GCSE Media - Representation
Introducing key terms

WJEC

Read the words and discuss what you think they might mean before revealing the definition.


Mediation – The process of altering a media text for an audience.

Stereotype - A popular belief about individuals or groups of people based on generalisations and prior assumptions.

Archetype - A universal type of character that has been repeatedly used in media texts. E.g Damsel in distress.

Countertype – A representation that highlights the positive features of a person or group.

Denotation – The first level of meaning for the audience. Usually what they can see visually.

Connotation – The deeper layer of analysis; relies on the knowledge and experiences of the audience.

Deconstruction – The way that the audience finds meaning within a media text.