MA (T) English - Broadcast Literacy
Academic Year 2017/18
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
MA (T) English - Broadcast Literacy |
Final Award |
Master of Arts |
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Programme Code |
ENG-MA-BL |
UCAS Code |
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JACS Code |
P300 (DESCR) 100 |
Criteria for Admissions The programme entry requirement is a good 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent recognised qualification. All applicants are required to submit a piece of written work to assess their suitability for this programme. |
INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Awarding Institution/Body |
Queen's University Belfast |
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Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Arts, English and Languages |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
English (2015) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations N/A |
Programme Specific Regulations Students must pass the taught modules (120 credits) before undertaking the dissertation (60 credits). |
Students with protected characteristics N/A |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
The MA in Broadcast Literacy programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, applied and creative aspects of contemporary broadcasting. Broadcast media are key knowledge-producing institutions, and the programme of study is a sustained, and rigorous, academic exploration of these modern discourses and technologies. Whereas ‘literacy’ is traditionally understood as the ability to communicate and interact with printed materials, this integrated programme of study is designed specifically to address and to develop a literacy for the global communication technology that is twenty-first century broadcasting. In sum, it seeks to develop a ‘broadcast literacy’.
The programme is designed to develop further the skills gained through undergraduate study in these areas, as well as adding new skills, particularly in research methodology, appropriate to higher degree level work.
On successful completion of the Master of Arts in English (Broadcast Literacy) students will have acquired:
a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the field of contemporary broadcasting;
an understanding of the techniques and strategies used in writing for television, radio and other broadcast media;
skill in writing and directing for broadcast media;
interest in the discourse of modern broadcasting, with particular emphasis on the discourse of broadcast news;
an ability to approach broadcast literacy from a variety of multidisciplinary perspectives, in ways which straddle the interface between creative writing, language and literature, and politics and cultural studies;
the ability to undertake a substantial piece of research in the field of broadcast literacy.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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think independently and in an organised fashion; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Full and committed participation to all aspects of the programme, from its theoretically-driven ‘discourse’ pathway, to its production-orientated approach to the ‘practice’ of broadcasting. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
recognise and analyse the varying forms and modes of transmission of broadcast discourse; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Full and committed participation to all aspects of the programme, from its theoretically-driven ‘discourse’ pathway, to its production-orientated approach to the ‘practice’ of broadcasting. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
synthesise different theoretical or scholarly frameworks in an analysis, and to critique these frameworks where appropriate; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Full and committed participation to all aspects of the programme, from its theoretically-driven ‘discourse’ pathway, to its production-orientated approach to the ‘practice’ of broadcasting. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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absorb both theoretical and experiential learning; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Full and committed participation to all aspects of the programme, from its theoretically-driven ‘discourse’ pathway, to its production-orientated approach to the ‘practice’ of broadcasting. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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identify appropriate external evidence and scholarly support and to differentiate between variant ideological and theoretical positions; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Full and committed participation to all aspects of the programme, from its theoretically-driven ‘discourse’ pathway, to its production-orientated approach to the ‘practice’ of broadcasting. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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analyse and assess their own performance critically, and that of others, in a scholarly context; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Full and committed participation to all aspects of the programme, from its theoretically-driven ‘discourse’ pathway, to its production-orientated approach to the ‘practice’ of broadcasting. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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analyse and interpret material with an awareness of its political, historical and cultural contexts; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Library work, and the use of QConnect and other on-line resources, will ensure that students have a rich source of different theoretical and scholarly frameworks to draw upon. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
to work autonomously, manifested in self-direction, objectivesetting, prioritising and time-management; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Library work, and the use of QConnect and other on-line resources, will ensure that students have a rich source of different theoretical and scholarly frameworks to draw upon. Methods of Assessment Students are expected from the outset to think independently, and are encouraged to develop their own ideas for their assessed work, whether for the written essay-style format or for practical project-based outputs. |
