Media Analysis Reflection

Of everything that we studied this semester in Media Analysis, I think, above all else, what stood out to me most was how open-ended the class was. I am a very analytical and deeper-thinking person. This class spoke directly to these characteristics. In looking into the deeper meanings of TV shows, analyzing which way the news media sways viewers, and picking out the psychology of advertising, I found that my ability to look deeper into themes was enormously enhanced — this skill will be very valuable for me as a writer. I most enjoyed the plethora of TV shows that were introduced to us. There was such a wide range to analyze that was not only fun but extremely interesting to pick apart. I would love to see this class dive into clips of classic movies as well. My biggest takeaway from the class is a greatly-developed skill to analyze pieces of media for the deeper meanings and intentions. I think this is my greatest takeaway because, as the class is entirely centered around this, this skill is necessary for me to go into a career in creative writing. I will have to know how to write deeper, underlying themes. Knowing how to generate these themes and ideas stems from knowing how they appear and where they can be implemented in media.

My preconceived notion of Media Analysis before the class was that it would not be exactly what I was hoping for. I thought a Media Analysis class would teach me how to make short films, films, and things of that sort. Instead, when it was too late, I heard more details of the class and feared I would be sitting around reading newspapers and magazines every day. I was very wrong. I left class at the end of the semester with it now my favorite class I took senior year and a top three favorite I have ever taken. The class did a perfect job of not being boring with what we analyzed. We looked at so much more than just magazines and newspapers. I actually found that by the end of the semester, the class was much more valuable for my preferred career than what it could have been from what I conceived beforehand. I ended up absolutely loving the class.

Of the class curriculum itself, I most enjoyed watching the TV shows. We were presented with a wide variety of very basic, common shows, but our eyes were opened to see how every single piece of media has some sort of goal to push upon its viewers. It was very entertaining to watch shows from all types of genres, themes, and settings, but it was even more interesting to see how these aspects mixed together in each show to send a specific message. I loved uncovering what message that was. As for a specific aspect, I enjoyed how Media Analysis really forced me to think. Each and every little piece of media put in front of my eyes made me dig deeper than just consuming it. I loved that. I also loved how I was very able to voice my opinions and own takeaways from each piece. Mr. Block does a great job of encouraging both of these aspects.

I wish Media Analysis would have covered movies. Of course, there is no time to watch entire movies, but I think students analyzing media should be introduced to powerful movies, maybe even more than they are to TV shows. There could be a switch between a TV show and a long movie clip the next class, back and forth. I think watching movies like Boyz n the Hood or Menace II Society could fit perfectly. So many powerful classics speak to many demographics, and it would be great to dive into the power of these too. Of course, I am a huge movie fan, so I may be biased. Still, I think it is important to include because there are hundreds of movies that are very, very powerful in their messages. It is just a matter of what you wish to show to viewers. Movies reach more viewers than TV shows. Billions of people flock to see blockbusters. If these movies are reaching wider audiences, their messages will affect so many more people. I think Media Analysis should dive into these messages of such blockbuster films and how they may impact how we act after viewing them.

To juniors who are considering Media Analysis as an elective next year, do it. You literally get to watch TV shows for the first quarter. It’s very relaxing and laid-back after a long day of stressful classes. It is not your typical English class at all. You can sit in other classrooms and write essays and read books, or you can go to Mr. Block’s class and watch TV and videos. I think the choice is clear. After the first quarter of watching these, your mind will be so much more open to how the media is manipulating us that you truly will be hooked onto the news and ad units. The class as a whole is very relaxed and easy, but it powerfully gets the point across. Plus, if you have Mr. Block, he’ll easily be one of your favorite teachers you’ve ever had. His passion for the class will rub off on you immediately.