What to do with theory!

As we discussed in our lesson on Wednesday, application of theory is currently an area of weakness in your work.

You need to be able to do the following with theory:

1. Describe their ideas using key words / quotes.

You say, "this supports Henry Jenkins ideas about fandom."                                                   This isn't academic enough!

"Henry Jenkin's argues that fandom exemplifies a participatory culture where film fans are interested in "further interaction with a larger social and cultural community".

Is much better.....

2. Apply their ideas to contemporary media examples. For us that means, examples from the music industry, the film industry and the world of social networking which either support or challenge their theory

 

3. As a grade booster attempt to discuss their ideas critically. To do this it is useful to provide some examples which challenge some of the theories. You could be critical of the theories by addressing any of the points below.

Are the ideas convincing or unconvincing and why?

Do your case study examples reinforce their ideas or challange them?

What are the positives and negatives of what the theorist suggests?

Are the ideas relevant or have they become outdated?

What do the theories suggest may happen in the future in terms of how media forms or industries will develop?

How do their ideas help you address the question?