This document provides an overview of the AS Media Studies course, which includes three units. Unit 1 involves textual analysis of British TV dramas by examining elements like camerawork, editing, and costumes. Students will analyze how these elements represent aspects like gender, ethnicity, and class. Unit 2 examines the British film industry and how it targets audiences. Students will study several British films. Unit 3 is practical and involves creating magazine covers and spreads using software like Photoshop and InDesign. The course emphasizes technology and students will use equipment like digital cameras and Macs. Completing this AS course prepares students for an A2 course analyzing youth culture and world cinema.
2. Unit 1 – Theory Textual Analysis and Representation We study contemporary British TV drama and look at : Camerawork Sound design Editing Costume, props, locations We analyse how these elements affect the representation of: Gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, ability/disability, regional identity, class & status
3. TV drama – case studies We will watch clips from some of these dramas: Merlin Dr Who Wire in the Blood Skins Shameless Little Dorrit Life on Mars Yasmin Footballers’ Wives Doc Martin Gavin and Stacey and others…….
4. Unit 2 – Theory Institutions and Audiences We study the contemporary British film industry and look at: The production, distribution and exhibition of films Target audiences Cultural references How we can view a film
5. British film– case studies We will be looking at films such as: This is England Harry Potter – the franchise Street Dance 3D Monsters Inception
6. Unit 3 – Practical Foundation Portfolio There are 2 tasks to complete: Introductory exercise: the creation of a front cover and a contents page of a student magazine. Main task: the creation of a front cover, contents page and double-page spread of a new music magazine. You will also create a blog to record your progress.
7. This course has a strong emphasis on technology. You will be expected to use a digital camera, an Apple Mac computer and creative software such as Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. We will also use online blogs and a VLE. creative curious You will need to be conscientious
8. ....Leading to A2 An analysis of youth culture across the decades and into present times
10. Theory – Area 1 Hollywood – Audiences and Producers We analyse the Hollywood film industry looking at production, distribution, marketing, exhibition, new technology and stars.
11. Theory – Area 2 The Swinging Sixties We look at how the swinging sixties are depicted in films from the time. We look closely at society, gender and British film of the era.
12. Theory – Area 3 Comparative US Film Study We will look in detail at comparing two American films from different periods, focusing on such things as production contexts, narrative, genre and themes.
13. Coursework – Area 1 Deconstruct a short sequence of film of your choice. Coursework – Area 2 Create a storyboard for a new film.
14. ....Leading to A2 An analysis of spectatorship and world cinema topics.
