What's this blog all about?

When you are stuck on theory, or can't remember what that Buckingham bloke said about Collective Identity, then this blog will help you out with that.

As the unit progresses, we will collect together a range of video clips of A2 students giving definitions and summaries of all the theories that you will encounter during this unit. Then when you are revising or writing that essay and you can't remember what the theory is all about, all you need to do is to watch a video to help you on your way.

Easy as that.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Previous Exam Questions

January 2011:
Analyse the ways in which the media represent groups of people

What is collective identity and how is it mediate?

June 2010:
With reference to any one group of people that you ahve studied, discuss how their identity has been 'mediated'.

"Media representations are complex, not simple and straigthforward". How far to you agree with this statement in relation to the collective group that you have studied?

January 2010:
Analyse the ways in which the media represent one group of people that you have studied.

"The media do not construct collective identity; they merely reflect it". Discuss

Friday, May 20, 2011

Essential tips for exam success

There are a few things that you must remember to do in your exam answer for Collective Identity:
  • you must refer to films and blogs - the question will ask you to refer to more than one media (films are one media and blogs are another); it's essential that you allow yourself enough time to reflect on some of the issues around blogging and representation, as well as discussing the films;
  • you must remember to refer to historical representations - this does not need to be in masses of detail, but you must refer to representations through Quadrophenia, Life is Sweet or The Young Ones, as a way of leading into your discussion around more contemporary representations;
  • you must look to possible future representations (or 'future gaze').  Again, this does not need to be in masses of detail but you must acknowledge it in some way.  The easiest way to look to the future is through your discussion of the blogs that you've created, and the growth of social media and its impact on representations that young people create of themselves.
  • lastly, and very importantly, you must refer to theory in your answer - at least 2 and ideally 3 'ideas' or theories that you've studied through the unit.
Without these 4 points it's unlikely your answer will reach top of level 3.  They are 4 easy points to remember and are not difficult to do.  Good luck!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Revision Session

Thursday 16th June @10.00am in room 333 - revision of Collective Identity.