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Course Profile   Media Studies, Grade 11, Open, Catholic

 

Course Overview

 

Course Profiles are professional development materials designed to help teachers implement the new Grade 11 secondary school curriculum. These materials were created by writing partnerships of school boards and subject associations. The development of these resources was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This document reflects the views of the developers and not necessarily those of the Ministry. Permission is given to reproduce these materials for any purpose except profit. Teachers are also encouraged to amend, revise, edit, cut, paste, and otherwise adapt this material for educational purposes.

 

Any references in this document to particular commercial resources, learning materials, equipment, or technology reflect only the opinions of the writers of this sample Course Profile, and do not reflect any official endorsement by the Ministry of Education or by the Partnership of School Boards that supported the production of the document.

 

© Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2001

 

Acknowledgments

Catholic District School Board Writing Teams – Media Studies

 

Lead Board

Toronto Catholic District School Board

Project Manager:

Myra Junyk, Language Arts Department TCDSB

 

Course Profile Writing Team

Don Walker, Bishop Allen Academy (Lead Writer)

Carmela Arangio, Bishop Allen Academy (Writer)

Myra Junyk, Language Arts Department TCDSB (Writer)

 

Reviewers

Liz Flynn, Archbishop Romero Catholic Secondary School

Christine Genorio, Marian Academy

Noel Martin, Retired Superintendent TCDSB

Mark Webster, Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

 


Course Overview

Media Studies, Grade 11, Open, EMS3O

 

Secondary Policy Document:  The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, English

Course Description

This course emphasizes the knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand media communication in the twenty-first century and to use media effectively and responsibly. Through analysing the forms and messages of a variety of media works and audience responses to them, and through creating their own media works, students will develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and ethical judgement, and skills in viewing, representing, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

How This Course Supports the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

The primary goal of Catholic education is to assist young people in becoming discerning believers who demonstrate fidelity to the vision of Jesus and a commitment to furthering His kingdom. The Roman Catholic tradition values a sacramental vision of life. All of reality can be signs of God’s abiding presence. It is in this analysis that both the obstacles to the Gospel message, as well as signs of its promise are to be found. Christians, committed to this vision of Jesus, hold that all value systems are ultimately to be seen in terms of the Gospel. Media education allows young people to recognize and to celebrate values that are in concert with those of Jesus’ kingdom, and to challenge those that are not. From this perspective, media education challenges young people to be engaged in critical analysis of culture and mass media. It is in this analysis that both the obstacles to the Gospel message, as well as signs of its promise, are found.

Course Planning Notes

·         The Grade 11 Open Media Course has as its prerequisite English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied.

·         Open courses are designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of universities, colleges, or the workplace in mind.

·         The Grade 11 Open Media Course could be successfully linked with Media Arts, Media Technology, or Cooperative Education.

·         The choice of resources should reflect students’ diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds. The selection of texts should be sensitive to the community in which the curriculum is delivered.

·         Teachers need to ensure that the classroom provides an environment that promotes respect, acceptance, integration, and a vision of the Catholic faith community.

·         It should be noted that advertising is integrated throughout several units since it impinges on all aspects of media.

·         Increasing reliance on computers, information technologies, television, film, and other media demand that students develop “media literacy” skills. Media literacy is the ability to access, select, critically evaluate, and create media messages to solve problems and to make decisions based on these evaluations.

·         The learning expectations of this course fall under the three strands of Media Text, Media Audience, and Media Production. While each category provides an excellent starting point for exploring personal, cultural, and spiritual values, it is important to appreciate that the issues and questions that emerge from this model overlap and are interrelated. In this profile, those categories are expressed through the key concepts of media literacy. The first unit of this profile is an exploration of these key concepts, which are the basis for all other units in the profile.

·         It is imperative that teachers instruct students in the appropriate use of technology, emphasizing the critical, ethical, and safety issues associated with the use of the Internet and audio-visual equipment.

·         As many of the units involve the use of existing images and sounds, consideration needs to be given to copyright laws. Many existing resources have specific limitations on viewing or reproduction. Resources should be consulted for copyright clearance.

·         Teachers need to be open to new and evolving ideas in media and popular culture.

·         All materials must be previewed by teachers before sharing with students. Some are for teacher reference only and may contain material that is inappropriate for students.

·         Teachers need to be sensitive to the reality that many students will have vested interests in particular areas of mass media and popular culture.

·         In an effort to provide opportunities to promote student learning across the curriculum, teachers should work with (and invite into the class when appropriate) the art teacher, technology teacher, drama teacher, English teacher, librarian, chaplain, Social Science teacher, Science teacher, media and computer technician, and guidance personnel.

·         Opportunities should be provided to members of the local community, especially those with media expertise, to contribute to student learning.

·         Students are required to create media products. Teachers may need to amend or alter the activities suggested in this profile given the local availability of technology and expertise. The media products created by students should be sensitive to the variety of different cultures, races, and experiences in the classroom, and should reflect the Catholic Christian vision of the school.

