SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 6
INTRODUCTION TO MS3 COURSEWORK MODULE
1. The Research Investigation (45 marks)
For this written part of the coursework, you are required to
undertake an individual investigation into a specific area of study
focused on one of the following concepts:
๏ถ Genre
๏ถ Narrative
๏ถ Representation
Your research should draw on a range of both primary and
secondary sources (i.e. actual case study texts which you will
analyse, and research material drawn from books, the web, etc)
enabling you to reach a conclusion that will then inform your
production.
Once you have come up with a particular topic area that you wish
to focus on, you will need to work in conjunction with your tutor to
negotiate a focused question/title.
For this investigation, you need to consider two key areas:
o Choose a topic that you are interested in! This will
make the whole process much more enjoyable
o Choose a topic that you can then do some follow-up
production work on
Potential topic areas:
Whatever topic area / question you decide on, you must come up
with 2-3 focus texts which will be your main case studies and will
be the basis of your own analysis.
You must base your investigation around one of the following
areas:
REPRESENTATION:
1. Representation of women
2. Representation of men
3. Representation of youth
You can choose your own texts/genres to base your investigation on. Successful
investigations in the past have included areas such as:
โ€ข A comparison of the representations of women in pop and rock music
(e.g. comparing representations of 2 contrasting artists, looking at how
they are represented in music videos, press articles/images, album art
work, websites, etc)
โ€ข Representations of men or women in menโ€™s lifestyle magazines
โ€ข Representations of young people in TV drama (e.g. comparing US and UK
teen dramas)
โ€ข How have the representations of women in horror films changed over
time?
โ€ข How might we account for the rise in representations of female action
heroes?
GENRE:
1. How a genre has changed/developed over time
2. How a particular text conforms to or challenges a given genre
You can choose to base your investigation on either the horror or action film
genres, the reality TV or soap opera TV genre, lifestyle magazines, or beauty or
charity advertising.
NARRATIVE:
1. Compare and contrast the narrative techniques of 2 texts
(e.g. a one-off drama and a soap opera; or a tabloid and broadsheet newspaper; )
2. Explore the narrative structure and techniques of a particular genre (e.g. soap
operas, crime dramas or crime films)
Once the investigation is complete, you must then go on to your production
piece, and finally an evaluation.
The Production piece is worth 45 marks, and is informed by your research
investigation. It must demonstrate high level creative and technical skills, and
must be undertaken individually.
Digital and print-based media productions should be 3 โ€“ 4 pages in length,
with the majority of the images being generated by you. (N.B. You CANNOT
produce any magazine material as this is what you did for AS
coursework)
Examples of successful production pieces include:
โ€ข Marketing materials (e.g. posters, flyers, viral marketing materials)
โ€ข CD covers, DVD covers, music artist photo shoots, tour posters, etc
โ€ข Press packs
โ€ข Websites and other digital materials
Remember:
The production must be directly connected to your investigation and its
research. So, for example, if your investigation was into how representations
of women in horror films have changed over time, your production piece might
be, say, a series of teaser and theatrical posters for a new horror film with a
female protagonist, which either conforms to, or subverts, the traditional
representation of female victims. (i.e. there must be reference to what you
have found in your research in the production piece itself)
Finally, the evaluation (worth 10 marks, and 500-750 words in length)
explores how the research undertaken into a particular media concept
(genre, narrative or representation) informed the production, i.e. what did
you learn in your research that you have either used in your own production,
or perhaps deliberately challenged, and why?
A2 Induction work
Your tutor will be setting you specific tasks and deadlines which you must hit
before the start of the A2 course in September, but broadly speaking, you
must have the following completed in this summer induction period:
โ€ข A firm, specific title for your investigation, which has been agreed with
your tutor (N.B. the title must contain one of the following words: genre,
narrative or representation)
โ€ข Selection of 2-3 case study texts, which you must watch, analyse and
make detailed notes on in relation to your chosen research area
โ€ข A decision on what your production pieces will be (agreed with tutor),
and completion of some practical skills building work as appropriate
โ€ข The beginnings of your bibliography, using books, websites, journals,
magazines, etc (see notes on referencing on next page ). You
must start making notes on particular theories and other useful
research, which you can use to โ€˜beef upโ€™ your investigation to take you
into the higher grade bands
REFERENCING
First and foremost, ensure you keep a note of the necessary details of
every book, website, article, video/DVD, etc you use as part of your
research!
IF YOU TAKE SOME INFO FROM A BOOK, BE IT DIRECTLY QUOTED, OR
A PARAPHRASED IDEA, IN YOUR NOTES YOU MUST JOT DOWN THE
BOOKโ€™S NAME, AUTHOR, PUBLISHER, DATE OF PUBLICATION, AND
THE PAGES YOU ARE REFERENCING.
IF YOU USE SOMETHING FROM A WEBSITE, YOU MUST MAKE A NOTE
OF THE FULL WEBSITE ADDRESS, THE AUTHOR (IF KNOWN), AND THE
DATE THE PAGE WAS ACCESSED.
IF YOU USE ANY FILMS OR TV PROGRAMMES, MAKE A NOTE OF THE
NAME OF THE TEXT, ITS PRODUCER AND DATE OF RELEASE.
DO THIS AS YOU GO ALONG โ€“ YOU WILL THEN SIMPLY BE ABLE TO
PUT ALL OF THIS TOGETHER TO CREATE YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY.
You will lose marks if you do not have a complete and thorough
bibliography.
Coursework Proposal Form
Topic area
Proposed question
Proposed case
study texts
Proposed
production pieces
Initial vital
research to be
undertaken
(e.g. potential
theories,
background
reading, case
study analysis, etc)
Proposed case
study texts
Proposed
production pieces
Initial vital
research to be
undertaken
(e.g. potential
theories,
background
reading, case
study analysis, etc)

