2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
COMM2135 Critical Theories of Media
20 creditsClass Size: 48
Module manager: Dr Leslie Meier
Email: L.Meier@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
Module replaces
COMM2130 Social CommunicationsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
This module aims to provide a comprehensive account of the ways in which key thinkers have critically examined the role of media in society. It provides an in-depth exploration of :- key sociological concepts relating to the social impact of media
- critical theoretical frameworks - in particular those relating to the culture industry thesis.
- Critiques of consumer society and the roles of advertising, promotion, and marketing
- key arguments regarding the changing nature of celebrity and its possible ideological functions
- the rise of new entertainment and digital media formats, and their implications for the quality of public discourse and engagement.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the processes by which the media impact on contemporary culture and the nature of those effects
2. Apply key sociological concepts to the study of media technologies, texts, and industries
3. Critically engage with debates surrounding the culture industry thesis and the purported ideological functions of contemporary media
4. Evaluate and synthesise primary and secondary sources to produce an academic essay
Skills outcomes
Critical thinking and textual analysis
Syllabus
This module examines key topics and scholarly debates related to critical theories of media. It offers a thorough examination of key contributions of the Frankfurt School, such as Adornos and Horkheimers culture industry thesis and the work of Walter Benjamin, and also considers more contemporary critiques of the film, music, advertising, television, and/or internet industries and the roles they assume in culture and society.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.50 | 15.00 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1.00 | 9.00 |
| Private study hours | 176.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Students will be expected to dedicate private study time to: reading required texts and completing precis assignments and other tasks in preparation for weekly lectures and seminars (approximately 90 hours); and researching, preparing, and writing an essay (approximately 86 hours).Opportunities for Formative Feedback
In-class discussion and weekly engagement with the precis assignment are used to monitor students' conceptual progress before the submission of the essay.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1 X 3,500 - 4000 word essay | 70.00 |
| Assignment | 250-300 words per precis x 8 (2000-2400). Marker selects and grades 4 | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Resit instructions: For the essay, students will follow the assessment instructions provided in the module handbook or VLE, but will choose a different topic. For the precis assessment, students will submit four different precis than originally marked.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 04/05/2018
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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