KS5 Media Studies

This subject offers you the opportunity to combine a theoretical understanding of the mass media in society and methods for analysing texts (eg films, television programmes, advertising, the press) with the development of practical skills for media production. The balance of theory and practical work means that you will learn about how the media industries operate, research and investigate issues and debates about the role of the media in society, analyse texts from a variety of media and produce texts of your own.

The units available at AS are:

Unit 2730 Coursework: Foundation Production

In this unit you will make one media production accompanied by an individual Production Log. You will need to plan, construct and evaluate the work with regard to the style and form of the production and its intended audience.

Assessment
Coursework: One media production plus an individual log marked by the teacher, moderated externally by OCR

Unit 2731: Textual Analysis

In this unit you will answer one compulsory question, dealing with textual analysis of technical aspects of the moving image medium, and one compulsory question on a comparative study of two texts. Assessment A two hour examination. Two compulsory questions, one on textual analysis and one involving a comparative study of two texts. Unit 2732: Case Study: Audiences and Institutions This unit assesses your knowledge and understanding of media institutions production processes, technologies and related issues concerning audience consumption and reception. Assessment 60 minutes examination with three compulsory questions. The Units available at A2 are: Unit 2733: Advanced Production In this unit you will make one media production demonstrating advanced creative and practical skills. You will need to plan, construct and evaluate the work with regard to the form and style of the production and its intended audience.

Assessment
Coursework. One advanced media production plus commentary, marked by the teacher and externally moderated by OCR.

Unit 2734: Critical Research Study

In this unit you will carry out independent and sustained research on a topic from a set list produced by OCR. The research will involve detailed and comparative textual analysis, investigating academic and critical perspectives and carrying out primary research into media industries and audiences. This will be independent work, supervised by the teacher. Students will prepare 4 sides of research notes which are used during the examination.

Assessment
Two hour examination. Two compulsory questions on chosen research. One question on research methods and one question on research findings.

Unit 2735: Media Issues and Debates

In preparing for this unit you will study issues and debates arising from the media in society – broadcasting, film and print. For each area there will be three set topics provided by OCR. This unit brings together your understanding of textual analysis, institutions, representation and audiences.

Assessment
Two hour examination. Choice of nine questions on set topics involving broadcasting, film and print options, focusing on issues and debates around media in society.

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