11MES

11 Media Studies

Subject Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr M. Ifrim.

Objectives

All media products are constructions.  This is arguably the most important concept in Media Studies.  The media do not simply reflect external reality.  Rather, they present carefully crafted constructions that reflect many decisions and are the result of many determining factors.  Media Literacy works towards deconstructing these constructions (i.e., to taking them apart to show how they are made).

Five Key Concepts In Media Studies

  1. All media messages are “constructed”.
  2. Media messages are constructed using its own language, style, techniques, codes, conventions, and aesthetics.
  3. Each person interprets media messages differently.
  4. The media contain ideological and value messages.
  5. The media have commercial interests, and commercial social and political implications.

Content

  • Feature film studies.
  • Film history.
  • Film theory.
  • Writing for visual texts.
  • Music video production.
  • VFX production.
  • CGI production.
  • Short film production.

Learning and Assessment

Description

Film Essay

Music Video Clip

Director Study – Introduction of basic film elements used by a director to affect his/her audience.

Film Editing 101 – Practising basic film editing techniques concentrating on rhythmic and graphic matching (Music Video Clip).

Interactive Presentation on Film History

Zombie Fight Video Clip

Film History – A Brief History of Motion Picture Comedy – Introducing the students to the implications of the socio-political and cultural background when examining and analysing media texts.

Film Editing Special Effects – Introducing both SFx and VFx and seeing them operating through a practical project (Zombie Fight Clip).

Case Study (representative for the chosen theory)

Outer Space Travel Video Clip

Psycho-Socio Theory (Director – audience relationship) – Introduction of basic psychological and sociological concepts that can be used in film analysis.

Film Editing CGI – Introducing basic mask editing and object creation (Outer Space Travel Clip).

Script

Produce a Short Film Based on the Script

Screenplay Writing.

Short Film Production – Demonstrate the link between script/cinematography/editing through a short film production.


Subject Overview

Term 1
• Film Essay.
• Music Video Clip.

Term 2
• Interactive Presentation on Film History.
• Zombie Fight Video Clip.

Term 3
• Case Study (representative for the chosen theory).
• Outer Space Travel Video Clip.

Term 4
• Script.
• Produce a short film based on the script.

Recommended Prior Learning

Year 10 Media Studies or Year 10 English course completion.

Subject and Associated Costs

Course Costs: Nil.
Associated Costs: Nil.

Pathway

Assessment Information

Level 2 Media Studies Guideline(s):
Successfully passing at least 50% of the theoretical modules and 75% of the practical modules or discretionary entry based on Year 11 Media Studies or English achievement.