Module Narrative


Module Title: Introduction to Media Culture and Trends
Module Code: MED400
Level: 4
Credit Points: 20 Credits
Compulsory or Optional: Required
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations or modules: None
Mode of attendance: Mixed

Rationale:
This introductory module will offer students a critical foundation in relevant core literature, concepts, methods and perspectives. This course examines the role of communication media in the context of changing global realities. It will investigate the nature of media (journalism, advertising, information and communication technologies and the internet). This will include media practices (e.g. infotainment, reality TV), human issues and concerns (e.g. human rights, poverty, global climate change, pandemics, financial crises etc.), that cut across nations. The history of the development of mass media will also be included.
Learning outcomes

Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
1. explain historical relevance, common narratives and compelling theory to illustrate media trends.
2. discuss the major trends and challenges in media and communication and identify appropriate theoretical frameworks by which to assess them.
3. evaluate changes in the communication order over time as competing global media influences emerge

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to demonstrate:
4. an ability to comment on a wide range of contemporary issues in the media
Syllabus
The module will cover key concepts from the following topics: globalisation; definitions and debates which entail theorising globalisation; transformations; politics, economics, and culture; perspectives in media and communication; propaganda and realism; the cold war and liberalism; the global communication order and critical theory; cultural imperialism and postcolonial studies and global media and hybrid cultures.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
This course will be taught through the art of facilitation aimed at drawing out insights from students in response to stimulating readings, lectures and videos.

Students are required to prepare for class discussion be reading. Sessions will consist of three parts: discussion of assigned readings; teaching and presentation by students on three major items of news on media issues across the United Kingdom.

Discussion groups act as a focus for further development of topics concerning contemporary challenges of globalisation of media trends and communication, enabling students to prepare for a summative essay that should be a publication-worthy article on some aspect of the media covered in this course.

Tutorial time enables Tutors to give formative feedback on draft essays, guidance to students on developing their presentations and constructive feedback on summative work. Independent study to supplement these activities is an essential element of the programme, including reading and producing the module assignments.

Assessment Scheme

• Essay plan (formative assessment)

• Group presentation and report of 1000 words (Summative assessment)
• Essay 2000 words (summative assessment)

Assessment Weighting

Essay 50%
Group Presentation and report 50%

Core
Kellner, D. (2003) Media Culture: Cultural Studies, Identity and Politics Between the Modern and the Postmodern. London: Routledge

Essential
Anderson, A. (2014) Media, Culture And The Network Society. London: Palgrave, Macmillan

Jenkins, H. (2006) Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York: New York University Press

Recommended
Arvidsson A. (2006) Brands: Meaning and Value in Media Culture. London: Routledge

Buckingham, D. (2007) Media Education: Literacy, Learning and Contemporary Culture. Maldon, MA: Polity Press

Carey, J. W. (2008) Communication as Culture, Revised Edition: Essays on Media and Society. London: Routledge

Cooke‏, P. (2006) Successful Christian Television. USA: Xulon Press

Couldry, N., Livingstone, S. and Markham, T. (2007) Media Consumption and Public Engagement: Beyond the Presumption of Attention. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Croteau‏, D. and Hoyne, W. (2014) Media/Society: Industries, Images, and Audiences (5th Edition). London: Sage

Jenkins, H., Ford, S. and Green, J. (2013) Spreadable Media: Creating Value and Meaning in a Networked Culture. New York: New York University Press
Lievrouw‏, L. A and Livingstone, S (Editors) Handbook of New Media: Social Shaping and Consequences of ICTs. London: Sage Publications


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