Media Literacy Textbook for High School Seniors

[Jeana Rock]

I will be teaching a year-long course on media literacy and am looking for textbook suggestions. Last time I taught this course I used an intro college text, but it is now outdated. I would like one geared more for high school students that covers deconstructing and constructing media messages. 

I may be better off to just create my own curriculum, but I would like to see what texts are available.

[Frank W. Baker]

Jenna, if you've not seen my newest book, Media Literacy In The K-12 Classroom (ISTE 2012), I hope that you might consider it. Some Barnes & Noble stores are also stocking it in their education section)  It does include ideas for deconstructing ads, commercials, films and magazine covers, for example.  I know that it is being used in some college ed courses. In addition, I have posted readings as part of every web page on the Media Literacy Clearinghouse. Under resources, you can also find a lengthy list of streaming video clips that I have identified as being useful for teaching media literacy concepts. Each category also contains links to magazines and related books. Let me also offer to be SKYPED into your class should your students wish to ask me questions. 

[Jeana Rock]

Frank, I didn't know about this book of yours! I saw the chapter on visual literacy and it is fabulous! Just exactly what I want to teach. I will be ordering one soon. Thanks again!

[Ryan Goble]

Not exactly and answer but here in an interesting resource:

The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) has released a position paper outlining a rationale and strategy for the creation of preK-12 media art standards. NCCAS, a partnership of organizations and states leading the revision of the 1994 National Standards for Arts Education, formerly released The Inclusion of Media Arts in Next Generation Arts Standards at a coalition meeting in Reston, Virginia, October 2-3. This document provides guidance for meeting the needs of students using new forms related to media arts as a contemporary form of expression.

See: http://nccas.wikispaces.com

[Stephanie Trautman]

Hi Jeana, I teach a media awareness/literacy course to 8th graders. We use the Made You Look text and it is accesible, but mainly focuses on advertising.  It opens up good class discussions, but I have found that creating my own curriculum that is project-based is a better way to teach the course. 

For example, I like the Dove videos like "Onslaught" and "Evolution" to teach media manipulation. I have students then manipulate a photo of their own choice and we connect this to news manipulation.

[Frank W. Baker]

For those who have not yet perused my website, I have created a page with links to streaming videos which could be used to support media literacy education.  (Be sure to see the RESOURCES section of the website for more ideas and resources.)

[Jeana Rock]

This is a great resource! Thanks, Frank!

[Chantal Fournier]

Hi Jenna,

This book is probably too advanced for high school students, but it could be a good reference for you. It's very recent and pretty straightforward: 

Hoechsmann, M. et Poyntz, S.R. (2012). Media Literacies : A Critical Introduction. Malden, MA : Wiley-Blackwell.

Good luck!

Shawnie