Media Studies

Course summary

The course is designed to widen the intellectual horizons of the student, whilst fostering the development of critical and reflective thinking to encourage engagement in the critical debates surrounding contemporary media. The specific aims are to: > Develop skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision making and analysis > Demonstrate an appreciation and critical understanding of the media and its role historically, globally and currently in society > Develop an understanding of the dynamic and changing relationship between media forms, products, media industries and audiences > Apply theoretical knowledge and specialist specific terminology to analyse and compare media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed in order to make informed arguments > Engage in critical debate about the academic theories used in Media Studies > Demonstrate sophisticated practical skills by providing opportunities for creative media production Students who have not studied this course at GCSE must not feel that they are excluded from taking this subject. Students bring a great wealth of knowledge from their own experience and will be able to adapt their understanding of contemporary media. Prospective students MUST, however, understand that there are a huge number of demands made upon them in this very creative and thoughtprovoking subject. This is especially true of the time commitment that must be made both academically and practically The course is designed to widen the intellectual horizons of the student, whilst fostering the development of critical and reflective thinking to encourage engagement in the critical debates surrounding contemporary media. The specific aims are to: >> Develop skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision making and analysis >> Demonstrate an appreciation and critical understanding of the media and its role historically, globally and currently in society >> Develop an understanding of the dynamic and changing relationship between media forms, products, media industries and audiences >> Apply theoretical knowledge and specialist specific terminology to analyse and compare media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed in order to make informed arguments >> Engage in critical debate about the academic theories used in Media Studies >> Demonstrate sophisticated practical skills by providing opportunities for creative media production Students who have not studied this course at GCSE must not feel that they are excluded from taking this subject. Students bring a great wealth of knowledge from their own experience and will be able to adapt their understanding of contemporary media. Prospective students MUST, however, understand that there are a huge number of demands made upon them in this very creative and thoughtprovoking subject. This is especially true of the time commitment that must be made both academically and practically. The demand of the Media course requires students to develop an independent and proactive approach to learning, with this driving their own curiosity. With teacher guidance, the students will be expected to read, research and investigate various aspects of the media. When completing the practical element, the students are encouraged to produce products in specific time frames. The key to success in this area is being organised and enthusiastic. There are a huge number of opportunities that this course can lead to. Careers in Media are only one of routes available. Jobs and futures may be pursued in Teaching, Product Design, Marketing and the Arts. Media Studies equips students with the skills of creativity, problem-solving, analysis, independence of thought and originality in debating and balancing arguments. It is a crucial course in our digital age and it prepares students for further education and the world of work. https://www.ashmoleacademy.org/_site/data/files/post16/1665D110BFBC2774CA4DFED150071DED.pdf#page=30