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 frameworks for understanding media and social change
2 Speed: Instantly connecting the world?
3 Here and there: Images of others and elsewhere
4 Media effects theory and domestic spaces
5 Interviewing and oral history for media research
6 Reading week
7 Disrupting and remaking social boundaries
8 Convergence culture
9 Automating inequality
10 Reflections on media history

Learning outcomes

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

• 1. Explain how the relationship between media and society constructs relations of knowledge, power and inequality.
• 2. Identify and distinguish between technologically and socially determinist approaches to media.
• 3. Analyse continuities and differences between computer-based media (including social media) and legacy media such as print, radio and television.
• 4. Design, implement and report on their own empirical project investigating the impact of media, within stipulated assessment parameters .
• 5. Employ reflective and informed frameworks in understanding historical change through the development of media.
• 6. Address the aims and objectives of the module demonstrating close engagement with module materials

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

This module involves the design, implementation and analysis of an oral history interview.

Interdisciplinary

Sociology, cultural studies, history of media and technology, media studies

International

Focuses on global media landscape, with international examples

Subject specific skills

• Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between media and society across different historical contexts
• Explain key theoretical perspectives relevant to understanding the role of legacy and social media in fostering social change
• Demonstrate emerging understanding of the significance and sociological implications of socio-technological developments in contemporary societies
• Critically engage with debates about the role of media in society and for different social groups.
• Critically appraise some of the approaches and methods of the empirical investigation of the relationship between media and social change.

Transferable skills

 Time management and project planning
 Oral and written communication with stakeholders
 The ability to reflect on their own positionality and analyse the perspectives and positions of others
 Evaluation of the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work
Communication of the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments