2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM1970 Introduction to Media and Communication Theory

20 creditsClass Size: 192

Module manager: Dr Nour Halabi
Email: N.Halabi@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module examines some of the main theoretical perspectives and arguments that underpin the study of media and communication. It considers the ways in which these perspectives are linked, why they continue to hold relevance for contemporary media scholars and how they help us to understand the role of mediated communication in society.

Objectives

This module examines some of the main theoretical perspectives and arguments that underpin the study of media and communication. It considers the ways in which these perspectives are linked, why they continue to hold relevance for contemporary media scholars and how they help us to understand the role of mediated communication in society.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the role of theory in media and communications studies and the importance of its critical evaluation
2. Describe the work of key media theorists and their contribution to media and communications theory
3. Compare competing theories of media and communication identifying strengths and limits
4. Use media and communications theory to explain the relationships between media, technology and society
5. Develop a theoretical argument in the form of an academic essay

Syllabus

This module examines in detail the main theoretical arguments put forward to account for the role played by the media in contemporary society.

The following themes are covered: theorising interpersonal communication; theories of mass media effects; cultural studies; political economy; the public sphere; visual theories; representing otherness: feminism and orientalism; Marxist approaches to the media; technological determinism and beyond.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students should devote private study time to reading and preparation for lectures and seminars (est 60 hours), essay preparation (est 70 hours) and exam revision (est 40 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students are expected to attend all lectures and seminars. Progress is monitored through the assessment and feedback of the assessed essay. In addition, students are expected to participate and contribute to discussions in seminars and will receive feedback on their comments during these sessions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2000 - 2,500 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Resit information: Students are able to resit both components of the module. Students must submit a new essay and/or sit a supplementary exam as required.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	1 hr 30 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

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: 15/08/2022

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