2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM1970 Introduction to Media and Communication Theory

20 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Shira Dvir-Gvirsman
Email: tbc@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

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 aims to:

1. Summarise the work of key media theorists and their contribution to media and communications theory within lectures
2. Introduce students to the complex relationship between media technologies, media content, and their social impact in lectures and to be discussed further in seminars
3. Outline some of the ways in which inequalities of power are reproduced in media and communication systems, using contemporary and historic examples in lectures and seminars

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Explain 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 limitations
4. Use media and communications theory to explain the relationships between media, technology and society, using examples from historic or contemporary media

Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Academic writing: the ability to write in response to an essay question on media and communication theory in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner, supported by evidence
6. Critical thinking: the ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives from within the field of media and communication, using scholarly evidence to form an opinion
7. Active learning: the ability to learn proactively, recalling key concepts, theories and ideas in 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
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

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 and in office hours. 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
Assignment	OTLA (1 hr 30 minutes)	50.00
Assignment	Essay 2000 - 2,500 words	50.00
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: 13/09/2024

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