·         This course is intended to be one step in the ongoing process to develop the skills, values, and beliefs that are necessary to fulfill the Catholic Graduate Expectations. Teachers must guide students and provide opportunities for them to discuss, analyse and evaluate issues as they relate to their own lives and to the influence of faith in their lives.

·         Teachers must be sensitive to students with special needs and to students who are enrolled in the English as a Second Language program. When necessary, modifications and accommodations must be made to the course activities to ensure student learning.

 

Units:  Titles and Time

Unit 1

Communication Theory and the Key Concepts of Media Literacy
– The Spiral Curriculum

15 hours

* Unit 2

Television – What’s Inside the Box?

20 hours

Unit 3

Popular Culture – Look Into the Mirror

20 hours

Unit 4

The Wired World

15 hours

Unit 5

Stop the Presses! – The World of Print

15 hours

Unit 6

Film: The Human Story in the Cinema

10 hours

Unit 7

Culminating Activity

15 hours

* This unit is fully developed in this Course Profile.

Unit Overviews

Unit 1:  Communication Theory and the Key Concepts of Media Literacy

 – The Spiral Curriculum

Time:  15 hours

Unit Description

The examination of basic media theory and of the key concepts of media literacy in this unit lays the foundation for the course. The key concepts form a spiralling curriculum that is revisited and developed within each of the units in this course. Literacy today must include more than just the printed word. Exploring the key concepts promotes a literacy that applies to all areas of mass media. The movement of the Catholic Church since Vatican II has been one that invites its members to be able to read “the signs of the times.” Developing an understanding of the key concepts as seen through the lens of faith allows students to explore in a critical fashion their relationship to mass media. Students will demonstrate their understanding through personal reflection, daily participation, creative writing, viewing of appropriate media pieces, reading, and group work.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

MTV.01

MT1.02, 03, 06

CGE 1d, 1h, 2b, 2e

Knowledge

Communications and Symbols

- communications/mass media definitions

- semiotics: signs, symbols and systems

2

MTV.01, MTV.02

MT1.02, 03, 04

MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05

CGE 2a, 2c

Knowledge

Inquiry

Key Concept 1: Media as a construction of reality

3

MTV.01, MTV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03, 04

MT2.01, 02, 04

CGE 2a, 2c, 2e

Knowledge

Inquiry

Key Concept 2: Media use forms and conventions to construct their messages

- film conventions – camera angles, set design, music

- format of commercials/ad copy

- conventions of print

4

MTV.01

MPV.01

MT1.05, 06

MP1.01, 02, 03

CGE 2a, 2b, 3b, 3c

Application

Communication

Key Concept 3: The form of the medium determines the message

-different media – same event – different story

5

MAV.01, MAV.02

MA1.01, 03

MA2.01

CGE 2b, 2c, 3c

Knowledge

Inquiry

Key concept 4: Media involve finance

- consumption and production cycle of our economy since the Industrial Revolution

- advertising sponsorship

- concentration of media ownership

6

MTV.02

MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05

CGE1a, 1h, 2b, 2c 3d

Thinking

Inquiry

Key Concept 5: All media contain value messages and ideological perspectives

- stereotypes/myths/values

- definitions of success, happiness and beauty

7

MTV.01, MTV.02

MAV.01, MAV.02

MT1.04, MT2.03

MA1.01, 02, 03

MA2.02, 03

CGE1a, 3c, 3d

Inquiry

Communication

Application

Key Concept 6: Audience negotiates meaning

- exploring personal experiences and backgrounds which shape our understanding/appreciation of the media

- aesthetics of media

 

Unit 2:  Television – What’s Inside the Box?

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Television plays an integral role in our society. Not only does it provide us with enjoyment, but it also informs ideology, values, and identity. As a business, the television industry generates billions of dollars by selling target audiences to manufacturers of numerous products. Television’s visual appeal make its representations of people, events, society, and the global village convincing and credible and as a result, shapes the way we see the world and ourselves. By examining the role of television in today’s world, students will approach television with a critical as opposed to a passive mind. By encouraging a critical thinking/cultural studies approach to television, students will develop analytical skills that will help them to make informed decisions not only in the media classroom, but also beyond. Ethical issues raised in this television unit regarding values, identity, consumerism, racism, and violence encourage students to be witnesses to Catholic social teaching by promoting morality, equality, respect, and effort toward a peaceful and compassionate society.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

MAV.01, MAV.02

MA1.02, MA2.01, 03

CGE 2b, 2e

Knowledge/ Understanding

Application

Introduction to Television – Definitions

- networks and affiliates

- producers and networks

- ratings

- regulation

2

MAV.01, MAV.02

MA1.02, MA2.04

CGE 2b, 2e

Thinking/ Inquiry

Communication

Programming Strategies

- ratings

- advertising

- demographics

- advertising appeals and claims

- scheduling strategies

3

MTV.01, MTV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03, 04

MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05

CGE 4g, 5d, 5e, 5f

Thinking/ Inquiry

Communication

Television Genres

- soap operas

- sitcoms

- talk shows

- interactive television

- infomercials

- game shows

- drama- music videos

4

MTV.01, MTV.02

MAV.01, MAV.02

MPV.01 MT1.02, 03, 04, MT2.01, 02 03, 04, 05, MA1.01, 02 MA2.01, 02, 03, 04; MP1.01, 04; CGE 2e, 4a, 7e

Thinking/ Inquiry

Application

Communication

Stereotypes

- gender

- age

- ethnic

5

MTV.01, MTV.02, MAV.01, MAV.02; MT1.02, 03, 04, MT2.03, 04 05, MA1.01, 02, MA2.02, 04

CGE 4c, 7a

Thinking/ Inquiry

Communication

Violence

- regulation

- cartoons

- children’s programming

- news

- sports

 

