2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
COMM3930 Media Philosophy: Technological Dasein
20 creditsClass Size: 48
Module manager: Dr Paul A Taylor
Email: p.a.taylor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Module replaces
COMM3110 Contemporary Communications TheoryThis module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module introduces students to contemporary theories of technology and technological society that are deeply critical of the status quo. Martin Heidegger's ground-breaking essay "The Question Concerning Technology" is used to explode what has become known as "the myth of neutrality" - i.e. the notion that it is not the technology but how you use it that is most important. This is shown to be a deeply flawed and naive perspective that continues to dominate most uncritical thinking. Heidegger's work is then further updated with reference to Jean Baudrillard's critical and frequently ironic account of contemporary society's domination by superficial signs rather than more meaningful and more culturally resonant symbols. Students are shown how, despite the rise of complex digital technologies, we routinely live in uniquely one-dimensional times. The module concludes with a detailed look at the work of Slavoj Zizek and his highly entertaining and idiosyncratic application of both Hegelian philosophy and Lacanian psychoanalysis to the current political mediascape. Students are taught to be wary of engaging with the ideology of "I know very well, but even so ..."Objectives
Students will learn the key features of philosophically-inspired media theory including: Heidegger's seminal philosophical account of technology's cultural impact as a key reference and starting point and the latest developments in media theory.Students will receive a full introduction to the oeuvres of Jean Baudrillard and Slavoj Žižek as they relate to communications and film studies.
Baudrillard's account of the 4 orders of simulacra is used to trace postmodernity's replacement of the symbol with the sign and to explore the profound social consequences of this development and how it is manifested in various cultural forms – films etc.
Žižek's topical updating of Critical Theory for the contemporary mediascape is explored in order to ask new and innovative questions about the cultural impact of media environments such as cinema and cyberspace.
Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate understanding of key theories, ideas and debates in media-related philosophy
2. Apply philosophical theories and ideas to the critical analysis of contemporary media texts.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between theory, criticism and analysis
4. Synthesise complex concepts and ideas in the presentation of an academic essay
Skills outcomes
Critical thinking and textual analysis
Syllabus
An introduction to critical thinking about technology; Martin Heidegger's "The Question Concerning Technology" Essay; Jean Baudrillard's theory of simulation, his theories of signs and symbols, and his conceptualization of contemporary society as a system of objects; Slavoj Zizek's theory of ideology; Zizek's theory of violence - subjective and objective.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
Private study hours | 178.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Students are expected to read and view material related to the module outside taught sessions, consisting both of prescribed books and visual material, and other relevant material discovered through their own research.Approx breakdown of study time:
Background Reading/Viewing and Essay preparation - 140 hours
Essay writing - 38 hours
An extensive collection of books, journals and DVDs is available in the Edward Boyle Library to support this private study, and this collection is being continually added to.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Detailed class discussions are focused upon both the modules overall themes and essay-specific material in order to monitor students' conceptual progress as the module develops.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 2 x 2,500 - 3,000 word | 100.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 23/02/2017
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