This document outlines the course requirements and assessments for an A2 Media Studies course. It contains the following key points: - The course is 50% examined coursework (MEST 3) and 50% non-examined coursework (MEST 4) consisting of a critical investigation and linked production piece. - MEST 3 focuses on demonstrating knowledge of media concepts, contexts, and debates. It involves analyzing unseen media texts and writing one essay. - MEST 4 involves an in-depth critical investigation paper of 2000 words and a related media production reflecting the research. - Over the year students will learn research, presentation, and critical analysis skills to prepare them for the assessments.

1. A2 Media Studies 2009-2010
MEST 3 and MEST 4 Course
Outline

2. How will work be assessed?
• MEST 3 = 50% this is an examined unit in
June
• MEST 4 = 50% this is a coursework
component comprised of a critical
investigation and a linked production piece
reflecting your research

3. A2 media studies requires you to:
• Engage with media debates and issues
• Understand and utilise media theories
• Understand the significance of the context
in which media texts are produced and
consumed
• Undertake independent learning, research
and production

4. MEST 3
• Assessment Objectives:
• AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of media concepts,
contexts and critical debates
• AO2 – Apply knowledge and
understanding when analysing media
products and processes (and evaluating
own practical work) to show how
meanings and responses are created.

5. MEST 3 – what you will do
• This is a synoptic unit
• The exam is two parts:
• Section A two unseen media texts which
act as a stimulus for three short answer
questions
• Section B you will write one essay
question from a range of options drawing
upon case studies taught and of your own

6. MEST 4 Research and Production
• This involves a critical investigation into a
theme or text in some depth – 2000 words
• You will create a linked media production
which should reflect the research and
critical investigation
• These will be marked as two separate
pieces but the relationship between the
two must be clear

7. Overview
• The year will be based around three main
areas: coursework, pre-set topic area
examination and unseen comparative
examination

8. • Over the year you will also learn and
discuss:
 Media issues and debates e.g. reality TV,
media effects… What other areas do you
think are up for debate?
 Media theories e.g. Semiotics, Marxism,
Postmodernism
 Approach texts critically – exploring
concepts, contexts and issues. What do
you think ‘contexts’ might mean?
 Approach topics critically e.g. Audience,
Genre, Representations

9. Today until the summer holidays!
• You will learn research skills, presentation
skills and complete a practise critical
investigation and a linked production piece
• You will leave this term with a solid idea
for your own coursework and a plan of
research to be carried out over the
summer
• You will also begin debating issues and
consider texts over the platforms

10. Task - Reality TV
• Consider your viewing and/or knowledge
of The Apprentice or Big Brother
• Discuss with the person next to you the
programmes and make notes under the
following headings:
• The Genre – note the codes and
conventions
• The Narrative – how is it structured?

11. • Platforms
• Audience – patterns of consumption,
target audience?
• Ideology – what dominant ideology does
the premise of the shows adhere to?
• Representation – how are
presenters/candidates represented?
• Debates: Audience consumer/producer?
• Voyeurism
• Uses and Gratification