Unit 3:  Popular Culture – Look Into the Mirror

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Popular culture is a composition of artefacts, institutions, customs, hobbies, and fads of mainstream culture. Currently accepted values, social concerns, and standards of beauty, success, and justice are both reflected in and influenced by popular culture. By studying trends, toys, institutions, pastimes, celebrities, and heroes of dominant North American culture, students will be challenged to critically examine the beliefs and values of their society. In addition, students will evaluate the extent to which popular culture influences and shapes, not only societal behaviours, values and beliefs, but their own as well. The study of popular culture provides the platform from which students can begin an introspective analysis of the extent to which their own values are perpetuated by popular culture and how aligned their values are with Catholic teachings. In essence, popular culture provides a mirror that reveals much about who we are.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

MAV.02

MA2.01

CGE 4g

Knowledge/

Understanding

Pop Culture

- definition

- terms/vocabulary

- relevance

- trends and fads

- Canadian versus American

- evolution of music from radio to video

2

MTV.01, MAV.01

MT1.04,

MA1.01, 02

CGE 1d, 2e

Knowledge

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Toys

- image makers

3

MAV.01, MAV.02

MA1.01, 02, 03

MA2.02

CGE 2e

Knowledge/

Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Psychographics

- demographics

- predicting trends

- media analysts

4

MTV.01, MTV.02 MAV.01

MT1.02, 04, MT2.01 MA1.02

CGE 2e, 4g

Knowledge

Thinking/Inquiry

Money as Motivator of Decision-Making

- shopping malls

- fast food restaurants

- sports

- name brand craze

5

MTV.01, MTV.02 MAV.01,

MT1.02 04, MT2.01, 02, 04,

MA1.01

CGE 1d, 1e, 1j, 2a, 2b, 2e, 3d, 4g

Thinking/Inquiry

Celebrities and Heroes

- celebrity images

- scandal

- picturing the hero: music videos, song lyrics, interviews

 

Unit 4:  The Wired World

Time:  15 hours

Unit Description

Students will have the opportunity to examine the social, moral, and ethical implications of computer technology. Computer literacy involves not only the ability to use the computer and the Internet, but also the ability to understand and evaluate the effects of this new technology on our society. Students will examine the role of this new technology in their lives and discover how the Catholic Church has responded to it in various Church documents. The great fallacy of “The Wired World” is that the Internet provides information – not knowledge. The Internet provides only information. Knowledge is gained by organizing, evaluating, and drawing conclusions about information. Students will be encouraged to explore the various aspects of the web design, advertising, privacy issues, and web page content. The teacher will assist students by providing activities that facilitate this exploration through web page design, writing reviews of web pages, group work, and researching topics such as web-based advertising and privacy on the web.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

MTV.01, MPV.02, MAV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03, 05

MP2.01, 02, 03, 04

MA2.01, 02

CGE 2b, 2c, 2d, 7g

Knowledge/ Understanding

The History of the Internet

- counting machines and early digital calculating machines

- computer use in World War II

- personal computers

- Apple

- Bill Gates and Microsoft

- life before the Internet

- World Wide Web

2

MTV.01, MAV.02

MT1.05, 06

MA2.02, 03, 04

CGE 2a, 3b, 3d, 3f, 6c, 7j

Knowledge/ Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Privacy on the Internet

- information gathering tools

- marketing information

- privacy issues for individuals

- legislation about privacy

- credit card fraud- software to protect privacy

- future concerns

3

MTV.01, MTV.02, MAV.01, MAV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06

MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05 MA1.01, 02, 03, MA2.01, 02, 03, 04

CGE 1h, 2e, 3a, 4e, 5h

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Internet Information – Quality and Quantity

- data evaluation

- methods of evaluating Internet information

- role of ’zines- reviews of several websites

- game sites- educational sites- hate sites

- Catholic Church on the web

- addiction to computer use

4

MTV.02, MAV.02 MPV.01

MT2.01, 02, 03, MT2.03, 04, 05, MA2.02, 03, MA3.04, MP1.02, 03, 04 CGE 1d, 1g, 5a, 7a, 7e, 7j

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Social and Moral Issues in an Online World

- Gospel values treated in the Online World

- effects of computers on society- effects of computers on the workplace

- effects of digital photography

- equity issue in computer access

- effects of computers on children

- effects of technology on the Third World

- isolation in the Wired World

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unit 5:  Stop the Presses! – The World of Print

