A2 Communication & Culture

AS/A2 COMMUNICATION & CULTURE

AQA (1-2 years)

AS Level

The AS course provides a thorough examination of personal communication, here the focus will be on developing ideas of self image and self esteem and how this leads us to develop self presentation. In exploring the effectiveness of our communication and our sense of self we also investigate the importance of non-verbal communication, exploring the impact that body language can have in conveying information about ourselves to others and how we can use this to our advantage. This links closely with group identity, how do we change ourselves to fit into various groups in society, how do we manipulate group situations and develop leadership skills and how is this significant in shaping our identity?

Identity is a key word throughout the course and links very closely with an examination of the nature of culture. What is it that defines us? Not just as an individual but as a member of a particular cultural group. We will examine the difference between high and popular culture, exploring the value of a variety of cultural texts, from Shakespeare to Big Brother, Michelangelo to Banksey and Graffiti art.

Finally the course examines the nature of the texts that we are surrounded by in everyday life and teaches students the tools to be able to deconstruct these texts, examining both their nature and their purpose and the different ways in which they can be read.

A2 Level

The A2 Course explores further the topic areas covered at AS, developing the theories to include debate and detailed analysis on three cultural sites with a key emphasis on social and cultural rituals. These sites include spaces and places, fictions and objects of desire. You will study dominant and alternative approaches to the understanding of communication and culture. This will be further developed through an investigation of debates concerning capitalism, globalisation and consumerism in relation to cultural products and practices.

Methods of Teaching

The subject employs a high variety of teaching strategies: small group projects and case studies, individual research and whole class teaching focussing on the development of your understanding as well as written and analytical skills. Regular lunchtime workshops are run to provide support and extension activities.

Methods and Patterns of Assessment


AS Level

There will be two units providing an introduction to the study of communication and culture. Both units deal with the personal level of communication and candidates own experience of cultural products and cultural practices. The interaction between the individual and the broader cultural environment is a key area of investigation.

Unit 1 will cover:

• The nature of culture
• Definitions of culture
• The meanings and practices of every day life
• High culture and popular culture
• The relationship between culture and value
• Verbal and non verbal communication
• Identity and self presentation
• Group communication
• Reading images and products

This will be assessed via an external examination of one hour 45 minutes and provide 50% of the total AS grade.

Unit 2 will cover:

• Three pieces of independent work, including a 500 word, 1000 word assignments the focus of which will be prompted each year by AQA with a choice of alternative topics and a web based-presentation' on me and my culture'
• The sites for study will revolve around - Communication, culture and the Individual and cultural contexts and practices

This is an internally assessed and externally moderated module and will provide 50% of the total AS grade.

A2 Level

Units 3 and 4 build on the work established in AS, providing an integrated and extensive programme of study. Texts and contexts are more challenging and there is a greater focus on the theoretical approaches to contemporary culture. Both units cover broader issues of cultural reproduction and transmission, with a plethora of critical opinions and perspectives; key concepts switch from identity to power.

Unit 3 will cover:

• A close study of a cultural site i.e. spaces and places, fictions, objects of desire
• A study of dominant and alternative approaches to the understanding of communication and culture
• An investigation of the rationales for capitalism, globalisation and consumerism in relation to cultural products and practices

This is an externally assessed unit through a two hour examination providing 50% A2/25% A level grade.

Unit 4 will cover:

• A major piece of independent work, the focus of which will be prompted each year by AQA with a choice of alternative topics
• The construction and maintenance of our personal and social identities
• Analysis of social and cultural rituals'

This is an internally assessed externally moderated unit providing 50% A2/25% A level grade.

Financial implications

There will be a range of trips from the Opera/ballet, pertinent contemporary shows that develop the course content as well as essential trips to Tate Britain/Tate Modern, and other relevant exhibitions. We keep the cost of these as low as possible and the college also has a student support fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.

Career Possibilities

Many of our students go on to study a related degree in either Communications, Media or Cultural Studies leading to a number of jobs in the public sector and media industry. Careers in public relations, human resources, teaching and business are all enriched by knowledge of communications as is any job that brings you into contact with people.