Media and Social Change - MSTU5011

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Canterbury
Autumn Term 5 20 (10) Maurizio Cinquegrani checkmark-circle

Overview

What is media’s relation to social change? How can digital media transform the world? How have digital technologies reconfigured the media fields? What are the key issues related to media that we should be concerned about today, not just as scholars but also as citizens? Focusing on ‘change’, you’ll explore the place of media in social change, and think about media as economic and cultural. You’ll critically examine how media follow, block, represent, produce or manage changes of one kind or another in our society. You’ll also investigate a range of topics and case studies, engaging with different industry views and academic approaches for understanding media at a particularly critical moment of its development. In doing so you will be able to reflect on the status of media in contemporary society.

Details

Contact hours

LecSem: 16 hours.
Workshop: 16 hours

Method of assessment

Main Assessment Methods:
Digital Portfolio.
Assessment Details: Complete a series of practical tasks (1500 words or equivalent). Worth 50%.

Essay.
Assessment Details: Essay (1500 words). Worth 50%.

Reassessment Method:
Like-for-like

Indicative reading

The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages. https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to: 
1. Critically evaluate the historical development of media in the context of economic, political, cultural and social changes, and changes in technologies.
2. Identify and critically evaluate key academic debates about the place and status of media in contemporary society.
3. Assess media initiatives that facilitate citizen participation and foster social development.
4. Reflect on initiating, planning and executing aspects of media projects in the context of social change.
5. Apply acquired knowledge via practical engagement with tasks associated with media practice for social change.

Notes

  1. Credit level 5. Intermediate level module usually taken in Stage 2 of an undergraduate degree.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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