Assignment 1 Introduction to the Media

This assignment aims to introduce candidates to the analysis and interpretation of media texts through the analysis of media language and the application of media terminology and techniques. The consumption of media texts by different audiences should be considered. 

The responses to media texts, including explanation, should total approximately 500 - 700 words.

Candidates will be expected to engage primarily with the key concepts of media language and audience. They may also discuss representation and institutions.

Part 1

Analyse two viral advertisements. How effective are they in selling their products?

Part 2

Design your own advertisement for a product targeted at a specific audience. For a TV or viral advertisement you can submit ideas in the form of a script or as a ten frame storyboard, using drawings, writing or photographs to represent what is seen on screen. For a print advertisement you should design the advertisement itself.

Analytical responses might involve some of the following activities:

·         applying media terminology; considering the effect of media language

·         applying analytical techniques such as denotation and connotation

·         identifying how genre is established

·         discussing how narrative is suggested

·         making judgements about who the target audience might be

·         identifying a possible secondary audience or considering how the product might be consumed.

Responses may be submitted in a variety of formats such as annotations, charts, bullet points, continuous prose, or a combination of any of these.