MP4023 - Media, Communication and History

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, or as workshops, depending on the preference of the Module Tutor. Each week, students will be given the opportunity to discuss relevant issues pertaining the topic under scrutiny. In addition, the classes will be complemented by online quizzes which will enable you to revisit some of the content raised in class, and reinforce your understanding. The lectures/workshops will mainly be concerned with introducing the key theoretical contentions, historical/political/social contexts, and issues and are designed for the tutor to: a) introduce theoretical, industrial and practical ideas; b) demonstrate the ways in which these examples can be understood in relation to the broader history of media and communication; and c) delineate areas of contention raised by the examples. The connections between the historical developments and the issues at hand will be explored further in class discussion. The module includes a significant time allowance for self-directed study. You will be expected to attend classes having prepared (i.e. having attended previous session and having conducted independent preparatory reading). The major theoretical texts are available from the campus library and electronic library, thereby ensuring that you can access the literature required for seminar work and assessment preparation. You are encouraged to read extensively beyond the taught components of the module.

Your module tutor has weekly office hours during which you can arrange academic support. All students are provided with an academic tutor who also has hours to support student learning. Where appropriate, students will be directed to the specialist support services offered by the library.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• KU1: Gain an introductory knowledge of the main historical developments in the creation of the contemporary media, showing the significance of technological development
• KU2: Gain an understanding of how historical and technological developments have led to societal change

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• IPSA1: you gain experience of critical review by engaging with the research of scholars and practitioners
• IPSA2: you will enhance your practical communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as improving your critical reflective skills and developing problem-solving and independent learning

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• PVA: you will reflect on professional and ethical approaches to work, focusing on your position as a global citizen

To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.


Summative assessment comprises two components:

1 (40%) 4 x fortnightly multiple choice quizzes corresponding with the topics covered in across the module. Quizzes will be completed online.. You will be offered instruction and advice in the early sessions of the module.

2 (60%) A 1,500 word essay. The essay questions will cover the topics addressed in class, and be made available on the eLP.


You will receive written feedback on your summative submissions – where appropriate – within 20 working days. You will receive automated feedback for quizzes, whilst feedback for your essay will be supplied electronically via the eLP. This feedback will provide a detailed account of your research/methodological skills, critical engagement and communicative ability, as well as supporting future learning by indicating areas for development. You can also request additional verbal feedback on your submissions by arranging a meeting with the module tutor.

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Media, Communication and History focuses on key developments in media and communication and assesses their political, cultural, technological and social history, broadly defined. You will learn about the background, origins and development of key communication methods (including, for example, mass media print culture, radio, cinema, television and the online interconnected communication environment we inhabit today). You will explore the historical climate from which media developments emerged, as well as their uses and limitations. Key figures in the development of communications will be discussed, and, in class, there will be the opportunity to reflect on the connections between older and newer forms of media and the relationships between them. The module will be underpinned by content designed to substantiate and enrich your understanding of the themes being explored, including contemporaneous examples from media and communication. The module provides a robust overview of the ways in which media and communication as it is understood today has developed and offers insight into the media environments which you may choose for future employment.