Communications & Culture

Communications & Culture AS and A2
INTRODUCTION
This course is about the way individuals communicate with the world, the way they experience cultural products and cultural practices and the language used in written, spoken and visual media. Starting from your own experiences, you will think about issues such as the way popular songs help define your identity, the role of shopping as a cultural practice, and the way words are used in public spaces through advertising or graffiti art. You will need to learn about semiotics (how signs and symbols work) and be able to analyse language. In the second year you look outwards to critical theories such as capitalism, globalisation and consumerism.

AS COURSE CONTENT & ASSESSMENT
The AS course is made up of TWO units. Unit One (50%: examination) This unit will assess your understanding of the nature of Culture, its definitions and the differences between high and popular culture. You will show you can appreciate the way we communicate using verbal and non-verbal means, how groups communicate and how we read images and products. Unit Two (50%: coursework) You will write 2 essays(1500 words in total)about how individuals develop, addressing understanding of phenomena such as clothing, hairstyles, language, possessions and personal taste. You will show you understand how family, religion, education, the media and your peers all interact to form and shape us as individuals. You will also give a 6 8 minute presentation about how individuals "fit" into culture and the struggle between "who we want to be" and "who we are allowed to be".

A2 COURSE CONTENT & ASSESSMENT
The A2 course will build on the skills developed in the AS course. It is also made up of TWO units. Unit Three (50%: examination) You will show you understand the more theoretical analyses of culture, studying Social theories (such as Marxism), Feminism and Postmodernism Unit Four (50%: coursework) You will undertake a major piece of independent work, the focus of which will be set each year by AQA.

HOW WILL I STUDY?
Teaching will be through a variety of techniques including class discussion, lectures, small group work, film and video. You will be asked to work in various ways including taking notes, writing essays, giving presentations, reading widely and undertaking independent research. Homework will be set on a regular basis including reading texts, making notes, preparing for an oral presentation and producing written pieces. Tutorial support will be available to all students. Additional activities will be organised where appropriate, including relevant trips off-site, conferences, and working with visiting speakers.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
As part of an advanced level programme, a minimum of 4 G.C.S.E.s at grade C or above (or the equivalent). Grade C or above in English is essential.

LENGTH OF COURSE
AS level is one year, followed by a second year for those progressing to A2 level. You cannot begin the A2 course until you have satisfactorily completed the AS modules and units.

WHERE NEXT?
Advanced level study of this subject provides a great deal of fun and interest in its own right. Students aiming to read English Literature, English Language Journalism, Sociology or Media Studies at university will find a qualification in Communication and Culture useful. This course will prepare you for any field of employment or degree course where skill in spoken and written communication is prized.