My thoughts about coming onto the media and visual cultures degree
Arriving in Cardiff in mid- September, after several years out of education, I was expecting a shock to the system. However the first week here was all about the partying and the ice-breakers to make new friends. Now at the start of November, just about settled into a routine and certainly not a party every night! This is now where we are really delving into our course.
Monday the 8th of November is our blog presentation, which we do in front of the whole class. It’s the second official assignment due so far. The previous being a review of semiotics for the construction of meaning module. Only now I feel that I’m starting to get to grips with the course. Within the first few weeks it was all about being reintroduced to education, but the further we progress through the term, the more comfortable I feel that I can understand the work and apply that knowledge to my assignments. I feel that the ‘being academic’ module is also very useful, especially for those who have not come straight from school. Even though a lot of issues and topics discussed in this module such as referencing would have been covered in A level, it is amazing how much is forgotten.
I feel that my favourite part of the course so far is being able to analyze film and use concepts such as Barthes ‘Myth’. I really enjoy looking at hidden meaning within text and look at more abstract interpretations that the reader may have. One of the most important parts of this course is self directed study. Whilst I find certain authors such a Stuart Hall quite interesting and gives detailed but simple examples of media concepts, my biggest dislike of the course is trying to understand certain academic authors whom I feel try and make concepts more complicated than they actually are. For example I found Dominic Strinati and his book, ‘An Introduction to Popular Theories of Popular Culture’ (2nd Edition) much harder to grasp. However over time and with practise IL find it easier to read. Yet I also understand the fact that not every author suites every reader.
On application for the degree course, it was evident that it was about studying the theoretical side of the media. Although in the long term I would like to become a film producer, I feel I have made the right decision, as it will allow me to gain knowledge and improve my writing skills, which I will be able to transfer to perhaps a practical post-graduate course on completion of the degree.
