Sociology of the media is a popular option on both the OCR and AQA A Level Sociology specifications. The content on this page is to help teachers in exploring with students both classical and contemporary views of the media, representations of groups and the impact that media has on it’s audiences.
Types of Media – New Media and Traditional Media
New Media vs Old Media Card Sort
Starter activity where students need to sort types of media into traditional vs new media, also includes specific examples that can be sorted in a handout format.
Sociological Theories of Media
Marxist and Neo-Marxist views of Media
Media Representations of Social Groups
Representations of Ethnic groups
PowerPoint summaries
Media Representations of Gender and Sexuality
Media representations by social class
Media Representations by Age
Wayne et al (2007) Media Representations of Young People – Research summary with comprehension questions
Age in the Frame – Card Sort Activity and Extension Activity: Students to sort stereotypical representations of age in media into categories of childhood, teen/young adulthood, middle age and old age. Follow up activity on downloadable pdf.
Sociological Perspectives of Media Representations
Analysing media reports
Below are a series of fictional media reports on social issues connected with youth cultures. Students should read through the articles and answer the questions that follow.
Audience Models of Media
True or False Media Headlines – downloadable PowerPoint game to use as a starter activity to test students knowledge of media headlines – just for fun. Video link in ppt below. Answers included in ppt.
Below are a series of scenarios for teachers to give to students in order to apply their knowledge of different models of how the media impacts on its audience. There is a gallery and a PDF to download, with a separate suggested answer sheet to download as well.
Missing Models of Media
The following activity gets students to complete the different elements of both passive and active models of media by recognising different features of the model. Answers are contained on the PowerPoint below the PDF download.
Uses and Gratifications Sample Survey
An activity that allows students to understand the Uses and Gratifications models of media is to get students to conduct their own survey on their peers about how the use and feel about the media. Below is a sample questionnaire that can be used that contains a range of questioning styles, consent form and instructions. This can be used as is, or as an example for how students could write their own.
Selection and Presentation of News (AQA Spec only)
Impacts of Media on Culture
Methodological Issues with Studying Media
Key Terms Glossary
Features and Impacts of New Media
The New Media is defined by many different features which sets it apart from traditional media sources. In this activity, students are required to apply their knowledge of developments in new media to the features outlined in the handout.
Evolution of New Media
Downloadable handout of the evolution of new media
