Course overview
This course examines the impacts of media on industry and society. It introduces students to theories of media representation, audiences, economies, practices and infrastructures to interrogate the power contemporary media texts and industries, and their role in shaping our experiences as media producers and consumers. You will consider key concepts in media and communications studies, and be introduced to key thinkers in this field. Issues for discussion will vary from year to year, but may include topics such as media industries and contemporary work; health communication; media and environment; media and disability; privacy and surveillance; and media metrics and algorithms.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate awareness of the social impacts of media and digital technologies, and of the role of media and communications theory in understanding and explaining these.
- Identify and explain major theoretical approaches in media studies, and apply these to the interpretation and analysis of contemporary media texts and technologies.
- Demonstrate skills in reading, and critically reflecting on, relevant academic literature, and in academic research and writing,as appropriate to work at Level II
- Critically analyse contemporary media texts and technologies, with attention to questions of meaning, power, identity, and subjectivity.