Time:  15 hours

Unit Description

Newspapers and magazines provide interesting and timely curriculum content for the modern-day classroom. They show us how popular culture is evolving in our time. They describe and analyse what is happening in the world using the printed word and pictures. There is a great deal of information each and every day in these print documents. This information is very powerful, but it comes with a price. Newspapers and magazines are not value-free. There is a great need to develop a critical awareness of how the printed word may manipulate our values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. The main aim of this unit is to help students to develop the ability to deconstruct print media so that they can evaluate these media in terms of their own personal, social, and religious values in light of the Gospel. The teacher will assist students by providing activities that facilitate this exploration through newspaper and magazine design, magazine and newspaper advertising, group work, and researching topics such as kinds of news stories, the role of the religious press and the decision-making process of getting a story into print.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

MTV.01, MPV.02, MAV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03,05

MP2.01, 02, 03, 04, MA2.01, 02

CGE 2b, 2c, 2d, 7g

Knowledge/ Understanding

The History of Newspapers and Magazines

- first newspapers and growth of the industry in North America

- first magazines and growth of the industry in North America

- role of the press in politics, religion, and cultural development

- categories of magazines

2

MTV.01, MTV.02, MAV.02

MT1.05, 06

MA2.02, 03, 04

CGE 2a, 3b, 3d, 3f, 6c, 7j

Knowledge/ Understanding

Thinking/ Inquiry

Bias and Propaganda in News Reporting

- definition of news

- sources of the news

- bias and its role in news reporting

- propaganda in news reporting

- criteria for determining the meaning and value of a piece of news reporting

- the school newspaper – a critical look

3

MTV.01, MTV.02, MAV.01, MAV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06

MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05

MA1.01, 02, 03 MA2.01, 02, 03, 04

CGE 1h, 2e, 3a, 4e, 5h

Thinking/ Inquiry

Communication

Application

The Print Advertisement

- role of advertisements in the print media

- creation of advertisements

- graphic aspects of advertisements

- influence of the audience on advertisements and the influence of advertisements on the audience

- body image and advertisements

- cultural values expressed in advertisements

- print advertisements and their effect on children

- mixed messages – Good is Bad/Bad is Good

4

MTV.02, MAV.02, MPV.01 MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05 MA2.02, 03, MA3.04 MP1.02, 03, 04 CGE 1d, 1g, 5a, 7a, 7e, 7j

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Social and Moral Issues in the Print World

- role of women in the print media

- minority representation in the print world

- cultural diversity in the world of print

- images of the Third World in the print world

- view of the Catholic Church on the print media

 

Unit 6:  Film: The Human Story in the Cinema

Time:  15 hours

Unit Description

Students will have the opportunity to examine film critically within the context of their own lives by exploring values and related issues in light of the gospel. Students will be encouraged to explore different aspects of film construction, promotion, and criticism. The teacher will assist the students by providing activities that facilitate this exploration through group work, creative extensions, story boarding, writing reviews, and researching the promotion of films.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

MTV.01, MAV.01, MAV.02

MT1.02, 04, MA1.01

MA2.01, 03

CGE2a, 2e

Knowledge

Film: Introduction/History

- survey of personal film tastes and preferences

- development of film from silent era to present

- Canadian film industry

2

MTV.01, MPV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03, 04

MP2.03, 04

CGE2a, 2e

Knowledge

Application

Techniques of Film Storytelling

- film treatments- storyboarding

- camera angles, shots, movements

- editing techniques

3

MTV.02, MAV.01, MAV.02

MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05

MA1.01, 02, 03

MA2.01, 04

CGE 2a, 3c

Inquiry

Communication

Following a Film’s Promotion

- hyping a film

- media junkets

- cross-fertilization: looking at multimedia advertising and promotion of film

4

MTV.01, MTV.02

MT1.01, 02, 03, 04

MT2.01, 02, 03, 04, 05

CGE 2b, 2c, 2d

Application

Communication

Film Reviewing

- elements of a film review

- target audience

- film genres

5

MPV.01, MPV.02

MP1.01, 02, 03, 04

MP2.03, 04

CGE2a, 3b, 4a, 4f

Application

Communication

Film Treatment/Storyboard

- plan and develop a film treatment and storyboard for an original film concept

- video yearbooks

 

Unit 7:  Culminating Activity

Time:  15 hours

Unit Description

The culminating activity will be ongoing and will reflect several different aspects of the course. The focus will be on advertising as it is integrated throughout the entire course. Advertising is the backbone of our consumer culture. It forms and informs both personal and communal values. Catholic Christians are challenged by our tradition to reflect critically upon these values.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Expectations

Assessment

Focus

1

MPV.01, MPV.02

MP1.01, 02, 03, 04, 05

MP2, 03, 04

CGE 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g

Knowledge/Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Design and implement a multi-media campaign for a product

 

 

