Understanding Media

Overview

This module develops a foundation of academic analytical skills and contextual knowledge about the media. It covers methods of analysing media, media texts and their role in society, in cultural life, and for the individual. This provides the student with a range of avenues for developing their own future research as well as understanding academic material. It also expands the student’s contextual understanding of media industries and a range of historical and contemporary media texts.

Learning Objectives

On completing this module, students should be able to:
- Understand key elements of the history of media and place media texts and developments into this context
- Understand and use key theoretical concepts in the analysis of media, both in broad terms and in relation to specific texts
- Demonstrate core study skills such as performing research and presenting writing at an appropriate level.

Skills

• Textual analysis of audio-visual material.
• Applying critical concepts to texts.
• Critiquing critical concepts.
• Oral communication and argumentation (seminars).
• Written communication (assessed work).
• Time management.
• Independent research.
• Group work (seminars)

Assessment