What is meant by the Media?
‘The media’ refers to the different channels we use to communicate information in the everyday world. ‘Media’ is the plural of medium (of communication), and the main media are
Television
Magazines
Film
Radio
Advertising
Pop Music
Newspapers
Internet
What is Media Studies?
Media Studies involves the close analysis of the images, sounds and text that we experience via the media. It is the study of individual media texts (such as movies, TV shows, magazines, websites) and
Who made them (institution)?
How they were made (process)?
Why they were made (purpose)?
Who they were made for (audience)?
What rules were followed when making them (conventions and genre)?
As well as essays, research, and reports, Media Studies also involves practical work, where you learn the techniques involved for the production of your own media text. Students at Greenford have recently produced pop videos, TV and radio commercials, magazine advertisements, computer animation, film trailers and posters. Media is a ‘learn by doing’ subject, and you compare your own experiences with what the ‘professionals’ go through. Most of our production in school is done digitally (ie using computers) and we have the latest software and equipment to help with this.
Media Studies can be taken as a GCSE, AS or A-level course and many students go on to study it at university. Success in this subject comes from a combination of creativity and understanding. It is a unique combination of practical and theoretical learning, which, although it can be hard work and very time consuming, is always rewarding. It’s also a lot of fun - what other subject deals with your favourite movies, magazines and TV shows?
Why is it so important?
In the 21st century, communications are becoming faster and faster and faster. Think of the millions of different media images you are bombarded with every day. It is as important now to be able to read and make sense of those images, as it has been to be able to read ordinary text. If you do not know how to read the messages coming at you from TV, the Internet, advertising etc, then you may become very lost in the modern world. You also need to have a good idea of how those messages are made, and who is making them, so that you may quickly become aware if someone (or some corporation!) is trying to manipulate your thoughts and feelings.
Media Studies is also about appreciating the skill and creativity which goes into the production of media texts. Just as analysing the different techniques used in the creation of a poem or novel helps you appreciate the talent of the writer, so does learning about media techniques help you appreciate value the skill with words and pictures that the creators of a media text must possess.
Media Studies deals with the very latest ideas, although you need to have some understanding of the history of media (particularly how new technological developments have changed things). However, the focus of your studies is what is happening right now, buzzing round the airwaves of the globe.
Homework due Wednesday 5th September
Everybody must continue to personalise their Blog, embedding clips and images of their favourite and least favourite media (see Blogger Task post from 6th July).
Media Consumption Diary
Keep a daily blog of your contact with media products over a three day period. Be sure to record both…
1. The media products you choose to use (TV shows, CDs, computer programmes)
2. The media products you see and hear around you by chance (billboard advertising, magazines, music in shops, and media in the classroom!)
After three days, how much time have you spent consuming media products? What does this reveal about you? Are there any media platforms you should consume more (i.e. listen to more talk radio)?
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