Media Today
| Module Code | MC4010-40 |
| Title | Media Today |
| Subject area | Media Communications |
| Pathway | Single, Major, Joint |
| Level | 4 |
| Credits | 40 |
| Contact time | 140 hours (4 per week) |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Acceptable for | Combined Awards Level 4 |
| Excluded combinations | MP4001 |
| Core/Optional | Core |
| Module Co-ordinator | James Nicholls |
Description and Aims
Media Today will develop your knowledge of the media and creative industries and introduce you to a range of key debates which underpin the study of media communications. It will encourage you to develop your research skills and your ability to critically analyse and discuss media production and consumption. In exploring these areas, you will research and map media industries, analyse media texts, investigate the structure of media organisations, and study the behaviour of media audiences. The module will look at all areas of media communication, but with an emphasis on digital communications and media futures. The assessments will test your levels of industry awareness, and skills in textual analysis and audience research. They will focus strongly on developing research skills and communication using a range of media
Outline Syllabus and Teaching and Learning Methods
The module is divided into four sections: an introduction to key themes, research into regional media and creative industries, media representations and the study of media audiences. Each of these sections will require individual reading and research, and will consist of lectures, discussion seminars and practice-based workshops. You will receive guidance in critical approaches to media, but also information on mapping media industries and carrying out both quantitative and qualitative media research. You will also be supported in developing your technical skills and ability to use a range of digital platforms. In order to develop collaborative working skills, the module will make extensive use of peer support, the development of presentation skills, and dedicated feedback. The module will make sustained use of online support, including the BSU VLE system (Minerva), social media, news feeds, podcasts and research databases. Where appropriate, guest speakers will be used to give an industry perspective.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
1. Define and apply relevant analytical concepts to specific media texts
2. Apply theories of media power to concrete examples
3. Identify differences between theoretical models of media audiences
4. Compare the objectives of different media research methods
5. Independently research media industries using tools such archives,
research databases and appropriate online datasets.
6. Work effectively in teams to achieve clear research outcomes
7. Reflect constructively on learning and research processes
8. Communicate complex ideas using a range of digital formats, written
essays and oral presentations.
9. Apply personal academic planning effectively to manage your time and meet
set deadlines
10. Identify and access appropriate academic material using scholarly
research tools
How are these accessed
1, 4, 7, 8, 9
Reflective journal
5, 8, 9
Web resource
1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Student-led workshop
2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10
Essay
Assessment Scheme
| Summative | Weighting % |
| 1. Reflective commentaries and review (1,500 words + review document) | 25% |
| 2. Web resource (1,000 words + images and audio) | 25% |
| 3. Student-led workshop (1 hour + supporting materials and review documents) | 25% |
| 4. Essay (2,500 words) | 25% |
Formative
All assessment submissions will be developed in the light of structured
tutor and peer review. Where learning or training needs are identified in
this process, teaching will be adapted to address those needs. Informal
collaborative reflection will be encouraged throughout as this reflects
industry practice better than isolated research.
Reading Lists/Key Texts and Websites
- Suggested readings will be provided for each weekly theme and a core reading pack will be made available. However, general introductions can be found in the following books.
- Burton, G. (2005) Media and Society: Critical Perspectives Maidenhead: Open University Press
- Devereux, E. (2007) Understanding the Media, 2nd ed. London: Sage
- Laughey, D. (2007) Key Themes in Media Theory Maidenhead: Open University Press
- McQuail, D. (2005) Mass Communication Theory, 5th ed. London: Sage
- Scannell, P. (2007) Media and Communication London: Sage
Leaning Resources
The learning resources for this module will include:
Minerva VLE: Lecture materials; reading lists; research databases (e.g. NewsBank and Mediatel); screencasts; links to external resources; links to online journals. There will also be training screencasts and teaching videos using software such as Prezi.
Social Media: The module will have an associated Twitter feed and will encourage the use of RSS feeds where appropriate. Student-produced online materials will form part of the learning resources of the module.
Library: Multiple copies of relevant books; hard copies of journals including Media History, New Media and Society, Media, Culture and Society, and Critical Studies in Media Communication.