Welcome to Media Production & Analysis (MPA)

 

Welcome to the Media Production and Analysis Course of Study. This course is designed to effectively utilise our state-of-the-art technology and teacher expertise as well as engage students in challenging but very rewarding activities and tasks.

 

The course runs over years 11 and 12 with each year divided into two semesters. During each semester you will be learning about film and video production in a specific context, and will complete three major tasks. You will have many opportunities to analyse, research and create media of various forms and genres.

 

By the end of this course, you should develop a new awareness of the many processes, people and decisions that contribute to the Media Industry, and the skills needed to set you up for further study or an exciting a career in Media. Our hope is that you will also take away some great productions that you just can't wait to show your family and friends and wonderful memories that you will cherish for ever.

 

Because you have grown up in a technological media age your perceptions of the world have been influenced by your use of the media. Many of your opinions and values have been shaped by what you see, hear and read in the media, and much of what you talk about with your friends and family is based on your media experiences. For Example:

 

• What you know about September 11 has been shaped by what you have seen, heard or read in the media.
• Your favourite television program may be the main topic of conversation with your friends at recess and lunchtime.
• You tell your friends what a presenter said on your favourite radio station.
• You may have an opinion about a group of people based on your media experiences, eg. indigenous Australians, refugees or the rich and famous.

 

Although Media is part of everyday life, we're often passive in how we use it. As we absorb an ever-increasing number of media forms and texts, we often don't take the time to probe beneath the surface. We need to take a more active approach to how we use, enjoy and question the media.

 

This course has a strong emphasis on production. This firsthand experience in creating your own media products will help you to analyse the media from a different perspective. Through creating, producing and analysing media, you will develop production and critical thinking skills, as well as a deeper understanding about the important role of the media in our society.

 

Many of the resources are provided through this web site, so whenever you get the chance log in and indulge yourself in learning and enjoying the creative media process. Remember, what you take away from this course is determined by the effort you put into it.

 

Content

The courses will focus on three areas; Media Language, Audiences, Production.

 

Media Language

 

An understanding of media language is fundamental to the study and practice of media. In learning the language of the media, you need to understand:

 

• media form
• narrative, codes and conventions
• representation
• skills and processes

 

Audiences

 

Audiences are complex groups of people with unique histories, experiences, attitudes and values that they bring to their understanding of media texts. In learning about how audiences construct meaning, students you need to know about:

 

• the reader's (or viewer's) social and cultural experiences
• values, attitudes and ideologies
• sub-cultures
• past, present and emerging trends

 

Production

 

Many factors shape the style of production and the media works that are produced. In learning about the production context, we will be considering:

 

• institutions and independents
• media use and target audiences
• cultural contexts
• controls and constraints