask WHY? Why do these representations exist?

7. UNIT 3 – New/Digital Media In class we will study... The interactive consumer Social networking Blogs/podcasts/internet The role of media institutions The media and democracy The changing role of the distributor and exhibitor New technologies and audiences

8. UNIT 3 – New/Digital Media You will be expected to complete your own research into a case study. Previous examples include: The impact of mobile phones The impact of social networking sites such as MySpace. Case study of Wikipedia

9. UNIT 3 Throughout the course, you will also examine media issues, theories and debates. Media Issues and Debates Media Theories Reality TV News Values Moral Panics Post 9/11 and the media Ownership and control Regulation and censorship semioticsStructuralism + post structuralism Postmodernism Gender and Ethnicity Marxism Post-colonialism

10. UNIT 3 - EXAM Section A – 1 hour and 15 min viewing/reading time 3 compulsory questions Unseen stimulus materials – print, e-media, audio or moving image Note taking and planning essential. Key concepts Media issues and debates Section B – 1 hour One compulsory question from a choice of four. Questions linked to pre-set topics Candidates must use examples from texts they have studied. Two hour paper, marked out of 80. Worth 25% of A level.

11. UNIT 4 – Research and Production Critical investigation (48 marks) Linked production piece (32 marks) This unit is intended to enable candidates to explore a text, theme, issue or debate relevant to contemporary media. Internally assessed and externally moderated. Worth 25% of A level.

12. UNIT 4 Critical Investigation Presented as a written report of 2000 words. Must have a clearly focused title. Should be textually focused. You will need to collect and evaluate evidence. Linked production Must show development from AS Should demonstrate confident use of chosen technology and key concepts/media conventions Should follow directly from investigation piece.

13. UNIT 4 Critical investigation Gender representation in soap operas Viral marketing techniques Contemporary mens lifestyle magazines Linked production The opening sequence for an episode of a new soap opera A viral advertisement suitable for distribution by mobile phone Mock up of the first edition of a new mens lifestyle magazine