2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
COMM1700 Understanding Digital Media
20 creditsClass Size: 48
Module manager: Dr Helen Thornham
Email: h.thornham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Module replaces
COMM1780This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to ...This module provides students with an overview of key issues in the study of digital media. The module focuses on key concepts that have shaped digital media’s brief history and that have been said to differentiate digital media from older media forms. It develops students’ understanding of the cultural, political, economic and technical contexts from which digital media have emerged. The module forms the foundation for more detailed analyses of digital media in future years.
Learning outcomes
1. a knowledge of contemporary issues in digital media;
2. the ability to carry out analysis of digital media in their social and technological context;
3. the ability to extract information from secondary sources and utilise them in a coherent piece of discursive writing;
4. The ability to use evidence to construct informed arguments about digital media.
Skills outcomes
Analysis of digital media in social and cultural contexts
Syllabus
Indicative topics:
Thinking about digital media
Digitisation and convergence
Interaction, participation, creation
Networks
“Information wants to be free”
Identities online
Trolling, flaming and cyberbullying
Digital natives and digital divides
Privacy, surveillance, counter-surveillance
Conclusion
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Private study hours | 170.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 30.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Students will:- read set reading and beyond (45 hours)
- undertake research to identify digital media examples which illuminate the topic of the week (30 hours)
- prepare to present their findings in seminars (5 hours)
- research for and write their assessments (90 hours)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored via participation in seminars, including informal presentations, and tutorials.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1 x 3,000 - 3,500 words | 70.00 |
Literature Review | 1 x 1,500 - 2,000 words | 30.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
If you are required to resit the essay component please select an alternative essay question from the module handbook. For other components you should submit a new version following the instructions in the resit letter.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 15/05/2018
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