2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM1960 Studying Media

20 creditsClass Size: 104

Module manager: Prof David Hesmondhalgh
Email: D.J.Hesmondhalgh@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

The purpose of this module is to:
- Introduce students to a range of media and communication studies approaches, drawing on scholarship on media industries, texts, audiences, and histories;
- Examine critical perspectives on and debates regarding the production, circulation, and reception of media;
- Facilitate the development of independent research skills; and
- Familiarise students with the fundamentals of academic argumentation and critical analysis.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Identify how key concepts, critical perspectives, and methodological approaches are used in contemporary media and communication scholarship
2. Critically evaluate scholarly arguments and research methods
3. Apply media and communication theory to the analysis of a chosen media text, industry, or audience
4. Use theory and media analysis to present an argument about media texts, industries, audiences, histories, and/or the importance of internationalising media studies
5. Present research findings in the form of an academic essay

Skills outcomes
Students will begin to develop the critical thinking, reading, academic writing, and independent research skills fundamental to subsequent study in the BA Communication and Media.

Syllabus

This module offers students an introductory survey to media and communication studies. It examines various social, cultural, technological, political, and economic forces that shape the roles assumed by media in contemporary society by engaging with critical scholarship on media industries, texts, audiences, and histories. Key concepts and debates are explored in relation to a range of media institutions and forms, including: news media, television, advertising, film, popular music, digital gaming, and the internet.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Seminar	9	1.00	9.00
Private study hours			171.00
Total Contact hours			29.00
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 81 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive ongoing formative feedback via participation in seminar discussions and activities and peer feedback on their precis assignments.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 3,000 - 3,500 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 from 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 website

Last updated: 08/10/2019

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