The representation question in the exam will look as follows:
With reference to your own detailed examples, explore the representation of [ ] in the media today.
How to answer this question in the exam:
With reference to your own detailed examples, explore the representation of [ ] in the media today.
How to answer this question in the exam:
- Use 2-3 specific examples of how media texts represent the given group and analyse them in detail
- Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of representation. Think about:
- The role of selection, construction and anchorage in creating the representations
- How the media uses representations
- The points of view, messages and values present in the representations
- Make sure you anchor your examples in terms of context (are they typical or non-typical; how do they relate to other examples?) and purpose (why are they constructed in this way?)
- Try to take your analysis of your examples beyond a simple consideration of positive and negative: think about issues and debates surrounding your examples
- Use contemporary examples (“in the media today”)
The PowerPoint below covers mediation, and several different approaches to representation. The approach most important for you to understand is the constructionist approach.
Some additional resources to support our class discussion of Nelson Mandela's representation after his death:
1. How does the Sun's changed headline demonstrate the process of mediation?
2. How do the representations of Mandela in The UK based Independent and US based New Yorker differ? Why? Apply the constructionist approach.
1. How does the Sun's changed headline demonstrate the process of mediation?
2. How do the representations of Mandela in The UK based Independent and US based New Yorker differ? Why? Apply the constructionist approach.