Instructional Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Main Resources

·         Reading – individual, whole group and small group

·         Brainstorming – discussion, concept mapping

·         Researching – print and electronic sources

·         Editing – peer and self

·         Conferences – student/teacher, student/student

·         Written Responses

·         Lecture/Teacher-led discussion

·         Personal Reflection

·         Group Work

·         Interviewing

·         Viewing/Listening/ Critiquing

·         Creative Extensions

·         Discussion with media professionals

·         Technical Workshops (video camera, editing suite, computer/ Internet)

Reflection/Conferencing

·         Self-assessment

·         Peer Assessment/conferencing

·         Written responses and logs

·         Student/Teacher conferences

Performance Assessment

·         Oral Presentations

·         Essays, news articles, editorials, reviews, reports

·         Dramatization and Role-play

·         Advertisements (print, audio, visual, web-based)

·         Storyboards

·         Public Service Announcements

·         Video/Audio Productions

·         Collage/Posters

·         Scripts

·         Surveys

·         Media logs and notebooks

Paper-and-pencil Tests

Final Examination

Observation: Formal and Informal

Assessment Tools will include:

·         Rubrics

·         Checklists

·         Tests

·         Marking Schemes

·         Anecdotal comments with suggestions for improvement

Print

·         Church documents

·         Media text books

·         Newspapers and magazines

·         Bible

·         Dictionaries, thesauri

Software/Video

·         Desktop Publishing Program

·         Presentation software

·         Internet

·         CD-ROM

·         Video

Hardware

·         TV/VCR

·         Computers

·         CD Player

·         Video Camera/Cassettes

·         Video Editing Suite

·         Audio Player/Tapes

·         Overhead Projector

·         LCD Projector

Human

·         Librarian

·         Chaplain

·         Audio/Visual Technician

·         Guest Speakers

·         Team Teachers

Websites

·         See Resources

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Open courses are designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of universities, colleges, or the workplace in mind, however the knowledge acquired in these courses would benefit students who are hoping to further their education. Open courses comprise a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students. In order to ensure that assessment and evaluation are valid, reliable and equitable, and that they lead to the improvement of student learning, the teacher should use assessment and evaluation strategies that:

·         address both what students learn and how well they learn,

·         are based on both the categories and descriptors of the Achievement Chart,

·         are varied in nature, administered over a period of time, and designed to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the full range of their learning and accommodate the needs of exceptional students, consistent with the strategies outlined in the Individual Education Plans, and take into consideration the goals outlined in the students’ Annual Education Plan.

Ongoing Assessment and Evaluation (70%)

 

Knowledge and Understanding

·         Tests*

·         Quizzes

·         Presentations

 

Application

·         Formal Writing

·         Oral Presentations

·         Projects

·         Media Presentations

·         Student Produced Videos

·         Tests*

·         Creative Writing

Thinking/Inquiry

·         Presentations

·         Group Work

·         Projects

·         Tests*

 

Communication

·         Formal Writing

·         Response Writing

·         Tests*

·         Oral Presentations

·         Projects

·         Group Discussion

*Tests may involve a wide range of questions and tasks and can be one valid form of assessment in each category.

Final Evaluation (30 %)

Final Examination

Culminating Activity

Accommodations

Teachers using course profiles are required to accommodate the unique learning styles of individual students by using the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP). The following is a list of general accommodations for students:

·         pairing with another student (mentor, tutor)

·         providing scribe/NCR paper

·         providing supplementary texts to accommodate different reading levels

·         providing alternative activities that suit strengths and learning styles

·         providing audio/Braille of print resources

·         providing students with extra time and an alternative location(s) for successful completion of tasks

·         audio taping or oral assessment of pencil-and-paper tests and assignments

·         breaking down assignments into smaller more manageable tasks

·         providing students with appropriate frameworks to organize information and assignments

·         providing summary sheets of skills and concepts learned

·         locating students in the most suitable region of the room. This location will vary depending on visual or hearing acuity

·         offering extensions within each unit

·         allowing the use of lap top computers within the classroom

·         simplifying assignments to include critical material only

Resources

Arthur, Chris, ed. Religion and the Media: An Introductory Reader. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1993. ISBN 0708312217

AML Anthology 1990 and Anthology Supplement 1992. Toronto: AML, 1990.

Geist, Christopher D. and Jack Nachbar. The Popular Culture Reader, 3rd ed. Bowling Green University Press, 1983.

Herman, Edward S. and Noam Chomsky. Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media. New York: Pantheon Books, 1988. ISBN 0679720340

Junyk, Myra. Media Meaning: A Program Guide for Educators in Catholic Schools. Toronto: OECTA, 1997.

Masterman, Len. Teaching the Media. London: Comedia, 1985.

McDonnell, Kathleen. Kid Culture: Children and Adults and Popular Culture. Toronto: Second Story, 1994. ISBN 0929005643

Media Literacy Intermediate and Senior Divisions Resource Guide. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 1989. ISBN 0-77295090-3

Miedzian, Myriam. Boys Will Be Boys: Breaking the Link between Masculinity and Violence. New York: Doubleday, 1991. ISBN 0385422547

Miller, Marc Crispin, ed. Seeing Through the Movies. New York: Pantheon, 1990.
ISBN 0679723676

Moog, Carol. Are They Selling Her Lips? Advertising and Identity. New York: William Morrow, 1990.