More Related Content

What's hot

L13 'super size me' key scene analysis l2
L13   'super size me' key scene analysis l2L13   'super size me' key scene analysis l2
L13 'super size me' key scene analysis l2
Nick Crafts
ย 
The evaluation
The evaluationThe evaluation
The evaluation
Naamah Hill
ย 
G325: Question 1b - Genre
G325: Question 1b - GenreG325: Question 1b - Genre
G325: Question 1b - Genre
MissCTurner
ย 
L25 gomorrah review new
L25   gomorrah review newL25   gomorrah review new
L25 gomorrah review new
misshanks
ย 
Introduction to Film Studies
Introduction to Film StudiesIntroduction to Film Studies
Introduction to Film Studies
jphibbert
ย 
Intro to a2 course g325 critical perspectives in media - question b
Intro to a2 course   g325 critical perspectives in media - question bIntro to a2 course   g325 critical perspectives in media - question b
Intro to a2 course g325 critical perspectives in media - question b
Mr Smith
ย 
L21 'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2
L21   'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2L21   'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2
L21 'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2
Nick Crafts
ย 
Section a c structure
Section a   c structureSection a   c structure
Section a c structure
Nick Crafts
ย 
OCR media A level - genre, section 1 exam
OCR media A level - genre, section 1 examOCR media A level - genre, section 1 exam
OCR media A level - genre, section 1 exam
hasnmedia
ย 

What's hot (20)

