2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM3780 Mobile Media

20 creditsClass Size: 93

Module manager: Ludmila Lupinacci
Email: L.Lupinacci@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module examines the development, theory and form of the contemporary ecology of mobile media. It uses media theory to frame mobile media as a mass media and as an impactful communication process. The module looks into the specific affordances of mobile media and analyses the effects of these on practices and culture. The module extends the concept of always-on, always-available media that mobile enables to introduce ubiquitous computing, and environments saturated in digital communication.

Objectives

On completion of the module, students should have a knowledge of theoretical frameworks that can be used to understand contemporary mobile media systems as media and communication systems. They should be able to analyse and evaluate mobile media using that theory to research its impact on people and societies. Students should be able to reflect on both of these objectives and apply them to critical thinking about mobile and other digital systems of the future, and the society that they will help to create.

Learning outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge of theories, conventions and uses of mobile technologies;

Analyse and evaluate mobile media - communications campaigns, mobile websites, applications or services - and their impacts on society

Research mobile media development practices and critically analyse the forces that shape the production and consumption of mobile content, products and services

Critically analyse the complex relationships between mobile media, culture and society

Skills outcomes
Mobile application and campaign planning and production.

Syllabus

Issues to be covered include:

defining mobile media and the ecology of the mobile media industry;

key drivers in mobile media usage (personal and portable, connected and social);

challenges posed by mobile as a mass media channel and some solutions and adaptations;

networks and communities as drivers of mobile media (including group forming theory/mobile social networks, gamification and brand engagement);

digital convergence of mobile and the integration of different technologies (such as geolocation, photography, communications) in mobile media.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Module assessment is designed to include a minor (40% weighting) piece to be submitted during the semester, with feedback before the end of the semester, and a major (60% weighting) piece to be submitted in the exam period after the semester. Therefore, the feedback from the first assessment can provide guidance to students and act as a progress monitor, before they finalise their work for the larger second assessment. The weekly seminars provide opportunity for more regular progress checking, as a space for dialogue about the critical concepts in the module schedule, but also about the module itself, and assessment. Prior to the assessments these sessions can be used to check progress and to give feedback through staff- or peer-led pitching and crit sessions, where ideas are generated, tested and developed.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored in workshops, as well as through mid-module assessment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Case Study	Equivalent to 2000 - 2,500 words	40.00
Project	Supported, self-directed project, equivalent to 3000-3500 words	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The case study is a written assessment engaging the student in critical analysis of mobile media theory through a focus on a specific mobile media phenomenon. The project allows students and staff to develop their own critical response to the issues studied during the module. This could be research project, an essay, or a creative response to critical issue, such as a rationale and conceptual design for a potential mobile media product, service, campaign or artefact. For both assessments the resit task is to repeat the original assessment brief.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/05/2023

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