module specification

In this module you will study the relationship between the mass media and social histories, practices, and contexts. The module will introduce you to key social theories and their relationship to the mass media. You will also learn about the ways in which mass media have influenced the development of social organisation, and the social debates that have emerged in response to the mass media. The module explores the social influence of newspapers and publishing industries, photography, cinema, television, radio, the music industry and digital media. It will also explore key themes including censorship, regulation, control, moral panics, political communication, and media effects

The module aims to:

• Provide you with an introduction to key debates and academic theories concerning the relationship between media and society.
• Promote your critical understanding of the social contexts of mass media, and the ways in which mass media has become integrated into our social lives.
• Develop and encourage your confidence in the use of appropriate learning, analytical and discursive skills in both oral and written argument, and help you acquire key academic research skills.

This module provides an introduction to the relationship between media and society, and to key theoretical arguments and debates that have emerged in response to the rise of mass media and its social effects. It is divided into weekly sessions each of which will explore a different aspect of the history of the mass media. These may include:

• The political economy of the mass media
• The culture and civilisation tradition and high / low culture
• The public sphere and the role of the news industry
• The culture industry and media as analgesic
• Media effects and active audiences
• Pornography and its effects
• Political communication and social media
• Algorithmic culture and audience manipulation
• Media censorship, regulation and control
• Media law, privacy, and copyright
• Cultural imperialism

Each week will provide an overview of the debates and theories relating to the intersection of media and culture, and an opportunity to explore key issues in greater depth. The module will also provide and opportunity for students to develop their research skills.

Teaching methods include formal lectures, seminar discussion, screenings, library sessions and tutorials.  Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars: in the seminars they will at times work in small groups and be given practice in listening to each other’s contributions and offering constructive criticism, and in chairing and reporting discussion to the plenary seminar group. The teaching and learning strategy aims at encouraging an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects and values the contributions of individual students, and provides opportunities for individual intellectual development through a variety of learning opportunities.

The module booklet will be available online, as will lecture outlines and some readings. Weblearn or its equivalent will also be used for communication with students individually and as a cohort. In addition to guided reading, students are expected to read and to use variety of sources (primary and secondary) and use seminars and tutorials to raise issues, questions and seek feedback.

A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience, facilitate communication between students and tutors and develop collaboration among students. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used as a platform to support online activities including on-line discussions, evaluation of online resources, and access to electronic reading packs. The VLE will also be used to facilitate formative assessment and related feedback, as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials provided by research institutions, academic publications, professional organisations and other relevant sources.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Fully participate in a range of classroom-based activities and debates in order to maximise your learning from the module.
2. Demonstrate your understanding of a range of debates and theories concerning the relationship between media and society.
3. Identify and apply a variety of relevant academic sources in developing this understanding
4. Conduct basic research to support your learning and assessment in the study of media history
5. Demonstrate your ability to present arguments and critique theories and debates in a well-researched piece of academic writing.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/0011107B-726A-DD89-676D-AB0928D06367.html?lang=en&login=1

Albertazzi, D. and Cobley, P. (2015) Media. 3rd edition. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Albornoz, L. (2015) Power, Media, Culture. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Carah, N. (2021) Media and Society. 2nd Revised edition. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Lindgren, S. (2022) Digital media & society. 2nd edition. London: SAGE Publications
Limited.
Magoon, K. (2009) Media Censorship. Essential Library.
Messenger, A. (2019) Media Law. Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers.
Reviews, C. (2017) Media Culture, Media Society. Cram101.
Spilsbury, S. (ed.) (2017) Media Law. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Wimmer, R. D. and Dominick, J. R. (2006) Mass media research: an introduction. 8th ed.
Belmont, CA: Thomson, Wadsworth.