This document provides information about an exam on Critical Perspectives in Media, including details about the postmodernism section. It covers the title, length, requirements and marking of the exam. For the postmodernism part, it lists various media platforms and theories that must be studied, such as video games, cinema and audience theories. It also provides sample exam questions focusing on definitions of postmodernism, how postmodern media challenges traditional concepts, and debates around whether postmodernism is a useful theory. Students are instructed to prepare for an exam question relating to prompts about their chosen contemporary media issue.

1. Section A: Postmodernism
EXAM INFO
Title of exam
Marks
Requirements
Media platforms
Styles of questions
Past paper questions

2. Official title of exam
• The A2 exam is titled Critical Perspectives in Media
• Section B official title: Contemporary Media
Issues

3. Marks?
• How many marks?
• Length of exam?
50 marks
1 hr (part of 2 hour exam)
It is marked by EAA, EX, T (same as other exams)

4. Requirements (important bits)
• Candidates must, in advance of the examination and, through specific case studies, texts, debates
and research of the candidates’ choice, prepare to demonstrate understanding of the contemporary
issue.
• This understanding must combine knowledge of at least two media and a range of texts, industries,
audiences and debates,
• The assessment of the response will be generic, allowing for the broadest possible range of
responses within the topic area chosen.
• Each topic is accompanied by four prompt questions, and candidates must be prepared to answer
an exam question that relates to one or more of these four prompts.
• There should be emphasis on the historical, the contemporary and the future in relation to the
chosen topic, with most attention on the present.
• Centres are thus advised to ensure that study materials for this unit are up to date and relevant.

5. Required platforms to study
• How post-modern media relate to genre and narrative across two
media,
– computer / video games and new forms of representation
– post-modern cinema
– interactive media
– reality TV
– music video
– Advertising
Also study…….
– post-modern audience theories
– aspects of globalisation
– parody and pastiche in media texts or a range of other applications of
post-modern media theory

6. Styles of questions
• Definitions of postmodernism (in relation to media products and media audiences).
• What are the different versions of post-modernism (historical period, style, theoretical approach)?
• The difference between postmodern media and traditional media.
• What are the arguments for and against understanding some forms of media as post-modern?
• In what ways do media audiences and industries operate differently in a post-modern world?
• The impact of postmodern media on audiences and the ways in which we think about texts.
• How do post-modern media texts challenge traditional text-reader relations and the concept of representation?
• In what ways do media audiences and industries operate differently in a post-modern world?
• How do post-modern media texts challenge traditional text-reader relations and the concept of representation?
• Debates about postmodernism and whether it is really a useful theory or not.
• Examples of media products which you think can be, or have been defined as postmodern, and the reasons for
them being analysed in this way.

7. Essay Question Checklist
• Definition (elements)
• Different versions
• Comparison between pomo/traditional
• How pomo texts challenge traditional text reader relations
and concept of representation
• How audiences & industries operate differently in pomo world
• Impact on audience
• Arguments for/against (debates) – useful theory?
You will have choice of 2 questions, answer 1

8. Past paper Questions
DATE EXAM QUESTION
Jan 10 What is meant by ‘postmodern media’?
Explain why the idea of ‘postmodern media’ might be considered controversial.
June 10 Why are some media products described as ‘postmodern’?
“Postmodern media blur the boundary between reality and representation”. Discuss this idea with
reference to media texts you have studied.
Jan 11 Explain why certain kinds of media can be defined as postmodern.
Discuss why some people are not convinced by the idea of postmodern media.
June 11 How do postmodern media differ from other media?
How far do you accept the idea of postmodernism?
Jan 12 “Postmodern media manipulate time and space.” To what extend does this definition apply to texts
you have studied?
Define postmodern media with examples.
June 12 Assess the arguments for and against postmodernism, in relation to media examples.
“Postmodern media break the rules of representation.” Discuss.
Jan 13 “All contemporary media is postmodern.” Discuss this statement in relation to examples you have
studied.
Evaluate theories of postmodernism in relation to media.
June 13 Provide your definition of postmodern media and support it with examples.
To what extent do postmodern media challenge the relationship between text and audience?

9. Exam question task
• Complete chart…

10. Read first pages in e-book
• The textbook for media is now available online as an e-book. You
can access it at home or on your iPad when you get it.
•
• Go to website:
• url: http://my.dynamic-learning.co.uk/Default.aspx?cid=21302
• Centre ID: 21302
• Username: 21302hb
Password: erteach
•
Click on 'Dynamic E-book' (the A2 one is 2nd one in with orange on
cover) and then interactive pages......
•
Postmodernism = (start page 136)

11. Summary of textbook
(pomo intro)
Pg 136-139

14. Homework – Due fri
• Make revision notes from textbook
• Complete in writing in your book
• Summarise in bullet points