Media Studies - ACRONYMS

W.E.W.E.T | C.H.E.P.S | R.A.I.L.I.N.G

Acronyms to learn in Media

1. W.E.W.E.T

2. C.H.E.P.S

3. R.A.I.L.I.N.G

1. W.E.W.E.T

• What

• Example

• Why

• Effects

• Theories

What

• What is your point?

Example

• Give specific media examples

• Refer to CHEPS when making examples.

  • C-Cultural examples.

  • H-Historical Examples

  • E-Economical Examples

  • P-Political Examples

  • S-Social Examples

Why

• Ask yourself. Why are they important whilst also referring to the question. Why does this example prove your point?

Effect

• What effect does this have? On the readers, audience?

Theories

• Which theories supports your point?

2. C.H.E.P.S Context

Cultural

Historical

Economic

Politics

Social

Cultural Context

What it is: Cultural refers to the values, beliefs, practices, and traditions shared by a particular group or society. It’s how the media reflects or influences the culture it comes from or targets.

Questions to ask:

• What cultural values or traditions are reflected in this media?

• How does this media reinforce or challenge cultural norms?

• What cultural references are used in the media?

Sentence starters:

• "This media represents [cultural element] by..."

• "The portrayal of [group/idea] in this media reflects [cultural value]..."

Historical Context

What it is: Historical refers to how the media relates to or reflects past events, periods, or historical contexts. It could involve portraying certain events, periods, or historical figures.

Questions to ask:

• When was this media created, and how does it reflect its historical context?

• Are there references to historical events or people?

• How does the media portray historical accuracy or reinterpret history?

Sentence starters:

• "This media is set during [historical period], which affects the narrative because..."

• "The portrayal of [historical event] in this media shows how..."

Economical Context

What it is: Historical refers to how the media relates to or reflects past events, periods, or historical contexts. It could involve portraying certain events, periods, or historical figures.

Questions to ask:

• When was this media created, and how does it reflect its historical context?

• Are there references to historical events or people?

• How does the media portray historical accuracy or reinterpret history?

Sentence starters:

• "This media is set during [historical period], which affects the narrative because..."

• "The portrayal of [historical event] in this media shows how..."

Political Context

What it is: Politics refers to how the media addresses political themes, power structures, or ideologies. This can include direct political messages or broader discussions on authority, governance, or societal rules. Questions to ask:

• Does the media reflect or comment on political issues or ideologies?

• How does this media align with or critique political power or policies?

• Are there any subtle political messages being communicated?

Sentence starters:

• "This media touches on political issues such as..."

• "The portrayal of [political event/idea] challenges [political stance] because..."

Social Context

What it is: Social refers to the way the media represents society’s structures, relationships, and social issues, like class, gender, race, and social norms. Questions to ask:

• How does this media reflect social issues like race, gender, or class?

• What social roles or relationships are represented in this media?

• How does the media shape our understanding of social behavior or norms?

Sentence starters:

• "This media highlights social issues like [gender/race/class] by..."

• "The relationship between [character A] and [character B] shows how social norms are..."

3. R.A.I.L.I.N.G

Representation

Audience

Industry

Langauage

Ideology/Intertextuality

Narrative

Genre

Representation

What it is: Representation refers to how people, groups, ideas, or issues are portrayed in the media.
Questions to ask:

• Who or what is being represented?

• How are they portrayed (positively or negatively)?

• Are there stereotypes or biases?

Sentence starters:

• "This media represents [group/idea] by..."

• "The portrayal of [character/issue] suggests that..."

Audience

What it is: Audience refers to the group of people the media is intended for.
Questions to ask:

• Who is the intended audience?

• How might the audience react to the media?

• What is the media trying to convey to the audience?

Sentence starters:

• "The intended audience for this media is likely to be..."

• "This media targets [specific group] by..."

Industry

What it is: Industry refers to the economic and commercial forces behind the production and distribution of media.
Questions to ask:

• Who produced this media and why?

• What financial or commercial goals might the creators have?

• How does the industry influence the content?

Sentence starters:

• "This media was produced by [company] to appeal to..."

• "The industry behind this media may have created it to..."

Language

What it is: Language refers to the words, symbols, and images used to communicate messages in the media.
Questions to ask:

• What kind of language is used (formal, informal, technical, etc.)?

• What symbols, colors, or visual elements are important?

• How does the language shape the audience’s understanding?

Sentence starters:

• "The language used in this media suggests that..."

• "The choice of symbols and imagery conveys..."

Ideology/Intertextuality

What it is: Ideology refers to the set of beliefs or values expressed in the media, and intertextuality refers to how the media references or connects with other media or cultural texts.
Questions to ask:

• What beliefs or values are being promoted?

• Does the media reference other texts or media?

• What ideologies are being reinforced or challenged?

Sentence starters:

• "This media reinforces the ideology of..."

• "There is intertextuality with [other media] in this text, as it references..."

Narrative

What it is: Narrative is the story or plot, including characters, events, and the way the story is structured.
Questions to ask:

• What is the story about?

• Who are the main characters, and what are their goals?

• How is the narrative structured (linear, non-linear)?

Sentence starters:

• "The story follows [character] as they..."

• "The narrative structure is [linear/non-linear], and this affects..."

Genre

What it is: Genre refers to the category or type of media (e.g., drama, comedy, horror, etc.), with its own set of conventions and expectations.
Questions to ask:

• What genre does this media belong to?

• How does this media fit or challenge genre conventions?

• What expectations does the genre create for the audience?

Sentence starters:

• "This media belongs to the [genre] genre, which typically includes..."

• "The use of [genre elements] is typical for this type of media, such as..."