module specification

SM3051 - Media Contexts (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Media Contexts
Module level Foundation (03)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
30 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
75 hours Guided independent study
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   A 1,000-word essay
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

The module examines a wide range of scenarios and contexts in which media content is created, distributed and consumed. From film and journalism to music and marketing, students will develop foundational ideas for critical thinking in media. The module will equip students to develop media literacy skills and analyse how media messages are crafted and received by diverse audiences across different platforms and settings. By looking at various technological, historical, geographical, social and cultural contexts, students will gain insight into the broader landscape within which media functions. They will have the opportunity to explore films, TV shows, digital and social media, podcasts, news media, music and more. This comprehensive approach offers students a chance to engage with key media ideas within these contextual disciplines.

This module aims to:
• Motivate students to explore media texts and practices
• Encourage students to discuss media in multifaceted contexts
• Facilitate a supportive environment to enhance students’ communication skills in media
• Prepare students with the foundational knowledge necessary for the pursuit of Level 4 courses related to their field of interest

Syllabus

The following list of topics is only indicative and subject to change based on the evolving nature of the module:

• Media representations
• Ways of seeing media messages
• Looking at audiences
• Propaganda and persuasion
• Ideology and film culture
• The key role of film soundtracks
• Popular music in social movements
• Censorship and popular music
• News media and moral panics
• Global media landscapes
• Digital Citizenship
• Social media and dissemination fear

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The teaching methods include seminar-lectures, discussion groups, guided questions and audio-visual presentations creating an interactive learning environment. Engagement with learning materials is encouraged with the expectation students will revisit lecture slides, critically examine primary and secondary sources, and enhance comprehension through independent topic research. The module employs various materials for blended learning, including PowerPoint slides, online resources, workshops, and multimedia content accessible on Weblearn. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) serves as a platform to support remote learning activities and to enable students to access a wide range of online resources and e-readings at their own pace.

Learning is actively encouraged in class through discussions to boost students’ confidence at developing opinions about media texts and their contexts. The facilitation of short screenings, quizzes, and focused discussions on specific media scenarios promotes students’ active engagement and deepens their understanding of the subject matter.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
LO1: Demonstrate a broad knowledge of key debates in the study of media texts and contexts.
LO2: Demonstrate a basic level of reflective and critical skills of media texts.
LO3: Articulate thoughts, express opinions, and engage with diverse perspectives relating to media.
LO4: Work collaboratively and individually towards improving their understanding of the media.

Bibliography