Pevere, Geoff and Greg Dymond. Mondo Canuck: A Canadian Pop Culture Odyssey. Scarborough: Prentice-Hall Canada Inc., 1996. ISBN 0132630885

Popcorn, Faith. The Popcorn Report. New York: Harper Collins, 1992. ISBN 0887305946

Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. New York: Penguin Books, 1985. ISBN 0140094385

Schudson, Michael. Advertising the Uneasy Persuasion. New York: Basic Books Inc., 1993.
ISBN 0465000800

Sternberg, Barbara, et al. Through a Filmmaker’s Eyes: A Guide to Teaching Film in Media Literacy. Toronto: The Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre, 1992.

Warren, Michael. Seeing Through the Media: A Religious View of Communications and Cultural Analysis. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 1997. ISBN 1563382113

Wolfe, Naomi. The Beauty Myth. Toronto: Vintage, 1990. ISBN 0385423977

Worsnop, Chris M. Screening Images: Ideas for Media Education. Mississauga: Wright Communications, 1994.

Church Documents

Abbot, Walter M., ed. The Documents of Vatican II. Chicago: Follet Publishing Co., 1966.

Australian Bishops Conference. Children and Television. Sydney: Australian Bishops, 1979.

Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops. 100 Years of Catholic Social Teaching. Ontario, 1991.

Pontifical Council for the Means of Social Communication. Pastoral Instruction on the Means of Social Communication (Communio et Progressio). Rome, 1971.

Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Aetatis Novae (On Social Communication). Rome, 1992.

Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Pornography and Violence in the Communication Media. Rome, 1989.

Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education. Lay Catholics in Schools: Witness to Faith. Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1982.

U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference. Confronting a Culture of Violence: A Catholic Framework for Action. Washington, D.C., 1994.

Student Text Books

Anderson, Neil. Media Works. Toronto, 1989. ISBN 019-5407030-X

Carpenter, Donna. Media Images and Issues. Don Mills: Addison-Wesley, 1989. ISBN 0-201-19207-1

Duncan, Barry, et al. Mass Media and Popular Culture: Version Two. Toronto: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1996. ISBN 0774701706

Hone, Rick and Liz Flynn. Video in Focus: A Guide to Viewing and Producing Video. Toronto: Globe Modern, 1992.

Websites

Note: The URLs for the websites have been verified by the writer prior to publication. Given the frequency with which these designations change, teachers should always verify the websites prior to assigning them for student use.

 

Academy of Motion Pictures – www.oscars.org

Ad Critic – www.adcritic.com

Association for Media Literacy – www.interact.uoregon.edu/MediaLit/FA/

Cable in the Classroom – www.cableintheclassroom.ca

Canadian Journal of Communication – www.cjc-online.ca

Centre for Media Literacy – www.medialit.org/

Jesuit Communication Project – www.interact.uoregon.edu./MediaLit/JCP/

Media Awareness Network – www.media-awareness.ca

Media Foundation – www.adbusters.org

Media Literacy Online Project – www.interact.uoregon.edu/MediaLit/FA/home/gatec.html

National Film Board of Canada – www.nfb.ca

Queen’s University Film Studies – www.film.queensu.ca/Links.html

OSS Considerations

This course is designed to prepare students for further study in Media Studies, and to enrich their education generally. Open courses comprise a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students. These expectations are outlined in Ontario Secondary Schools, Grades 9 to 12, Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999, and The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, English 2000. The English curriculum provides many opportunities for students to develop necessary written, oral communication, and collaborative skills directly related to career exploration activities and the student exit plan outlined in Choices into Action: Guidance and Career Education Program Policy For Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, 1999. This course reflects the role of technology, the integration of career expectations, and assessment, evaluation and reporting strategies prescribed in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12, Program Planning and Assessment, 2000.


Coded Expectations, Media Studies, Grade 11, Open, EMS3O

Media Texts

Overall Expectations

MTV.01 · analyse, interpret, and assess the techniques, forms, style, and language of media works to describe and explain how different media communicate meaning;

MTV.02 · analyse media representations to describe their content, identify bias, and explain their impact on audiences.

Specific Expectations

Analysing Media Forms, Techniques, Style, and Language

MT1.01 – identify the characteristics of a variety of media, including television, newspapers, and the Internet, and explain how these characteristics influence meaning (e.g., in an oral presentation examine how a newspaper, a radio station, a television network, and a news website cover the same event, and explain how the differences affect interpretations of the event);

MT1.02 – identify and explain how media conventions and techniques influence the creation and interpretation of media works (e.g., describe how audience expectations about a western or a horror film are shaped by the use of a familiar formula; compare the production costs for a thirty-second TV commercial and a thirty-minute TV show and assess the implications of the findings; report on the controversy about the use of computer retouching in fashion photography and photo-journalism);

MT1.03 – analyse how the language used in media works influences the interpretation of messages, with a focus on tone, level of language, and point of view (e.g., analyse the language used in a sports broadcast and explain its purpose and effect; describe the narrative language used in an animated media work and state what themes and beliefs are being communicated);

MT1.04 – explain how aesthetic qualities in media works contribute to audience enjoyment and understanding (e.g., assess the effectiveness of colour in advertisements for particular purposes and audiences; identify and explain the emotional response evoked by background music in a range of films);

MT1.05 – explain how a media form changes when presented in a new communication context and assess the effect of the changes (e.g., describe the changes that occur when newspapers are presented on the Internet);

MT1.06 – explain the ways in which media influence and shape various environments and activities (e.g., describe how the televising of hockey or baseball games influences the appearance of the arena or stadium and the pace of the game).