develop further research communication and other employmentrelated skills; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 2 full days in conference style (combination of plenary lectures and breakout groups) as part of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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work individually and in teams; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 2 full days in conference style (combination of plenary lectures and breakout groups) as part of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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articulate the significance of public humanities approaches within and beyond their discipline. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 2 full days in conference style (combination of plenary lectures and breakout groups) as part of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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work across different academic disciplines and traditions of research; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminar discussion, student interaction and interaction with individual staff hone communication and rhetorical skills. Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
locate and critique ideologies of discourse in the public domain; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminar discussion, student interaction and interaction with individual staff hone communication and rhetorical skills. Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
pursue sophisticated intellectual inquiry and to engage in the stimulating interchange of ideas; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminar discussion, student interaction and interaction with individual staff hone communication and rhetorical skills. Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
orient the skills developed on the M.A. towards an engagement in the broader cultural activities of Northern Ireland; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminar discussion, student interaction and interaction with individual staff hone communication and rhetorical skills. Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
to construct complex arguments that are lucid and wellorganised and draw on a range of appropriate types of evidence, from the large to the small scale, and communicate these effectively in writing; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminar discussion, student interaction and interaction with individual staff hone communication and rhetorical skills. Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
develop efficient time-management skills, including the ability to work under time pressure; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies N/A Methods of Assessment Student-devised essays along with supporting commentaries. |
identify and use appropriate scholarly sources; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Generating essay projects; Methods of Assessment Student-devised essays along with supporting commentaries. |
deliver a complex research project; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Generating essay projects; Methods of Assessment Student-devised essays along with supporting commentaries. |
offer and receive constructive criticism of their own and others’ work, and to respond positively and productively to feedback on their own work; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 2 full days in conference style (combination of plenary lectures and breakout groups) as part of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
utilise effective oral, argumentative and interpersonal skills in group contexts; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 2 full days in conference style (combination of plenary lectures and breakout groups) as part of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
initiate, structure and lead group discussion; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 2 full days in conference style (combination of plenary lectures and breakout groups) as part of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
think creatively and maturely in diverse intellectual situations; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Library work, and the use of QConnect and other on-line resources, will ensure that students have a rich source of different theoretical and scholarly frameworks to draw upon. Methods of Assessment Formative and summative written work not only improves students' ability to engage with the relevant scholarship but also, because it involves working towards specified deadlines, helps them hone their time-management skills. |
access electronic databases and other IT technologies; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Library work, and the use of QConnect and other on-line resources, will ensure that students have a rich source of different theoretical and scholarly frameworks to draw upon. Methods of Assessment Formative and summative written work not only improves students' ability to engage with the relevant scholarship but also, because it involves working towards specified deadlines, helps them hone their time-management skills. |
display advanced skills in oral, written and digital communication skills; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Library work, and the use of QConnect and other on-line resources, will ensure that students have a rich source of different theoretical and scholarly frameworks to draw upon. Methods of Assessment Formative and summative written work not only improves students' ability to engage with the relevant scholarship but also, because it involves working towards specified deadlines, helps them hone their time-management skills. |
develop further research communication and other employment-related skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Interdisciplinary skills developed through Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Formative and summative written work not only improves students' ability to engage with the relevant scholarship but also, because it involves working towards specified deadlines, helps them hone their time-management skills. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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understand the relationship between broadcasting and its historical context, with specific reference to the BBC; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminars and workshops with the emphasis across both platforms of delivery on student-led learning. Methods of Assessment Student presentations enhance oral skills and develop the ability to engage effectively with critical debate. |
have an in-depth knowledge of the complexity of the wide range of ‘multi-modal’ discourses that comprise contemporary broadcasting; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminars and workshops with the emphasis across both platforms of delivery on student-led learning. Methods of Assessment Student presentations enhance oral skills and develop the ability to engage effectively with critical debate. |
