1. Collective Identity essay tips
There are four question areas that could come up in the exam. Two questions will appear
on the paper, you only answer ONE. Please be aware that the wording could change
slightly.
• How do the contemporary media represent nations, regions and ethnic / social / collective
groups of people in different ways?
• How does contemporary representation compare to previous time periods?
• What are the social implications of different media representations of groups of people?
• To what extent is human identity increasingly ‘mediated’?
INTRO FOR ALL FOUR ESSAYS:
• State that you are studying African American males and females- the examiner doesn’t know which
collective we have chosen
• Address the question- give your conclusion at the start (like with questions for
1b)
• Use Manny Otiko “Black or African American: which is correct?” to open the debate about what to call this
collective and assert that one of the difficulties with naming this collective is that the terms used to refer to
them have been created by others. (see document on blog) then choose a term to use throughout the essay
(Black American or African American is best)
TIPS:
• Apply the theory to the case study texts rather than explaining the theory first.
• Look at your paragraphs- there should be as little description as possible and as much analysis
• Take your time with each case study- each should be deconstructed thoroughly in relation to the question
and using a number of theories
• You need audience examples to prove that these representations are affecting the social group
• Point, Evidence, Explain and LINK to the question at the end of every paragraph
• You have an hour to write your answer- spend five minutes planning the best way to address the question so
you show off as much as possible

2. • Try and connect your case studies so your essay flows, e. g. HAIR (Gramsci, Butler, Bell Hooks, Lacan)
FEMALE CELEBS (Butler, Mulvey)  MALE RAPPERS (Gramsci, Bell Hooks and pugilistic eroticism,
colonialism) COON STEREOTYPE,  HOTTENTOT VENUS  CONCLUSION
GRADE BOUNDARIES FOR THE EXAM (estimates, subject to change):
1a and 1b:
BOUNDARY GRADE
22-25 A
18-21 B
13-17 C
9-12 D
5-8 E
0-4 U
Collective Identity:
BOUNDARY GRADE
42-50 A
33-41 B
25-32 C
17-24 D
9-16 E
0-8 U
TOTAL:
BOUNDARY GRADE
83-100 A
69-82 B

3. 51-68 C
34-50 D
17-33 E
0-16 U