Level 1 Social Studies Contemporary Journalism
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mr L. Taylor, Mr B. Carter.
This Media Studies course is about society, the systems that shape it, and how those systems create issues in the world. We will examine how these issues are represented in and shaped by media, including music, film, news, and social media. There are no exams in this course - the final assessment will be to plan and create a documentary about an issue of your choice.
Course Overview
Term 1
Act I - Flaws in the Machine
From treetops to skyscrapers
Systems upon systems, constructs upon constructs - how did they develop? How do they impact society?
Conflict when cultures collide
Injustice
Exploitation
We have lost guardianship of the whenua
Term 2
Act II - Taking a Stand
Revolutions and cultural movements throughout history
Turangawaewae
When is it time to stand up for what you believe in?
Term 3
Act III - A Kaleidoscope of Lenses (media and ideas)
A history of media - from town crier to Gutenberg to TikTok and beyond
Lenses that shape our perspectives
What happens when two incompatible ideas collide?
Critical Literacy / Media literacy in the modern world
Bias
Ideas as an intellectual contagion
The Court of Public Opinion
Conspiracy theories / misinformation
Propaganda
Term 4
Act IV - (making documentary)
Recommended Prior Learning
A curiosity about society and the media. The symbiotic relationship.
Pathway
This is a pathway into the humanities.
Assessment Information
Assessment 1.1 and 1.4 count towards Literacy - they are Approved Standards for Co-requisitesCredit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of findings of a Social Studies inquiry
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a contemporary social issue
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.4 - Describe a social action undertaken to support or challenge a system
Pathway Tags
Secondary School Teacher, Archivist, Police Officer, Historian, Barrister, Counsellor, Urban/Regional Planner, Elected Government Representative, Emergency Management Officer, Psychologist, Trainer, Communications Professional, Community Development Worker, Solicitor, Corrections Officer, Judge, Economist, Records Adviser, Human Resources Adviser, Health Promoter, Librarian,