L13 'super size me' key scene analysis l2
L13   'super size me' key scene analysis l2L13   'super size me' key scene analysis l2
L13 'super size me' key scene analysis l2
ย 
The evaluation
The evaluationThe evaluation
The evaluation
ย 
G325: Question 1b - Genre
G325: Question 1b - GenreG325: Question 1b - Genre
G325: Question 1b - Genre
ย 
L17 location and social representation analysis new
L17   location and social representation analysis newL17   location and social representation analysis new
L17 location and social representation analysis new
ย 
L25 gomorrah review new
L25   gomorrah review newL25   gomorrah review new
L25 gomorrah review new
ย 
Introduction to Film Studies
Introduction to Film StudiesIntroduction to Film Studies
Introduction to Film Studies
ย 
L27 key scene comparison
L27   key scene comparisonL27   key scene comparison
L27 key scene comparison
ย 
L23 exam paper practise 2)
L23   exam paper practise 2)L23   exam paper practise 2)
L23 exam paper practise 2)
ย 
Intro to Film Studies at A2
Intro to Film Studies at A2Intro to Film Studies at A2
Intro to Film Studies at A2
ย 
L4 '911' overview
L4   '911' overviewL4   '911' overview
L4 '911' overview
ย 
Intro to a2 course g325 critical perspectives in media - question b
Intro to a2 course   g325 critical perspectives in media - question bIntro to a2 course   g325 critical perspectives in media - question b
Intro to a2 course g325 critical perspectives in media - question b
ย 
L21 'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2
L21   'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2L21   'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2
L21 'bowling for columbine' key scenes l2 of 2
ย 
Question1b genre
Question1b genreQuestion1b genre
Question1b genre
ย 
Detailed evaluation guidance
Detailed evaluation guidanceDetailed evaluation guidance
Detailed evaluation guidance
ย 
Section a c structure
Section a   c structureSection a   c structure
Section a c structure
ย 
L1 introduction
L1   introductionL1   introduction
L1 introduction
ย 
OCR media A level - genre, section 1 exam
OCR media A level - genre, section 1 examOCR media A level - genre, section 1 exam
OCR media A level - genre, section 1 exam
ย 
Fm2Intro
Fm2IntroFm2Intro
Fm2Intro
ย 
Introduction to Film Studies
Introduction to Film StudiesIntroduction to Film Studies
Introduction to Film Studies
ย 
Film Studies Overview
Film Studies OverviewFilm Studies Overview
Film Studies Overview
ย 

Viewers also liked

Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution
Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution
Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution
sascon
ย 
Location, location, location - Jenny Simpson
Location, location, location - Jenny SimpsonLocation, location, location - Jenny Simpson
Location, location, location - Jenny Simpson
sascon
ย 
2011 State of Search Market Report
2011 State of Search Market Report2011 State of Search Market Report
2011 State of Search Market Report
sascon
ย 
Layar Keynote SAScon
Layar Keynote SASconLayar Keynote SAScon
Layar Keynote SAScon
sascon
ย 
SAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil Hardy
SAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil HardySAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil Hardy
SAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil Hardy
sascon
ย 
Wordpress SEO - Yoast
Wordpress SEO - YoastWordpress SEO - Yoast
Wordpress SEO - Yoast
sascon
ย 

Viewers also liked (6)

Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution
Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution
Credit where credit is due โ€“ Conversion Attribution
ย 
Location, location, location - Jenny Simpson
Location, location, location - Jenny SimpsonLocation, location, location - Jenny Simpson
Location, location, location - Jenny Simpson
ย 
2011 State of Search Market Report
2011 State of Search Market Report2011 State of Search Market Report
2011 State of Search Market Report
ย 
Layar Keynote SAScon
Layar Keynote SASconLayar Keynote SAScon
Layar Keynote SAScon
ย 
SAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil Hardy
SAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil HardySAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil Hardy
SAScon Market Focus โ€“ Travel - Neil Hardy
ย 
Wordpress SEO - Yoast
Wordpress SEO - YoastWordpress SEO - Yoast
Wordpress SEO - Yoast
ย 

