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This module introduces students to the ways in which various media create and communicate meaning. The primary focus will be upon a range of key forms across the historical continuum of media practice. These trends will span both traditional and new forms of media content, such as print, radio, television, the Internet and user generated content. Media are therefore studied in this module as processes of transmission that shape and constrain narrative forms, aesthetic shapes, and communication uses, producers and users.
Total contact hours: 36
Private study hours: 264
Total study hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
Digital Portfolio (70%)
Examination, 2 hours (30%)
Reassessment methods:
100% coursework
Indicative Reading List:
Briggs, A. and Burke, P. (2002) A Social History of the Media: From Gutenberg to the Internet, Cambridge: Polity
Couldry, N. (2012). Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media, Cambridge: Polity.
Corner, John (2004) Performing the Real: Documentary Diversions in S. Murray and L. Ouellette, eds. Reality TV: Remaking Television Culture. (pp. 44 -58)
Jenkins, Henry (2015) Participatory Culture in a Networked Era: A Conversation on Youth, Learning, Commerce, and Politics, John Wiley & Sons, 2015
Lotz, Amanda. (2017) Portals: A Treatise on Internet-Distributed Television: Michigan Publishing
Marshall McLuhan (2013) Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man. Berkeley: Gingko Press
Silverstone, Roger (1999) Why Study the Media? London: Sage
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate an understanding of the history of mediated forms.
2 Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which specific media and their technologies make different kinds of understanding and communication possible.
3 Demonstrate an introductory understanding of some major thinkers, debates and key texts relevant to the study of media.
4 Demonstrate an introductory understanding of media as a process of transmission that shapes and constrains what can be communicated.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Critically analyse a wide range of reading material.
2 Demonstrate effective communication skills, focusing upon the cogency, structure and presentation of an argument to a variety of audiences and/or using a variety of methods
3 Use information technology appropriately.
4 Demonstrate the ability to deliver level-4 quality critical analysis under time constraints.
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