Analysing Media Representations

MT2.01 – analyse how individuals or groups are presented in media works and assess the accuracy and influence of these representations (e.g., create a collage of familiar stereotypes in the media and explain the overall impact of these images; compare media representations of work, vacation experiences, or family life with their own experiences);

MT2.02 – examine how people or groups are represented in a variety of media works and explain the beliefs and biases revealed and the messages conveyed (e.g., discuss how the message of a popular television program would change if the main characters were from a different socio-economic or ethnic group; explain the effects of the inclusion, exclusion, or positioning of people or groups in magazine advertisements);

MT2.03 – analyse media representations of social, political, and cultural issues and explain how the representations influence people’s interpretation of the issues and their level of concern (e.g., analyse media coverage of the international response to a war or uprising; assess the effectiveness of public-service announcements in the media);

MT2.04 – analyse and explain the representations of behaviours and attitudes in media works (e.g., analyse the news coverage given to the achievements of a local hero; describe and explain the attitudes depicted during a conflict and its resolution in a feature film or television drama);

MT2.05 – compare and analyse the representations of people and issues in a variety of media and identify factors that may account for any differences (e.g., compare the coverage of social issues and current events in mainstream media with that in alternative periodicals, video documentaries, or on some specialty cable-TV channels; prepare an oral presentation about how the ownership and funding of a variety of media may influence their presentation of events).

Media Audiences

Overall Expectations

MAV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which media businesses, sponsors, and advertisers target and attract audiences, and of how audiences use and respond to media works;

MAV.02 · analyse and draw conclusions about the influences of media and communication technology on society, culture, and the economy.

Specific Expectations

Analysing Audience Characteristics and Responses

MA1.01 – compare their own and others’ responses to a variety of media works and explain how the characteristics of audiences influence how the audiences interpret and enjoy particular works (e.g., observe over time, record, and explain their own and others’ media use and preferences);

MA1.02 – explain how and why media businesses, sponsors, and advertisers identify and target audiences based on social and economic factors (e.g., discuss examples of products or TV programs that are targeted to different demographic groups; explain why certain commercials are aired during teen prime-time dramas; investigate and explain the rationale behind product placement in current feature films and television programs);

MA1.03 – explain how and why people use media and communication technologies (e.g., analyse information about people’s media use from interviews, surveys, or studies of consumer demographics; report on how media are used to promote education or community participation).

Analysing the Impact of Media on Society

MA2.01 – analyse the social, economic, and cultural contributions made by Canadian media industries (e.g., chart the growth of the film industry in Canada; research the Canadian animation industry and report on its economic and cultural impact);

MA2.02 – analyse the impact of media and communication technologies on interpersonal communications, commerce, education, family life, and work (e.g., research information for a report on the impact on people’s lives of e-mail or cell phones);

MA2.03

 – assess the impact of media and communication technology on the relationships among countries, cultures, and economies around the world (e.g., research the role of media and communication technologies in spreading the influence of North American popular culture around the world);

MA2.04 – assess the impact on society of the fact that most media are funded by revenue from advertising, admission fees, and public contributions (e.g., debate the advantages and disadvantages of the commercial and public sponsorship of arts and athletic events).

Media Production

Overall Expectations

MPV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship of form, content, and audience by creating media works for different audiences and purposes;

MPV.02 · describe production roles and responsibilities in a variety of media industries and identify key conditions that affect the production, financing, and distribution of media works.

Specific Expectations

Creating Media Works

MP1.01 – select and use the conventions of a particular genre and appropriate techniques to produce media works (e.g., create suspense in a video by using low camera angles, eerie music, and dim lighting; design a website that includes animated clip art and coloured text; adapt a published short story for radio, selecting and using narrative techniques appropriate to the medium);

MP1.02 – select and use the appropriate level of language, tone, and point of view in creating media works for specific audiences and purposes (e.g., videotape or audiotape a mock colour commentary of a school sports event; create posters aimed at different groups to advertise a community event);

MP1.03 – adapt messages for different media and for different audiences and explain how the characteristics of media forms and audiences influenced production decisions and shaped the content (e.g., adapt a short story for a comic book or a website; write or produce a news story about the same event for radio and for the school newspaper; explain the choices made in creating a water-safety poster for adults and another for children);

MP1.04 – use appropriate production techniques to create a media work about an important social or cultural issue for a particular audience (e.g., create a website or print advertisement about drug abuse aimed at a teen audience; create a collage that presents alternative perspectives on a social issue);

MP1.05 – design a multimedia campaign to promote an institution or product (e.g., plan a campaign that includes print advertising, TV or radio commercials, a website, and clothing or other product tie-ins).

