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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 1This 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: EssayObjectives
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 type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 9 | 2.00 | 18.00 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Tutorial | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Private study hours | 75.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
Private study hours 75Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Presentation of assignment plans in small supervision groupsMethods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2,500 words | 100.00 |
| 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 websiteLast updated: 10/08/2012
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