Howick College
Year 13 Media Studies (13MES)
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mr B. Uy.
Media Studies is a subject that encourages students to engage critically with the world of media that they are surrounded by. Students will analyse the Superhero genre and its relationship with American society, the Hollywood Film industry, as well as a range of media theories. They will also have the chance to create their own short film, an exciting part of the internal assessment. This course is suited for learners who are excited about asking questions and thinking critically of 'the media' and/or have an interest in careers in media production, journalism and any other job based around analysis and production.
This subject is academic and requires students to write their analysis in essay format. While there is a large practical component to the course the literacy and reading and writing credits come from the external exams where students write coherently and perceptively to form an argument and express their ideas.
Course Overview
Term 1
Planning your Short Film (3.5 internal)
The first part of this term you will be planning your short film that you will go on to make. This film must follow a brief that will be provided by the teacher. For students who would prefer, there is also the option of planning a podcast (either a topical one or a radio drama-style one). The plan will be due week 5, term 1.
Making your Short Film (3.6 internal)
You will create a short film in a group (no more than 3 members per group). The brief will explain further what the requirements and restrictions are for this task. Each member of the group must have an equal role in the making of the short film. Students who planned the podcasts may produce it during this time.
It will be due at the end of Week 10, Term One.
Scriptwriting (3.8 internal) – OPTIONAL – UE writing credits available
For those who would prefer to work individually or have issues with filmmaking, scriptwriting will be offered as an alternative standard. There will be additional workshops for those interested in this internal and will be able to use the film plans from 3.5 to write these.
Term 2
3.1 Media Industry: Contemporary Hollywood Film Industry (External- 4 UE R&W Credits)
This external looks at the societal impact of media industries and will focus specifically on how the Hollywood Film Industry is structured to make money. We will examine how it has changed to keep the industry afloat as society develops as well as how popular films are shaped by these processes. This will be assessed in the end of year exams with practice essays and a practice exam in between.
Understanding a significant development in the media (3.7 internal):
This Standard requires you to show understanding of a development in the Hollywood Film Industry that you are already studying for the external 3.1. It will help you gain specific examples that you can use for your exam. Submission will be week 9 term 2.
Article writing (3.8 internal) – OPTIONAL – UE writing credits available
For those who are interested in the credits (including 3 UE writing credits), the content for 3.7 may be written in the style of a magazine article. Students who did scriptwriting in term 1 are ineligible for this particular internal as it is the same standard unless they want to do so as a reassessment opportunity (or do the Level 2 writing standard).
Term 3
3.4 Genre and Society topic (External- 4 UE R&W Credits)
This is an in-depth study of a genre and how it interacts with a particular society. Students will be looking specifically at the zombie genre and how it’s developed alongside millennials across a range of media.
Multiple Readings of Media Texts: Analysing through different readings (3.2 internal assessment 3 credits)
An important skill in media studies is the ability to understand the different meanings that a single text can have for different people. For example, one text can be seen as racist by one person even if it still appeals to fans of its genre. We will be using zombie texts from our chosen era to practice these skills and get a better understanding of how a single text can be seen in different ways while helping reinforce our knowledge of the genre.
Article writing (3.8 internal) – OPTIONAL – UE writing credits available
For those who are interested in the credits (including 3 UE writing credits), the content for 3.2 may also be written in the style of a film/series review for a magazine article. Students who did scriptwriting in term 1 or the article in 3.7 are ineligible for this particular internal as it is the same standard unless they want to do so as a reassessment opportunity.
Term 4
Revision for the External Exams (3.4 and 3.1) will take place during this term as well as any catch up required for additional credits.
Pre-requisites
Achievement of at least 15 of the 21 credits offered in Level 2 Media Studies or most of the Level 2 English credits. However, you may be considered if you are interested in Media Studies at this level and did not take Level 2 Media Studies. Please see the Head of Department if this is the case.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
$20 approx. to cover cost of equipment upkeep and film consumables.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Media Studies 3.1 - Demonstrate understanding of an aspect of a media industry
NZQA Info
Media Studies 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of the meaning of a media text through different readings
NZQA Info
Media Studies 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of a relationship between a media genre and society
NZQA Info
Media Studies 3.5 - Produce a design for a media product that meets the requirements of a brief
NZQA Info
Media Studies 3.6 - Produce a media product to meet the requirements of a brief
NZQA Info
Media Studies 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of a significant development in the media
NZQA Info
Media Studies 3.8 - Write a media text to meet the requirements of a brief
NZQA Info
SCHL - Media Studies
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 27
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Disclaimer
Owing to teachers responding to individual students' needs, courses and NCEA standards taught in a subject maybe different to those displayed.
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