Tawa College

Level 1 Media Studies 101

Course Description Recommended Prior Learning

Students will need to be able to respond in various formats to a variety of media texts.

Media Studies 101
We live in media-saturated times. The aim of this course is to enable you to understand, question and contribute to the constant flow of media messages around you. We will study the codes and conventions of different forms of media and explore media issues such as misinformation. We will look at media genres and how audiences are targeted and respond. You will use this knowledge to construct a media product. A key focus in Media Studies is student agency, with the teachers modelling the required skills and context and with you choosing topics and mediums (written, film, verbal/recorded, presentations) that you want, within the constraints of the criteria.

Course Overview

Term 1
Embark on an engaging journey as we kickstart our exploration of the captivating world of media studies! To lay a strong foundation, we'll start by immersing ourselves in the realm of key media terms and theories. Here, you will see connections to other subjects such as English, Art, Drama and Music, Design and Digital technologies, and even Business.

But that's just the beginning! Brace yourself for a year-long genre study that will serve as the backdrop for our thematic exploration throughout the academic year. This genre study will allow us to tap into its essence while seamlessly weaving in and out, collecting examples that will enrich our understanding and fuel our creativity.

As we venture deeper into this study, get ready to unleash your inner storyteller. Experimentation awaits as you dive into the art of scriptwriting, honing your skills and exploring the vast potential of crafting compelling narratives. Alongside scriptwriting, you'll also have the opportunity to develop and refine your production skills, bringing your creative visions to life through the magic of media.

But our exploration doesn't stop there. Prepare to uncover and explore the thought-provoking issues that lie within the media landscape. From ethical dilemmas to societal impacts, we'll delve into the heart of these issues, challenging our perspectives and nurturing critical thinking.

Term 2
Get ready to engage in media experimentation as we delve deeper into the realm of media texts! Media Studies will empower you to unravel the enigma of misinformation, fake news, and other thought-provoking media issues this term. These compelling topics will serve as the foundation for crafting opinion pieces or captivating podcast.

But that's not all—prepare to unleash your creativity as we reach the midpoint of this term. It's time for you to take the reins and choose the type of media product that ignites your passion. Will you create a tantalizing film trailer, a powerful P.S.A., a captivating podcast, a visually stunning magazine spread, or even a mesmerizing video game? The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours.

Individually, in pairs, or in groups of three, you'll embark on the journey of planning and bringing your chosen media product to life. Immerse yourself in the individualised or collaborative process, fuel your imagination, and let your creative sparks ignite.

When it comes to submitting your plans, we believe in embracing a diverse range of mediums. Express yourself through slides, documents, voice notes, images, or any other medium that amplifies your vision. The choice is yours, and we encourage you to showcase your creativity in ways that truly resonate with your preferred form of communication.

Term 3
Prepare to put the finishing touches on your captivating media product this term. Then we will dive deeper into the world of genre. Inspired by your choices and driven by your demands, we'll delve into an array of fascinating media forms that span the creative spectrum. From engaging films to enthralling TV shows and games, gripping documentaries to mesmerizing podcasts, your exploration will be tailored to your interests and aspirations.

This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the media landscape of your choice, unearthing hidden gems and gaining an understanding of the power of different media forms and texts.

Term 4
As we approach the end of the year, get ready for a term that puts the power in your hands! Together, we'll embark on a journey by selecting and co-constructing a captivating topic that aligns with your unique interests and passions.

This is your chance to shape the narrative and delve into a subject that captivates your curiosity. Your voice matters, and we'll work collaboratively to design a topic that ignites your intellectual fire and keeps you engaged until the very end while preparing for the transition to Media Studies 201 and/0r Journalism.

Learning Areas:

English

Assessment Information

We will use an English or social studies standard and base it around one of our media topics. In English, you will choose which standard you want to complete. This cannot be the same standard as what we do in Media Studies, so you will need to choose one of the other three in order to gain two standards.