Through media education students explore the most powerful forms of mass communication used in contemporary societies. Students learn the ways visual, aural, oral and written modes are manipulated in the communication of ideas and messages through media such as film, television, newspapers, magazines, posters, radio and computer technology. In this course students will work extensively with the latest multimedia computers, and thus develop generic information technology skills, as well as the capacity to work cooperatively with others in a range of media projects.
Media is about:
- creating and producing
- communication
- critical analysis
- Units are not sequential. A student may do any combination to make a Media Studies Minor, Major, Major/Minor and double Major. Students can study at either accredited or tertiary level. Media Studies units may be included in the English course. See the English section of this handbook for details.
Unit Description
Units are offered as either half-standardand/or standardunits as indicated against each unit.
Introduction to Media
Students will analyse a range of media products in order to interpret elements of media language which create meaning and to apply this in their own media production, using Photoshop or another digital medium. (0.5)
Animation
This unit examines the nature of and concepts related to traditional animation, stop frame, camera cell animation, and moves on to computer generated animation techniques e.g. Flash MX. (1.0)
Introduction to News and Current Affairs
In this unit students will demonstrate skills and knowledge in writing and producing news for radio, television and the web and explore how these elements shape the production of news in these media. They will critically analyse the codes and conventions of radio, television and internet news and communicate an understanding of the relationship between broadcast journalists, the products they make, and their target audiences. (0.5)
Documentary
Students will analyse distinctive features of documentary film and evaluate the development and impact of documentary film as a visual and aural record. Students will watch a number of films from different genres and historical periods with a view to creating their own documentary productions. (1.0)
Journalism
This unit will involve the study of as many examples of written, visual, oral and aural styles of journalism as possible. Students will have the opportunity to use and develop their digital publishing skills and will also produce final projects. (1.0)
Popular Culture A and B
Students will examine the concept of culture, ideology, systems of representation and the role of media. Emphasis is placed on the roles of media organisations in creating popular culture products, culture and consumerism and the position of the audience. (0.5)
Audio Communication
Students are introduced to concepts of digital audio and the historical and technological developments of sound. Research into issues related with sound and several sound productions are undertaken. (1.0)
Public Relations
In this unit students will analyse activities performed by public relations teams. They will demonstrate uses of the media suitable for public relations tasks.
Students will undertake significant PR cases studies and apply them to a client. (0.5)
Scriptwriting 1
In this unit student will analyse and evaluate the role of the scriptwriter in the creation of media products. Students will identify the processes required to develop and write a script. The main focus of this unit will be for students to apply the skills and codes and conventions involved in the art and craft of storytelling on the big and small and interactive screens, usually a 10 page film script. (0.5)
Scriptwriting 2
Students will require Scripwriting 1, before enrolling in this unit.
They will either undertake to produce their previous script or undertake to produce and screen another short film script. Through this they will develop an appreciation of the role of aesthetics in visual and aural media. Students will also use current technology apply the skills, codes and conventions involved in the making of a script for both film, radio, TV and the web. (0.5)
Television Genre
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements associated with the production of television current affairs. They will critically analyse issues relating to ethical presentation and bias as well as content and messages of this genre through production of a range of non fiction news programming. (1.0)
Film, Genre and Cultures
Students will view, discuss and use written, oral, aural, and visual analysis to study films in an historical context and explore the nature of film and film making around the globe. Films from other cultures will form an integral part of this unit. Production will consist of a number of short exercises to confirm their understanding of issues and concepts covered in class. (1.0)
Interactive Media
Students should enrol in this unit to achieve their Certificate II in Multimedia. Students are introduced to the concept of multimedia, distribution formats and production techniques and create several interactive multimedia projects, finishing with the production of an interactive multimedia kiosk, incorporating digital video, graphics, sound, animation and text. (1.0)
Process to Production
Students are required to have completed at least one standard media unit before undertaking this unit.
This unit ties together the various units within the Vocational stream in media and allows students to create an entire media product within industry timeframes and requirements. Students may achieve a wide array of Vocational competencies during this unit.
Students will apply their understanding of media concepts through the production of a significant media project in their chosen medium. Students may produce an original idea or adapt an existing work in the medium of their choice. (1.0)
Vocational Competencies
Students who study this course and demonstrate competence may be awarded a nationally recognised vocational qualification or a Statement of Attainment.