MEDIA STUDIES

Head of Department: Mihail Ifrim

Introduction

Our culture is a visual one. We have moved from a culture that privileges print to one that privileges the image. This is a fact of the modern world. Media Studies explores these images by trying to help the students understand their meaning. These media images have enormous influence - shaping not only our knowledge, values and desires, but also our perceptions of society and culture.  

The Media Studies courses allow students to explore historical, political, industrial, cultural and aesthetic aspects of media through a variety of visual media genres, contexts and theories. The Media Studies courses also fosters an understanding of how media products, whether local, national or global, are constructed in response to a combination of technological, institutional, creative and cultural conditions.  

Media literacy is the process of analyzing, evaluating and creating messages in a wide variety of media modes, genres and forms. It uses an inquiry-based instructional model that encourages people to ask questions about what they watch, see, and read. Media literacy education provides tools to help people critically analyze messages to detect propaganda, censorship, and bias in news and public affairs programming affect the information presented. Media literacy aims to enable people to be skillful creators and producers of media messages, both to facilitate an understanding as to the strengths and limitations of each medium, as well as to create independent media.

The Media Studies students at Upper Hutt College learn the critical skills with which to read, analyze and create moving images.

Why choose Media Studies?

During this course you will:

• Develop expertise in creating and producing a multimedia product
• Improve Research Skills
• Improve higher-order thinking skills
• Participate in a project
• Learn to use hardware and software related to audio-video manipulation
• Conduct self-assessment and peer assessment
• Develop a digital portfolio
• Work with stimulating ideas

What Media Studies options are available at UHC?

Year 12 Media Studies

Year 13 Media Studies

Prerequisite: It is recommended that you have some Drama NCEA Level 1/2 background and/or ICT NCEA Level 1/2.

Assessment: Assignments and portfolios will be assessed for NCEA Level 2 &3 Achievement Standards