Module Details

Module Code: MMED6009
Title: Media, Culture and Society
Long Title: Media, Culture and Society
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the learner with an understanding of the historical and contemporary role of the media in society. It develops the learner’s critical awareness of how various forms of media work in society, and how they can be used to reflect, perpetuate and transform culture. It also introduces strategies for interpreting and analyzing media products and their social role.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the origins and meaning of the terms 'media' and 'culture'.
LO2 Analyse media products for their meaning and effectiveness in relation to their construction, production and consumption.
LO3 Discuss how media can function as tools of mass communication.
LO4 Research, construct and present a coherent argument on the role of media products in modern society.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
None
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
None
 
Indicative Content
Introduction: Origins and Meanings of 'Media' and 'Culture'
Defining the terms, their historical development and relationship to social and political structures
Analysis
Looking at media products using three sites of interpretation, those of the product itself, its production, and its consumption.
Industrialisation, consumerism and selling
The development of the mass media as a powerful communication tool in modern capitalist societies.
The construction of identity
The use of various media to construct personal, company and group identity.
The media and political discourse
The role of the media in the promotion of competing political agendas. Subjects for study may include war and anti-war propaganda, agit-prop, 1960s civil rights marches, Punk fanzines, dress and music, and culture jamming.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Short essay with visuals which will be presented to the class.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Essay on course material which includes the analysis and interpretation of relevant visual material as evidence for a well-structured argument.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class-based instruction and discussion. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independant and directed learning Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright. (2009), Practices of looking, Oxford University Press, New York, [ISBN: 978-0-19-531440-3].
  • Gill Branston, Roy Stafford. The Media Student's Book, Routledge, p.488, [ISBN: 978-0415558426].
  • Liz Wells. (2015), Photography: a critical introduction, Routledge, [ISBN: 9780415854290].
  • Judith Williamson. (1994), Decoding Advertisements, Marion Boyars, [ISBN: 978071452617].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Gillian Rose. (2013), Visual Methodologies, [ISBN: 978-085702888].
  • Jeff Lewis. (2008), Cultural Studies: The Basics, Sage Publications Ltd, p.456, [ISBN: 978-141292230].
  • Brian Longhurst... [et al.]. (2008), Introducing cultural studies, Routledge, [ISBN: 978-140585843].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMMED_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Digital Media 4 Mandatory