TV assessment learner response

 Create a new blog post called 'TV assessment learner response' and complete the following tasks on your coursework blog:

1) Type up your feedback in full (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential).

WWW: Excellent idea / linked to wider context

EBI: A more detailed answer with reference to postmodernism theory for a top grade

2) Read the whole mark scheme for this assessment carefully. Identify at least one potential point that you missed out on for each question in the assessment (even if you got full marks for the question).

Question 1 – Postmodern Media (poster analysis):

I could have referenced more specific intertextual references (e.g., Kill Bill, The Bourne Identity, Austin Powers) and explained how they function as postmodern bricolage or pastiche. This would have deepened my use of media theory.

Question 2 – Ideology in Capital:

I didn’t fully explore how negative portrayals of state institutions, such as immigration detention centres, are ideologically positioned. This would have strengthened my argument on representations and realism.

I could have better applied Gramsci’s theory of hegemony to explore how capitalist ideologies are unconsciously reinforced through narrative and character.

I also missed out on fully analysing how audience alignment shapes ideological positioning, particularly in Deutschland 83’s depiction of East vs. West.

3) The first question demanded a response using postmodern terminology. Write a definition here of the three main terms:

Bricolage: A construction or creation from a diverse range of available things; in postmodern media, it refers to the mixing of styles, references and genres.

Pastiche: An imitation or homage that celebrates rather than mocks; often used in postmodern media to create a blended or nostalgic effect.

Intertextuality: The reference to other texts within a media product, allowing audiences to bring meaning from one text into another.

4) Read this exemplar answer for the 25-mark question in the assessment. Select a quote from the essay for each of the following aspects from the mark scheme:

a) analysis of the products that focuses on contexts and ideological positioning  

“In Deutschland 83 (D83), the historical drama / spy thriller genre inevitably constructs an ideological position in their representation of contexts. Here, like Capital, it could be argued that western capitalist ideologies are being unconsciously reinforced through the construction of the narrative and key elements of mise-en-scene.”

b) use of media theory 

“Applying Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, this is unconsciously communicating to audiences the value in working hard, earning money and contributing to consumerism and capitalism - maintaining the status quo and reinforcing more rightwing ideology.”

c) a judgement or conclusion on the question

"In conclusion, it is impossible to ignore the ideological positions constructed by television dramas and Capital and D83 are no exception to this. However, it could be argued that different audiences can read these fictional genres in different ways depending on their own perspectives and therefore social, cultural and political contexts are not the only aspect to this process.”

d) examples from the TV CSPs

“Similarly, in the spy training montage split-screen editing and visual effects are used to present the difference between East and West with fruit appearing on the western side and an empty space on the East.”

“Although positive representations of asylum seekers and immigration – plus the negative portrayal of the upper-middle class white Yount family – suggest leftwing ideologies are being promoted, all the characters audiences are encouraged to sympathise with work hard and contribute to the economy.” 

 

e) use of media terminology 

“Although the Daily Mail heavily criticised Capital for featuring ‘more leftwing causes than a Jeremy Corbyn’s diary’ it could be argued that the focus on house prices and hard work actually reinforces dominant hegemonic ideologies most closely associated with right-wing capitalist values.”

5) Based on this assessment, write three things you need to revise before the upcoming end of Year 12 exams.

Postmodernism theory – including key concepts (bricolage, pastiche, intertextuality) and how to apply them to real media texts

Media terminology – ensuring I use subject-specific language fluently throughout all my answers

TV CSPs (Capital and Deutschland 83) – especially contexts, ideological positioning, and key media language techniques used