Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/1MED

What is this course about?
Most of us live media-saturated lives and much of what we know has come to us through the media. The media inform us and entertain us. They affect how we see ourselves and others, what we buy, how we dress, how we behave. Media Studies is an authentic and relevant course of study, building on knowledge you already have. The new skills and knowledge you develop (eg critical analysis, understanding of symbolism and media languages, practical skills) will help you be a more discerning media consumer in a constantly changing and interconnected world. Better understanding of the media also deepens our enjoyment of the pleasures they have to offer.

What will I learn?
A lot more about the media's impact on your own and other's lives. In Level 1, you will explore aspects of different media. You will examine your own and other's interaction with the media, learn to close-read a variety of media texts (eg print, television advertisements, films), investigate the way a current issue or event is represented in different media, and design, plan and create a short film.

What sorts of things will I do?
You will be involved in a variety of activities, working individually and with others. You will contribute to class and group discussions, view/read and analyse media texts, write and create a short video production, explore aspects of the media through your own experiences, through research and, when possible, with guest speakers. You should be prepared to keep up individually with relevant developments and issues in the media as the year progresses eg debates over piracy, censorship.

Frequently asked questions:
How is Media Studies related to future pathways?

A knowledge of the media and how it works is important for a wide range of careers. Those directly associated with media include advertising, web design, broadcasting, journalism, scriptwriting, copy-writing, film and television production, sound, camera and light engineers, roles in the music industry and media law.

A knowledge of media processes and industries is important for a wide range of other careers also - some examples include marketing, public relations, event management, company management, the hospitality industry and tourism.

Are there any costs for this course?

Class trips may incur a charge for transport and entry fees.