MP5017 - Media Cultures

What will I learn on this module?

This explores the major trajectories of communication technology, cultural readings of communication technologies and their impact in terms of human communication, technological progression, economics, business, popular culture, and cultural human space. This module will take a case study approach to media cultures which will resonate explicitly with examples which are central to the daily lives of young people as a way to explore both these and wider issues of media and cultural engagement. Such examples include the online world of social media, the 21st century music industry and global consumer culture and can be applied to more unfamiliar media cultures. The second part of the module takes a historical turn. Moving from the contemporary to the historical gives the opportunity to reflect on the current historical moment and how this is linked to longer trajectories in the development of media cultures

How will I learn on this module?

The module will be delivered through a combination of a lecture and seminar programme, supported by individual tutorials. The lectures enable the tutor to discuss theories and case studies in an in-depth manner. Lectures will also include textual material (film and television clips). The delivery of the module will be supported with additional learning materials that are accessible on ELP.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module tutor has weekly office hours during which you can contact them for academic support. All students are also provided with an academic tutor who also has hours to support student learning. Students will also be directed to specialist support services available in the library.

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:
• KU1: you will develop a detailed focus upon both the nature of communicative technologies and the role such technologies play and are made sense of within contemporary culture
• KU2: you will develop a detailed understanding of a range of contemporary communication technologies and the ability to analyse the technologies that play a central role within wider society, in your own life, and in relevant professions

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• IPSA1: you will reflect on and develop critical enquiry skills and further develop research competences
• IPSA2: you will reflect on and enhance your communication skills, both written and verbal

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• PVA: you will develop a detailed understanding of professional and ethical approaches to work, curiosity about the world, and your position as a global citizen

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment and feedback in relation to critical engagement with and reflection on a range of contemporary media cultures and communication trajectories will be provide during seminars

Summative assessment consists of one piece of course work:

CW 100% 3000 word exploration of one of the key themes covered in the module by selection of one question related to the chosen theme.

Under normal circumstances, you will receive written feedback on your summative submissions within 20 working days. The feedback will normally be supplied electronically as part of the ESAF process. 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.

Pre-requisite(s)

NONE

Co-requisite(s)

NONE

Module abstract

Media Cultures examines key media cultures. It considers the contemporary situation exploring topics such as the 21st century music industry, world of social media and global consumer culture. Building on this familiar ground the module takes an historical turn to consider the wider historical context of ‘older’ media such radio, film and television and their relation with the new. The module will use a weekly case study approach, selecting examples which will resonate explicitly with young people as a way to explore issues of cultural and media engagement. You will be encouraged to investigate related themes of personal interest and build these into final assessment. The module will be supported by use of relevant clips from radio, films television and online sources. Students will have the opportunity to learn about and reflect on the history and futures of media environments in which they may wish to pursue future employment.

Course info

UCAS Code P3N1

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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