Similar to Courseworkproposalform

MS3 coursework proposal form
MS3 coursework proposal formMS3 coursework proposal form
MS3 coursework proposal form
Blackpool Sixth Form
ย 
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind ofHow to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
Jack Wentworth-Weedon
ย 
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind ofHow to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
Jack Wentworth-Weedon
ย 
How to answer a media exam question... Kind of
How to answer a media exam question... Kind ofHow to answer a media exam question... Kind of
How to answer a media exam question... Kind of
Jack Wentworth-Weedon
ย 
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptxPersonal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
SecurityPuppetProduc
ย 
Documentary assignment 2
Documentary assignment 2Documentary assignment 2
Documentary assignment 2
ASFC-Steph
ย 
Ms3 booklet
Ms3 bookletMs3 booklet
Ms3 booklet
sssfcmedia
ย 
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptxPersonal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
xIDawnIx
ย 
MediaFilmExchange.co.uk Powerpoint
MediaFilmExchange.co.uk PowerpointMediaFilmExchange.co.uk Powerpoint
MediaFilmExchange.co.uk Powerpoint
mediafilmexchange.co.uk
ย 
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptxPersonal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
BLACKSTARSHINIGAMI
ย 
Creating trailers
Creating trailersCreating trailers
Creating trailers
Cat Davies
ย 
A2 Media Studies Coursework Booklet
A2 Media Studies Coursework BookletA2 Media Studies Coursework Booklet
A2 Media Studies Coursework Booklet
Thomas Griffiths
ย 

Similar to Courseworkproposalform (20)

MS3 coursework proposal form
MS3 coursework proposal formMS3 coursework proposal form
MS3 coursework proposal form
ย 
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind ofHow to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
ย 
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind ofHow to answer a media exam question... kind of
How to answer a media exam question... kind of
ย 
How to answer a media exam question... Kind of
How to answer a media exam question... Kind ofHow to answer a media exam question... Kind of
How to answer a media exam question... Kind of
ย 
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptxPersonal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
ย 
AS Media Booklet
AS Media BookletAS Media Booklet
AS Media Booklet
ย 
Documentary assignment 2
Documentary assignment 2Documentary assignment 2
Documentary assignment 2
ย 
Engl 102 28 exploratory research project
Engl 102 28 exploratory research projectEngl 102 28 exploratory research project
Engl 102 28 exploratory research project
ย 
Ms3 booklet
Ms3 bookletMs3 booklet
Ms3 booklet
ย 
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptxPersonal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
ย 
Small scale research project
Small scale research projectSmall scale research project
Small scale research project
ย 
Planning for your documentary
Planning for your documentaryPlanning for your documentary
Planning for your documentary
ย 
MediaFilmExchange.co.uk Powerpoint
MediaFilmExchange.co.uk PowerpointMediaFilmExchange.co.uk Powerpoint
MediaFilmExchange.co.uk Powerpoint
ย 
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptxPersonal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
Personal Study Essay Research Document Pro Forma.pptx
ย 
FMP Lecture
FMP LectureFMP Lecture
FMP Lecture
ย 
January 2011 exam analysis
January 2011 exam analysisJanuary 2011 exam analysis
January 2011 exam analysis
ย 
Creating trailers
Creating trailersCreating trailers
Creating trailers
ย 
A2 Media Studies Coursework Booklet
A2 Media Studies Coursework BookletA2 Media Studies Coursework Booklet
A2 Media Studies Coursework Booklet
ย 
Personal production project (3)
Personal production project (3)Personal production project (3)
Personal production project (3)
ย 
Personal production project (3)
Personal production project (3)Personal production project (3)
Personal production project (3)
ย 

More from Blackpool Sixth Form (20)

A field in england case study
A field in england case studyA field in england case study
A field in england case study
ย 
Video games lessons
Video games lessonsVideo games lessons
Video games lessons
ย 
Lilwayne1314
Lilwayne1314Lilwayne1314
Lilwayne1314
ย 
Researchsheet
ResearchsheetResearchsheet
Researchsheet
ย 
Writing your report
Writing your reportWriting your report
Writing your report
ย 
Introduction to Music Industry
Introduction to Music IndustryIntroduction to Music Industry
Introduction to Music Industry
ย 
Sat1314
Sat1314Sat1314
Sat1314
ย 
Using in
Using inUsing in
Using in
ย 
How to use fonts in photoshop
How to use fonts in photoshopHow to use fonts in photoshop
How to use fonts in photoshop
ย 
Ms2 guide
Ms2 guideMs2 guide
Ms2 guide
ย 
Frontpageanalysis
FrontpageanalysisFrontpageanalysis
Frontpageanalysis
ย 
Ms2 lesson 2
Ms2 lesson 2Ms2 lesson 2
Ms2 lesson 2
ย 
Writing mat for analysing media texts
Writing mat for analysing media textsWriting mat for analysing media texts
Writing mat for analysing media texts
ย 
Ms2 lesson 1
Ms2 lesson 1Ms2 lesson 1
Ms2 lesson 1
ย 
Equalpayarticle1
Equalpayarticle1Equalpayarticle1
Equalpayarticle1
ย 
Equalpayarticle2
Equalpayarticle2Equalpayarticle2
Equalpayarticle2
ย 
Equalpayarticle2
Equalpayarticle2Equalpayarticle2
Equalpayarticle2
ย 
FM3 improvements
FM3 improvementsFM3 improvements
FM3 improvements
ย 
Contentscosmo
ContentscosmoContentscosmo
Contentscosmo
ย 
Equalpaycosmo 4
Equalpaycosmo 4Equalpaycosmo 4
Equalpaycosmo 4
ย 

