2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMM5135M Critical Issues in Media and Communication

30 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Nancy Thumim
Email: N.Thumim@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module builds on the work students carry out in their first core module, COMM5140M Media and Communications Theory and takes a case study approach to the advanced study of media and communication. Through a series of lectures and linked seminars, students investigate critical issues in media and communication, and explore these through real world examples and accompanying theoretical readings.

Objectives

The module requires students to use key theoretical ideas in media and communications in applied group research projects under the supervision of the module leader.

The module enables students to address contemporary issues and critically to engage with theory in a sustained way. Group presentations in a formal academic style conference and individual essays together provide students with experience of two key modes of academic research presentation.

The module begins with a series of lectures which showcase the application of theory to critical issues and its presentation. These lectures are research led, drawing on research taking place in the School.

Students then move on to develop their own interests through group research projects supported by a seminar leader.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) Explain key theoretical and analytical paradigms in media and communication theory.
2) Apply and evaluate theoretical knowledge in relation to contemporary issues from a broad range of socio-political frameworks in the field of media and communication
3) Critically analyse the relationship of media and communication theory to real-world issues

Skills Learning Outcomes

4) The ability to collaborate and present effectively as part of a team to define topic and produce jointly authored literature review of that topic.

5) The ability to critically reflect on their knowledge and skills, incorporating broad subject knowledge and perspectives from the field of media of media and communication.
6) The ability to plan and write a proposal for an independent research project that builds on the group literature review and uses research methodologies that are appropriate to the field of media and communication.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	1	7.00	7.00
Lecture	5	1.00	5.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			277.00
Total Contact hours			23.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress will be monitored weekly in seminars.
Students can also receive formative feedback through module leader office hours.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	15 minute	30.00
Assignment	1 x 2,800 - 3,200 words	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Resit of the proposal is available via the original assessment method. Resit of the presentation requires a 5 minute individual presentation on the originally researched topic.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 29/01/2024

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