Media and film studies

Critical Approaches to Contemporary Media

Module code: P4132
Level 4
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework, Essay

This module explores current approaches to media, culture and communication. It is organised around critical questions through which you will consider how media studies address some of our biggest social issues, such as:

• the relationship between media and democracy
• how media are racialised, gendered and classed
• how media are made and consumed
• media ownership
• the politics of data and surveillance.

On the module, you’ll engage with different media forms such as news media, broadcast media (television, radio), film and video, music and sound media, as well as social media and digital media.

Through this module, you will also develop transferable study skills.

 

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and principles in media studies.
• Demonstrate a range of relevant study skills, including taking concise and relevant notes on reading; writing an essay; researching a bibliography on a set topic; organising time.
• Evaluate different approaches to studying the media and interpret these within the context of media studies.
• Communicate understanding of media studies accurately, reliably, and through structured and coherent arguments.