Close Reading of Media Texts - Media Literacy Clearinghouse

Media educator Frank W. Baker conducts workshops for educators (and students) around close reading of media texts. For more information about his workshops, go here. Contact him for specifics.

Frank’s latest book “Close Reading The Media” published by Routledge is a collaboration with MiddleWeb.

Return to the Media Literacy Clearinghouse for additional resources and ideas.

INTRODUCTION
It’s been my experience that most educators understand how to teach “close reading ” as it applies to print, but many have not had the same training nor experience when it comes to teaching “media texts.” That’s why I created this web resource. It is designed to provide guidance, suggestions and resources for helping you to teach students how to analyze the techniques used by media makers, so that their experience with media is a richer, more rewarding one. In many ways, when we do this, we are turning them away from being passive viewers, and turning them toward becoming more active (critical) viewers.

EXPLANATIONS/DEFINITIONS
“When close reading a media text, you deconstruct (take part) the text by analyzing the way different elements are used to create meaning. In order to close read a text, it is necessary to understand the particular media language used. Media language encompasses all the ways in which media text is constructed to communicate with an audience through verbal, visual, aural language ( e.g. lighting, layout, shots, typography, images, sound).” (Source)

RECENT COLUMNS BY FRANK W. BAKER

Close Reading and What It Means for Media Literacy (1 of 4) Close Reading: Visual Literacy Through Photography (2 of 4)
Close Reading Of Ads Promotes Critical Thinking (3 of 4) Close Reading: The Language of Film (4 of 4)
Close Reading Infographics Teaching Visual & Media Literacy With Popular Magazines
Close Reading of News, Ads & Websites

New Literacies & The Common Core – By William Kist Media Literacy & Close Reading (Literacy Solutions)
Close Reading With Media How to Conduct A Close Analysis of A Media Text (CML)
Close Reading/Media Studies (New Zealand) Codes & Conventions Defined

VISUAL LITERACY

Magazines:
Compare & Contrast Magazine Covers
How To Read A Magazine

Photography:
Engaging Students With Primary Sources

Basic Strategies in Reading Photographs

Close Reading A Photograph

Is Seeing Believing? (digital manipulation of images)

Close Reading + Visual Litera cy= Pathways to Understanding

Close Reading Photos (Lesson Plan)

10 Intriguing Photos to Teach Close Reading

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