Examining Production Contexts, Roles, and Responsibilities

MP2.01 – explain how copyright law and guidelines for protecting intellectual property rights affect Canadian media industries and audiences (e.g., report on the ethical and economic implications of copyright and digital sampling in the music industry; list the guidelines that exist for citing material from newspapers or magazines posted on the Internet; research the guidelines for using an artist’s music in a film, video, or television program);

MP2.02 – explain how industry codes, government regulations, and commercial considerations affect the way in which media businesses operate (e.g., investigate prime-time TV programming and suggest reasons for positioning top-rated programs in the schedule; compare the effects on media businesses of the regulations governing media ownership in Canada and in the United States; analyse various advertisements in relation to the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards);

MP2.03 – describe the various stages and responsibilities in the production of a media work (e.g., for a film or videotape, describe the concept or proposal stage, the development of the storyboard, and the responsibilities involved in the filming or videotaping process; use the website of a film studio, or other sources, to research ways in which a director interacts with writers, actors, and sound, camera, and lighting crews during the production process);

MP2.04 – explore career opportunities in the media and media-related businesses (e.g., write a report on the career opportunities for an editor, producer, cinematographer, carpenter, film lab technician, entertainment lawyer, actor, accountant, caterer, website designer, reporter, or photographer; visit a local media business such as a television studio or advertisement agency, or invite a speaker into the classroom, to learn about media production, careers, issues, or events).


Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

 

The graduate is expected to be:

 

A Discerning Believer Formed in the Catholic Faith Community  who

 

CGE1a    -illustrates a basic understanding of the saving story of our Christian faith;

CGE1b    -participates in the sacramental life of the church and demonstrates an understanding of the centrality of the Eucharist to our Catholic story;

CGE1c    -actively reflects on God’s Word as communicated through the Hebrew and Christian scriptures;

CGE1d    -develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good;

CGE1e    -speaks the language of life... “recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it.” (Witnesses to Faith)

CGE1f     -seeks intimacy with God and celebrates communion with God, others and creation through prayer and worship;

CGE1g    -understands that one’s purpose or call in life comes from God and strives to discern and live out this call throughout life’s journey;

CGE1h    -respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will;

CGE1i     -integrates faith with life;

CGE1j     -recognizes that “sin, human weakness, conflict and forgiveness are part of the human journey” and that the cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness is at the heart of redemption. (Witnesses to Faith)

 

An Effective Communicator   who

CGE2a    -listens actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values;

CGE2b    -reads, understands and uses written materials effectively;

CGE2c    -presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE2d    -writes and speaks fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages;

CGE2e    -uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media, technology and information systems to enhance the quality of life.

 

A Reflective and Creative Thinker   who

CGE3a    -recognizes there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges;

CGE3b    -creates, adapts, evaluates new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE3c    -thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE3d    -makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE3e    -adopts a holistic approach to life by integrating learning from various subject areas and experience;

CGE3f     -examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society.

 

A Self-Directed, Responsible, Life Long Learner   who

CGE4a    -demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE4b    -demonstrates flexibility and adaptability;

CGE4c    -takes initiative and demonstrates Christian leadership;

CGE4d    -responds to, manages and constructively influences change in a discerning manner;

CGE4e    -sets appropriate goals and priorities in school, work and personal life;

CGE4f     -applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, time and resource management skills;

CGE4g    -examines and reflects on one’s personal values, abilities and aspirations influencing life’s choices and opportunities;

CGE4h    -participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

 

A Collaborative Contributor   who

CGE5a    -works effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE5b    -thinks critically about the meaning and purpose of work;

CGE5c    -develops one’s God-given potential and makes a meaningful contribution to society;

CGE5d    -finds meaning, dignity, fulfillment and vocation in work which contributes to the common good;

CGE5e    -respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others;

CGE5f     -exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals;

CGE5g    -achieves excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work and supports these qualities in the work of others;

CGE5h    -applies skills for employability, self-employment and entrepreneurship relative to Christian vocation.

 

A Caring Family Member   who

CGE6a    -relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner;

CGE6b    -recognizes human intimacy and sexuality as God given gifts, to be used as the creator intended;

CGE6c    -values and honours the important role of the family in society;

CGE6d    -values and nurtures opportunities for family prayer;

CGE6e    -ministers to the family, school, parish, and wider community through service.

 

A Responsible Citizen   who

CGE7a    -acts morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions;

CGE7b    -accepts accountability for one’s own actions;

CGE7c    -seeks and grants forgiveness;

CGE7d    -promotes the sacredness of life;

CGE7e    -witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society;

CGE7f     -respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures;

CGE7g    -respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today’s contemporary society;

CGE7h    -exercises the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship;

CGE7i     -respects the environment and uses resources wisely;

CGE7j     -contributes to the common good.

 

 

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