Recently uploaded

The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
heathfieldcps1
ย 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
kauryashika82
ย 

Recently uploaded (20)

How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
ย 
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdfHoldier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
ย 
Spatium Project Simulation student brief
Spatium Project Simulation student briefSpatium Project Simulation student brief
Spatium Project Simulation student brief
ย 
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfKey note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
ย 
Magic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptx
Magic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptxMagic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptx
Magic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptx
ย 
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
ย 
Understanding Accommodations and Modifications
Understanding  Accommodations and ModificationsUnderstanding  Accommodations and Modifications
Understanding Accommodations and Modifications
ย 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
ย 
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docxPython Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
ย 
ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701
ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701
ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701
ย 
psychiatric nursing HISTORY COLLECTION .docx
psychiatric  nursing HISTORY  COLLECTION  .docxpsychiatric  nursing HISTORY  COLLECTION  .docx
psychiatric nursing HISTORY COLLECTION .docx
ย 
Dyslexia AI Workshop for Slideshare.pptx
Dyslexia AI Workshop for Slideshare.pptxDyslexia AI Workshop for Slideshare.pptx
Dyslexia AI Workshop for Slideshare.pptx
ย 
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptxUnit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
ย 
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdfMicro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
ย 
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptxSKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
ย 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
ย 
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ย 
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptxUnit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
ย 
Unit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptx
Unit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptxUnit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptx
Unit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptx
ย 
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptxBasic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
ย 

