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 various media forms. You will explore your own and another's media usage, learn to close-read a variety of media texts (eg print, television advertisements, films), investigate how the media represents a current event, write a film script and film review, 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 and analyse media texts, plan and create a short video production, explore aspects of the media through your own experiences, through research and, when possible, with guest speakers. You will see a film at the cinema and review it. You should also 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:
Does Media Studies continue through Levels 2 and 3?

Yes it does and it is also a booming subject in universities and other tertiary educational institutions. Our students also enter external competitions and in 2013 a Level 3 group of media students won the National Schools competition of the Rialto 48 Hours Film Competition and one of them, Lucy Timmins, won the 'Best Female Director' award over all competitors.

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.