Overview

This module will help students answer challenging and important questions by introducing key media theories and using them to think about power and politics in our society. Students will learn how to assess and discuss the relevance and impact of milestones in media and mass communications theory, exploring approaches to media content, production, regulation and reception in contemporary media forms.

We will explore topics such as 'us versus them' (e.g. in war, in crisis reporting), political manipulation and resistance (e.g. in elections), and the role of artificial intelligence in influencing politics and society. Throughout, this module will help students answer challenging and important questions by introducing key media theories and using them to think about power and politics in our contemporary society.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%) - Knowledge of key areas/principles only - Weaknesses in understanding of main areas - Limited evidence of background study - Answer only poorly focused on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure - Arguments presented but lack coherence - Several factual/computational errors - No original interpretation - Only major links between topics are described - Limited problem solving - Many weaknesses in presentation and accuracy - Exceeds expectations for some primary criteria - Moderate factual knowledge with several weaknesses in understanding - A few ideas/arguments are presented but with weaknesses

-good -B- to B+ (60-69%) - Strong knowledge - Understands most but not all - Evidence of background study - Focused answer with good structure - Arguments presented coherently - Mostly free of factual/computational errors - Some limited original interpretation - Well known links between topics are described - Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches - Good presentation with accurate communication

-excellent -A- to A* (70% +) - Comprehensive knowledge - Detailed understanding - Extensive background study - Highly focused answer and well structured - Logically presented and defended arguments - No factual/computational errors - Original interpretation - New links between topics are developed - New approach to a problem - Excellent presentation with very accurate communication

-another level-C- to C+ (50-59%) - Knowledge of key areas/principles - Understands main areas - Limited evidence of background study - Answer focused on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure - Arguments presented but lack coherence - Has several factual/computational errors - No original interpretation - Only major links between topics are described - Limited problem solving - Some weaknesses in presentation and accuracy

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of key theoretical concepts and debates in media studies.

• Demonstrate the ability to present critical arguments regarding the influence of politics on media institutions and publics.

• Explain the relationships between media institutions, political structures and social change.

• Use evidence to support academic arguments about the role of the media in society and politics.