Media, Culture and Society

This module provides an overview of approaches to the media, including theories of the media and the broader issues and questions that have traditionally concerned media theorists. The module introduces you to all aspects of the media, including structures and organisations, production processes, contents, and audiences. Theories of the media are critically discussed and evaluated, along with the different perspectives, including organisational theories of media production, sociological and psychological approaches to media contents and reception, and the challenges posed by the new media. Specifically, the module covers: the mass society and mass communication thesis; the dominant/administrative and alternative/critical research paradigms; the transmission, ritual and reception models of mediated communication; media genres, contents and representations; the question of audiences, media reception and mass media effects; the advent of the new media and its challenges.

Introduction to Radio

This module provides a basis for the development of a radio portfolio and a grounding for further study in radio up to major project level. It considers the relationship between theory and practice in radio production through studying a wide range of radio programmes and discussion of the different requirements of commercial radio stations and public broadcasting. Emphasis is on the teaching and practice of the basic elements of radio production, writing, presentation, journalism and technical expertise in recording and editing your material. The module is designed to introduce you to the various elements which make up any radio programme and to inculcate an awareness of the differences between writing for radio and writing for press, film or television, for example. There is particular emphasis on the art of interviewing, researching and scriptwriting. There is a current affairs element to introduce you to the concept of news and current affairs programming. You are expected to adapt print journalism for radio, to prepare scripts, to record and edit a short current affairs despatch and short radio programme for a named target audience using music, vox pops, interview clips and sound effects as appropriate. You produce a range of individual radio items which are then compiled into a 15 minute magazine programme. This latter involves group work in the selection and putting together of items.

Introduction to Video 1

Analysing Language and Image

Media and Technology

This module addresses issues of technology and communication, the module explores how the introduction of new communication technologies transforms notions of space, place and time within which communication occurs. The module critically discusses a variety of theoretical positions concerning how we evaluate the role of technology within communication practices. Specifically addressed and evaluated are the roles played by writing, printing, radio, telephone, computer and Internet. Throughout, technologies and associated practices are situated within your specific historical periods. For example, the role of printing in Reformation Europe and the role of the Internet in contemporary culture are discussed. Thus the module also addresses the cultural and political significance of the introduction of new forms of communication technologies. The manner in which communication technology affects cognitive processes such as memory is addressed, together with how technologies, for example, mobile phones, affect assumptions about the meaning and nature of communicative practices in general.