Introductory description

The module aims to provide a historical and theoretical introduction to the formative role of media in constitution of power and knowledge in modern society.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1 Introduction to module, with overview of learning journey
2 Historical developments in media technology and society
3 The power of media in public life
4 How media affect daily life
5 Media's role in political influence
6 Reading Week: No Lectures or Seminars
7 The limited effects tradition in media influence research
8 Social media audiences and digital life
9 Role of social media in (mis)information seeking and consumption
10 Media and contemporary life

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Distinguish and explain the major transitions and 'revolutions' in the modern history of media.
• 2. Understand the role that media has played in structuring knowledge and power in modern society
• 3. Explain the continuities and differences between newer computer-based media (including social media) and older media such as print, radio and television.
• 4. Account for the various roles that 'journalism' and 'journalists have played in the modern history of media.
• 5. Discuss critically the rise of 'public opinion' and 'public relations' as distinctive objects of media study.
• 6. Examine the challenges that the internet has made to traditional sou rces of authcritative knowledge, especially science.

Indicative reading list

John Thompson (1995). The Media and Modernity: A Social Theory of the Media. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Wang, et al. (2019). Systematic Literature Review on the Spread of Health-related Misinformation on Social Media.
Waiter Lippmann, Public Opinion (1922).
Evgeny Morozov, The Net Delusion (2010).
Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, The Spiral of Silence (1982)
Robert Wuthnow, Communities of Discourse (1989)

Interdisciplinary

Covers content from sociology, communication, anthropology and psychology

International

Focuses on global media landscape, with international examples

Subject specific skills

• knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study
• an ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study.

Transferable skills

• evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work
• communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments
• undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment.
  And holders will have:
• the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility