Lessons are just the start. Media studies comes alive with wider reading!
Wider reading refers to the work you do outside of lessons that furthers your knowledge and understanding of media. Wider reading is not necessarily related to anything on the media studies specification. However, having a broad knowledge and awareness of media debates will help you to get a better grade.
In fact, we'll be frank here: if you just turn up to lessons and do the work and doing everything expected of you, the maximum grade you will get is a B. In order to justify a band 5 (as in, an A/A* response), the examiner must see evidence of knowledge and understanding beyond what is being taught in lessons.
However, it can be tricky for students to know where to begin with wider reading. There is often a focus on 'getting students through exams', which we have all been guilty of as teachers. This guide will help to introduce you to self-directed study, and will open the potential of reading around the subject to all of you.
Reading around component one
This wonderful resource provides a multitude of links to articles, videos, excepts and so on to help you understand the contexts around adverts, music videos, newspapers, videogames, radio and the film industry. Thanks Naamah for this excellent compilation!
Media micro readings
This blog collects a range of very short readings that may be set for homework, class discussions, and your own perusal. It was created to address student concerns that jumping in to full length theory is just too intimidating. These short snippets allow you to engage with actual works of theory without getting in too deep, and if you want to explore further, there are citations for everything!
Recommended books
Books about media studies!
Wider reading suggestions
A few off the cuff recommendations for films, TV shows, documentaries etc you should check out to grow your media brain
Bonus Theory
More theorists to check out that are NOT on the specification. But you can and should refer to them in the exam anyway!