Media Studies, Chapter 5 (Period 4 class)
Because this chapter is so long, I will divide it into sections. Everyone
should read the whole chapter quickly, paying attention to the various
headings and trying to find the main points, but without looking for details
or looking up vocabulary. Then you should carefully read and answer questions
for the sections assigned to your group.
Groups A, B, C and D (in other words, everyone) should read and answer
questions on pp.64 to 68 + the chart explaining the BBFC certification
symbols.
Groups A and B should read and answer questions on pp. 69 to 73, and pp.
82 to the end of the chapter.
Groups C and D should read and answer questions on pp. 74 to 82.
GROUP A | GROUP B | GROUP C | GROUP D |
Hayato | Maho | Megumi | Hiroki |
Akira | Shun'ichi | Mami | Hyewon |
Eigo | Mamoru | Yuka | Seiya |
Mayako | Taishu | Yasushi | Risako |
Miho | Seiya | Hikaru |
Here are the questions. Answer them in English. You do not have to write
whole sentences, but use your own words. Do NOT just copy from the text.
1. Before you read this chapter, think about the questions at the
end of the first paragraph. In your opinion, 'who is in control': the media
companies and/or their products, or the audience (us)?
2. Explain the meaning of the following:
a) terrestrial channels (p.66)
b) local councils (p.66)
c) brainwashing (p.69)
d) the hypodermic model (p.71)
4. On p.69, there is a table showing the British Board of Film
Classification certification.
a) Do you think that such systems are necessary? What could be
done instead? Be ready to explain your answer.
b) What is the situation in Japan? Are you satisfied with the
Japanese system, or do you have improvements to suggest? Be ready to explain
your answer.
6. What types of programmes involving audience participation are
popular in Japan?
b) What is your view? Be ready to explain your answer.
8. Explain the meaning of the following:
a) what they get out of them (p.77)
b) tailor programmes to the needs of the audience (p.82)
c) audience consumption patterns (p.85)
9. What are the main features of the 'uses and gratifications' approach
(pp.76-77). C and D
After C and D have explained this approach to A and B in class, everyone
should discuss whether they find it more, or less, convincing than the
hypodermic model. Give the main reasons for your points of view.
10. a)Peter Wall gives an explanation of the concept of social class and
a table describing six categories.
Do you think that Japanese audiences could be divided in this way? Why,
or why not?
b) What psychographic category do you belong to? Do you think that
this way of dividing audiences could be used in Japan? Why, or why not?
c) What way(s) of dividing audiences are most appropriate for the
Japanese situation? Be ready to give your reasons.
11. Explain what a family drama about a divorce might focus on if the audience
was positioned with
a) the husband (who is having an affair with his wife's best friend)
b) the wife (who finds out about the affair when she finds a tie belonging
to her husband at her best friend's apartment)
12. a) Summarize the ways in which technological developments have changed
the way in which people use television sets.
b)In your opinion, have television, and the various other ways in which
television sets can be used, led to 'a breakdown in communication' within
families, or would it be truer to say that it 'provides material for family
members to talk about' (p.83)? Why?
After the class discussions about the chapter we will return to the questions
at the end of the first paragraph of this chapter. Has your opinion changed
at all? Why, or why not?