You will have the opportunity in this module to explore different media, their constituent parts and the interconnectedness between these. Media studied may include: film, television, advertising, public relations, the press and interactive media (games; interactive advertising; social media). You are also introduced to different ownership models; how this shapes different media markets; the consequences of these for content; and the positive or negative implications of these for society. The module then goes on to explore how governments and the industries themselves may seek to limit the negative effects of these while encouraging the positive contributions different media can make to a society. This may take the form of laws governing the media or professional codes of conduct. The module concludes with an overview of recent trends with the development of new technologies; the convergence of media industries and professions; and the challenges this poses for managing media organisations.
This comprises lectures (1 hours per week) and seminars (1 hour per week). The lectures provide an overview of the content, introducing students to some of the major developments in the media and the academic debates that surround these developments. The seminars will familiarize students with the concepts discussed in the lectures giving them the opportunity to apply these concepts to concrete examples from the film, news, advertising, music and TV industries.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures | 22 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Seminars | 22 |
| Guided independent study | 256 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The assessment strategy is designed to ensure that students adequately cover the range of material on the module and develop their skills of understanding and analysis. The portfolio, which may include such elements as reflective blogs, seminar presentations, and a final business report (about a selected organisation), will provide students with an opportunity to review the utility of concepts introduced in the lectures, and to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and the practical application of theoretical concepts. Students will have the opportunity to practise and receive feedback on the skills required for these assessments in exercises in class.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Outline and explain the UK Media and its place within a global media culture | Portfolio Business Report |
| Identify key arguments in the debate about media ownership and regulation | Portfolio Business Report |
| Demonstrate the ability to gather information and apply theoretical concepts in analysing media organisations | Portfolio Business Report |
| Identify and explain the variety of roles and activities within the UK media. | Business Report |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Blogs | 50 |
| Coursework | Diagnostic report | 10 |
| Coursework | Media business report | 40 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.