Courseworkproposalform

  • 1. INTRODUCTION TO MS3 COURSEWORK MODULE 1. The Research Investigation (45 marks) For this written part of the coursework, you are required to undertake an individual investigation into a specific area of study focused on one of the following concepts: ๏ถ Genre ๏ถ Narrative ๏ถ Representation Your research should draw on a range of both primary and secondary sources (i.e. actual case study texts which you will analyse, and research material drawn from books, the web, etc) enabling you to reach a conclusion that will then inform your production. Once you have come up with a particular topic area that you wish to focus on, you will need to work in conjunction with your tutor to negotiate a focused question/title. For this investigation, you need to consider two key areas: o Choose a topic that you are interested in! This will make the whole process much more enjoyable o Choose a topic that you can then do some follow-up production work on Potential topic areas: Whatever topic area / question you decide on, you must come up with 2-3 focus texts which will be your main case studies and will be the basis of your own analysis. You must base your investigation around one of the following areas: REPRESENTATION:
  • 2. 1. Representation of women 2. Representation of men 3. Representation of youth You can choose your own texts/genres to base your investigation on. Successful investigations in the past have included areas such as: โ€ข A comparison of the representations of women in pop and rock music (e.g. comparing representations of 2 contrasting artists, looking at how they are represented in music videos, press articles/images, album art work, websites, etc) โ€ข Representations of men or women in menโ€™s lifestyle magazines โ€ข Representations of young people in TV drama (e.g. comparing US and UK teen dramas) โ€ข How have the representations of women in horror films changed over time? โ€ข How might we account for the rise in representations of female action heroes? GENRE: 1. How a genre has changed/developed over time 2. How a particular text conforms to or challenges a given genre You can choose to base your investigation on either the horror or action film genres, the reality TV or soap opera TV genre, lifestyle magazines, or beauty or charity advertising. NARRATIVE: 1. Compare and contrast the narrative techniques of 2 texts (e.g. a one-off drama and a soap opera; or a tabloid and broadsheet newspaper; ) 2. Explore the narrative structure and techniques of a particular genre (e.g. soap operas, crime dramas or crime films) Once the investigation is complete, you must then go on to your production piece, and finally an evaluation.
  • 3. The Production piece is worth 45 marks, and is informed by your research investigation. It must demonstrate high level creative and technical skills, and must be undertaken individually. Digital and print-based media productions should be 3 โ€“ 4 pages in length, with the majority of the images being generated by you. (N.B. You CANNOT produce any magazine material as this is what you did for AS coursework) Examples of successful production pieces include: โ€ข Marketing materials (e.g. posters, flyers, viral marketing materials) โ€ข CD covers, DVD covers, music artist photo shoots, tour posters, etc โ€ข Press packs โ€ข Websites and other digital materials Remember: The production must be directly connected to your investigation and its research. So, for example, if your investigation was into how representations of women in horror films have changed over time, your production piece might be, say, a series of teaser and theatrical posters for a new horror film with a female protagonist, which either conforms to, or subverts, the traditional representation of female victims. (i.e. there must be reference to what you have found in your research in the production piece itself) Finally, the evaluation (worth 10 marks, and 500-750 words in length) explores how the research undertaken into a particular media concept (genre, narrative or representation) informed the production, i.e. what did you learn in your research that you have either used in your own production, or perhaps deliberately challenged, and why? A2 Induction work Your tutor will be setting you specific tasks and deadlines which you must hit before the start of the A2 course in September, but broadly speaking, you must have the following completed in this summer induction period: โ€ข A firm, specific title for your investigation, which has been agreed with your tutor (N.B. the title must contain one of the following words: genre, narrative or representation) โ€ข Selection of 2-3 case study texts, which you must watch, analyse and make detailed notes on in relation to your chosen research area โ€ข A decision on what your production pieces will be (agreed with tutor), and completion of some practical skills building work as appropriate โ€ข The beginnings of your bibliography, using books, websites, journals, magazines, etc (see notes on referencing on next page ). You must start making notes on particular theories and other useful research, which you can use to โ€˜beef upโ€™ your investigation to take you into the higher grade bands REFERENCING First and foremost, ensure you keep a note of the necessary details of
  • 4. every book, website, article, video/DVD, etc you use as part of your research! IF YOU TAKE SOME INFO FROM A BOOK, BE IT DIRECTLY QUOTED, OR A PARAPHRASED IDEA, IN YOUR NOTES YOU MUST JOT DOWN THE BOOKโ€™S NAME, AUTHOR, PUBLISHER, DATE OF PUBLICATION, AND THE PAGES YOU ARE REFERENCING. IF YOU USE SOMETHING FROM A WEBSITE, YOU MUST MAKE A NOTE OF THE FULL WEBSITE ADDRESS, THE AUTHOR (IF KNOWN), AND THE DATE THE PAGE WAS ACCESSED. IF YOU USE ANY FILMS OR TV PROGRAMMES, MAKE A NOTE OF THE NAME OF THE TEXT, ITS PRODUCER AND DATE OF RELEASE. DO THIS AS YOU GO ALONG โ€“ YOU WILL THEN SIMPLY BE ABLE TO PUT ALL OF THIS TOGETHER TO CREATE YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY. You will lose marks if you do not have a complete and thorough bibliography. Coursework Proposal Form Topic area Proposed question
  • 5. Proposed case study texts Proposed production pieces Initial vital research to be undertaken (e.g. potential theories, background reading, case study analysis, etc)
  • 6. Proposed case study texts Proposed production pieces Initial vital research to be undertaken (e.g. potential theories, background reading, case study analysis, etc)