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2011/12 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HECS2044 Mental Health Issues and the Media

10 creditsClass Size: 66

Module manager: Gary Morris
Email: G.K.Morris@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan), Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2011/12

Pre-requisite qualifications

120 credits level 1

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module is offered as an ELECTIVE module in Semester 1 on Mondays 14:00-16:00This module provides students with opportunities to consider relationships between mental health issues and the media. Students from a wide variety of backgrounds both professional and non-professional are welcome. The essence of this module being an exploration of how perceptions are influenced and attitudes are shaped through a wide range of media sources. The focus will represent both factual (i.e. news reporting, documentaries, docu-soap, internet sites) and fictional sources, with a significant exploration of film, television and literature. The students will be encouraged to utilise psychological and sociological theory as frameworks for exploring the media source and the message being portrayed. Students will be encouraged to contribute by selecting a media source and discussing this with peers. A number of themes will be addressed which have the capacity to generate either positive or negative values. On the positive side core issues relate to education and acceptance which can be seen through sensitive media portrayals and National/Local initiatives. On the negative side a predominant feature is the association between "madness" and violence and the recurring depiction of stigma and labelling. Assessment: Essay

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- discuss the portrayal of mental health issues through a selected media source;
- identify how society fuels the media portrayal of mental health issues;
- review the link between social exclusion and media representation;
- explore the extent to which stigma and labelling are highlighted through media images;
- consider how mental health issues are positively promoted through a range of media sources;
- discuss how your personal views may be influenced by media messages that focus upon mental health issues.

Syllabus

A review of a diverse range of sources including both fictional and factual representations; examples of fictional sources will include television, literature and film whilst the factual sources include user centered publications, tabloid and broadsheet reporting, internet sites and governmental reports; considerations will be given to the perpetuation within media sources of stigma and labelling and how they have become associated with mental health issues.

There will be a balanced approach which will address both positive and negative reporting which influences present thinking. Shared learning will promote discussion and provide opportunities for self-reflection.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture92.0018.00
Seminar22.004.00
Tutorial31.003.00
Private study hours75.00
Total Contact hours25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Private study hours 75

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Presentation of assignment plans in small supervision groups

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2,500 words100.00
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 website

Last updated: 10/08/2012

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