articulate the relationship between forms of broadcast discourse and the material production techniques behind their construction; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminars and workshops with the emphasis across both platforms of delivery on student-led learning. Methods of Assessment Student presentations enhance oral skills and develop the ability to engage effectively with critical debate. |
demonstrate the developmental progression of a broadcast text, from its inception as an idea or concept, through its production, to its transmission and delivery as discourse; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminars and workshops with the emphasis across both platforms of delivery on student-led learning. Methods of Assessment Student presentations enhance oral skills and develop the ability to engage effectively with critical debate. |
understand how the production and transmission of broadcast texts influence issues of interpretation and intentionality; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminars and workshops with the emphasis across both platforms of delivery on student-led learning. Methods of Assessment Student presentations enhance oral skills and develop the ability to engage effectively with critical debate. |
apply theoretical models to the practice of broadcasting; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Seminars and workshops with the emphasis across both platforms of delivery on student-led learning. Methods of Assessment Student presentations enhance oral skills and develop the ability to engage effectively with critical debate. |
acquire and enhance a wide range of skills that will equip them to make significant and productive contributions in the workplace and beyond after they graduate; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Complementary components of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
develop further research communication and other employment-related skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Complementary components of Faculty research methods provision. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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analyse systematically a range of broadcast genres; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated and subject-specific research methods modules offered by both the Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
incorporate insights from academic theory and debate into a discussion of individual broadcast texts; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated and subject-specific research methods modules offered by both the Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
use production facilities, relevant IT technologies and audiovisual equipment in developing original broadcasting projects; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated and subject-specific research methods modules offered by both the Methods of Assessment Practical work and student-centred learning encourage and test the ability to present and summarise knowledge to their peers in a coherent, structured form. |
write lucidly on the systemic organisation of broadcast discourse, covering its linguistic, aural and visual design; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated and subject-specific research methods modules offered by both the Methods of Assessment A range of knowledge forms are developed – from presentations of theoretical discussions and analysis in class to completed web blogs, short documentaries or vox pop interviews – all of which will elicit feedback from staff and peers. |
produce scholarly essays which integrate secondary academic reading on media and discourse with the close analysis of a particular broadcast text; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated and subject-specific research methods modules offered by both the Methods of Assessment A range of knowledge forms are developed – from presentations of theoretical discussions and analysis in class to completed web blogs, short documentaries or vox pop interviews – all of which will elicit feedback from staff and peers. |
explain the wider social, political and cultural contexts of broadcasting, and to write cogently on these contexts and the issues they raise; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated and subject-specific research methods modules offered by both the Methods of Assessment A range of knowledge forms are developed – from presentations of theoretical discussions and analysis in class to completed web blogs, short documentaries or vox pop interviews – all of which will elicit feedback from staff and peers. |
utilise a range of research tools, resources, and methodologies, and to understand and put into practice the standard protocols of referencing in the written work required on the course; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated and subject-specific research methods modules offered by both the Methods of Assessment A range of knowledge forms are developed – from presentations of theoretical discussions and analysis in class to completed web blogs, short documentaries or vox pop interviews – all of which will elicit feedback from staff and peers. |
display a wide range of skills that will equip them to make significant and productive contributions in the workplace and beyond after they graduate. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Preliminary quantitative methods training, looking at the ‘construction’ of quantitative data, use of statistics, enabling students to distinguish between the key types of quantitative methods research. Methods of Assessment Online assessments and short essays. |
MODULE INFORMATION
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
|
Assessment |
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S1 |
S2 |
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|
Core |
Option |
Coursework % |
Practical % |
Examination % |
Discipline and Punish: Media Discourses of Crime and Deviance |
ENG7180 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
From Page to Stage |
ENG7194 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
50% |
50% |
0% |
||
The Radio Documentary |
ENG7195 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
90% |
10% |
0% |
||
Introduction to the Analysis of Broadcasting |
ENG7201 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Introduction to Broadcasting Production |
ENG7202 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Dissertation Broadcast Literacy |
ENG7209 |
7 |
60 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Broadcasting Genre |
ENG7207 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Key Debates in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
AHS7001 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Notes
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