MP6037 - Sport, Media and Society

What will I learn on this module?

‘Sport, Media and Society’ is designed so you learn to apply critical thought, sociological analysis and relevant theories to contemporary mediated-sport. The content will necessarily be dynamic and continually evolving to reflect the fluid nature of the relationship between contemporary sport and the media (particularly through the development of new and social media) as well as related theoretical and political debates. However, the module will be built around the following key themes which are likely to remain central to it
• The history of mass media, using sports media as an exemplary case study, with focus on related social and cultural institutions (eg advertising and government)
• Sports-media as an agent of socialisation and source of social and cultural power.
• The emergence of ‘new’ and ‘social’ media (including, but not limited to, Twitter, Periscope, gambling, gaming) and its impact on traditional forms of media as well as the construction of sports-media narratives, identity and other social relations.
• Underlying theoretical, ethical and political issues in the relationship between sport and the mass media, including, but not limited to, the representation of gender, sexuality, class and regional and national identities.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars and independent learning. Lectures will be used to map out the main theories and concepts in the study of sport and mass media. They will introduce you to key concepts, debates and issues concerning the relationship between the media, sport and society. The lectures will also introduce you to the critical analysis of the production and consumption of media sport texts.
The seminars will allow students you to explore in greater detail the themes, issues and concepts arising from lectures and associated reading. This will be done through verbal discussions, debates, media analysis work and informal presentations, thereby deepening your understanding of key topic areas. Please note: seminars are student-led and their success or failure depends on your active participation.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported in a variety of manners: the module tutor is available to discuss issues both during and outside scheduled teaching. Tutors can discuss issues during pre-determined Office Hours each week, and also via email. Additionally, information, teaching materials and other support is available through the Electronic Learning Portal system. Students will be directed to a range of relevant texts, both books and journals.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Develop a deep knowledge of the relationship between sport and the mass media in both contemporary and historical contexts. (LO1)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• To examine and analyse a variety of sport media texts and the manner in which they inform, construct and represent wider social processes and political debates. (LO2)
• To consider and apply a variety of sociological and cultural theories to the understanding of the representation of a variety of social factors found in the mass media’s coverage of sport.(LO3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Work both individually and in a group environment to demonstrate a significant understanding of the impact of sport media on wider culture and society. (LO4)
• Select appropriate methodologies for the critical analysis of sport media texts. (LO5)

How will I be assessed?

Feedback and assessment is given during all seminars as part of the group discussion of tasks.
The module is assessed via: a 3,000-essay applying a range of relevant media and cultural theories to your understanding of the relationship between sport, media and society while also examining the roles of sports and media in changing society.: 100% (LO 1,2,3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

‘Sport, Media and Society’ considers the ever-fluid relationship between the sporting world and the mass media. Using that relationship as a case study, you will learn about related social and cultural institutions such as advertising. You will also consider how the sports media acts as an agent of socialisation and a source of social and cultural power, highlighting the representation of gender, sexuality, class and regional and national identities. ‘Sport, Media and Society’ gives a valuable theoretical insight into a very popular media area and will be of huge benefit to students wishing to develop a career path in sports journallism. Although the module uses sport as a focal point, the insights derived from analyzing sport are more broadly applicable to other cultural sectors. Thus, the module will develop your skills no matter what area of media and communications you enter after graduation.

Course info

UCAS Code P301

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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